The soft breeze rustled through the trees as the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting a warm glow over the campsite. Cullen stood by the fire, watching the flames dance and flicker, his thoughts far away from the current war-torn reality. The Inquisition's forces were scattered, and the world seemed to hang on the precipice of chaos. Amidst it all, he found solace in the tranquility of the moment.
He glanced up as the Inquisitor approached, her graceful steps catching his attention. She was a beacon of hope, her mere presence inspiring those around her to push forward. Her armor bore the marks of battles fought, but her eyes still held a spark of determination and kindness that seemed to light up even the darkest corners of the world.
Cullen was watching the Inquisitor as she interacted with the soldiers and advisors below. Her presence commanded attention, her words inspiring hope in the hearts of those around her. He had always admired her, not just for her leadership skills, but for the way she carried the burdens of the world with grace. And he hasn't seen a more lovely creature.
From his vantage point, he observed the way she listened to others, her eyes attentive and understanding. Her determination to make the right decisions, even in the face of impossible choices, left him in awe. Yet, there was a quiet sadness that sometimes flickered in her gaze—a weight she shouldered that he longed to help alleviate.
The campfire crackled, casting a warm glow that mirrored the fire he felt within. He watched as she laughed at a soldier's joke, her genuine smile lighting up her face. How he wished he could be the one to bring that smile to her lips.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the campsite in hues of orange and pink, Cullen's heart swelled with an unspoken affection. He remembered the first time they had met, her resilience and determination leaving an indelible mark on him. Every battle fought, every challenge overcome, he found himself falling deeper under her spell.
He had never considered himself a man of many words, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Instead, he expressed his feelings through actions—through the countless hours he spent training the soldiers, ensuring their safety so that she could continue her work without worry. He knew he was just a small part of her world, but he hoped that his support spoke volumes.
Cullen's thoughts were interrupted as he noticed her walking towards the edge of the camp, her gaze fixed on the stars that had begun to twinkle in the darkening sky. It was a moment of quiet contemplation, and he wondered what she was thinking.
"You know, you could always join her," Varric's voice broke through the stillness, his tone light and teasing.
Cullen did not turn around when Varric sidled up to him, afraid to give something away.
"And what could I possibly have to say to her, Mr. Tethras?" Cullen replied, his voice edged with a mixture of uncertainty and longing.
Varric leaned against a nearby tree, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Well, you could start with something like, 'Hey, Inquisitor, these stars may be beautiful, but they've got nothing on you.'"
Cullen shot him a dry look, his cheeks faintly tinged with color. "Maker's breath, Varric. Do you honestly think that's a good idea?"
Varric chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh come on, my friend. You've been pining from the shadows for ages. It's about time you showed your face and maybe got a little closer to that lovely lady."
Cullen sighed, running a hand through his hair in a gesture of mild exasperation. "It's not that simple, Varric. She's the Inquisitor, for Andraste's sake. She's got a thousand things to worry about, and the last thing she needs is me adding to the chaos."
Varric's grin didn't waver. "You underestimate the power of a well-timed compliment, my friend. Besides, a little chaos might be just what she needs to remind her that life isn't all darkspawn and demons."
Cullen's lips twitched in a reluctant smile, his gaze drifting back to the Inquisitor as she continued to gaze at the stars. "You're impossible, Varric."
"That's what they say," Varric quipped, pushing away from the tree. "But hey, if you decide to join her, just remember that I've got some very intriguing stories about you that might earn you a laugh or two."
Cullen shot him a mock glare. "You wouldn't dare."
Varric winked, giving Cullen a pat on the back. "Just trying to be a helpful friend, Commander. Now, I'm off to make bets with Bull about how long it'll take you to work up the courage."
Cullen watched Varric disappear into the shadows, a mixture of irritation and amusement bubbling within him. He knew Varric meant well, even if his methods were... unorthodox. With a deep breath, he steeled himself and made his way towards the Inquisitor.
As he approached her, his heart raced, his thoughts a jumbled mess. What would he say? Would he make a fool of himself? But then, he caught her serene expression as she watched the stars, and his worries seemed to fade into the background.
"Beautiful night," he remarked softly, echoing his earlier thought.
She turned to him, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "Yes, it is. Sometimes, I forget to stop and appreciate the simple things."
Cullen nodded, finding his nerves easing in the warmth of her presence. "it's important to find moments of peace too."
She smiled but continued staring at the sky. "Peace seems elusive these days," she said, her voice carrying a hint of weariness beneath its melodic tone. "Anyone everywhere always seems to want something from me. There are times when I wonder when a person can give too much of oneself."
Cullen's heart ached at her words, a swell of empathy rising within him. "I understand what you mean. It's a heavy burden you carry."
She sighed softly, her eyes dropping from the stars to meet his gaze. "I appreciate that you see it too. Sometimes, I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities."
He found himself nodding, the unspoken connection between them growing stronger. "You're not alone in this, Inquisitor. You have allies who want to support you, who want to see you find those moments of respite."
Her gaze held his, a mixture of surprise and something he dared to interpret as gratitude. "Thank you, Cullen. It's easy to lose sight of that amidst all this."
Cullen's heart swelled with a newfound resolve, a deep desire to be a source of strength for her. "If you ever need a moment away from the demands, the expectations, I'm here. Sometimes, even a brief reprieve can make all the difference."
Her smile returned, softer yet more genuine than before. And in that moment, as if by some unspoken understanding, her fingers reached out to gently clasp his hand. His heart skipped a beat, the touch sending a rush of warmth through him.
"I'll remember that, Commander," she said, her eyes holding his with a sincerity that spoke volumes.
As they stood together, hands linked beneath the starlit canvas, Cullen felt a connection that transcended words. In the midst of the chaos and responsibilities, they had found a quiet moment of understanding—a shared sanctuary under the vast expanse of the night sky.