Hey there everyone! This Chapter is a bit longer than usual. Sorry about that, I just had so much to fit in! Also, thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed, and or reviewed my story! I love you all! Soooo, onto the next Chapter! Enjoy!
"What is it?" Cullen asked, noticing my creased brow. We had been traveling for close to an hour and we hadn't seen anyone. Not a single enemy of any form and it only made me feel more uneasy.
"I'm just surprised we haven't come across any Mages or Templars or bandits or bears or something." I replied and looked to him ignoring the paleness of his face. "Maybe you are good luck, Commander." I commented and saw a flicker of a smile cross his lips before he turned serious again. He looked around as we continued riding North when suddenly an ice shard flew past my face scraping across my cheek. I jerked back and when another ice shard flew out just in front of Belle she stood on her hind legs and threw me from her back and ran off in fright. I groaned upon hitting the ground and heard Cullen shout as he leapt from his horse and hit the ground next to me. I rolled onto my stomach and stilled when I saw how many mages were running at us. I felt Cullen grab my arm and pull me to my feet.
"Apostates." Cullen growled as he pulled up his shield and I saw Warden Blackwall step forward.
"We are not Templars!" The Warden yelled and Cullen stiffened next to me. I slid in front of him with my blades ready remembering all too well that these bastards don't give a damn who you are.
"They don't care." I hissed, but flinched when I noticed a fireball blazing towards me. Cullen's shield suddenly came in front of me and the blast deflected harmlessly as Cullen wrenched me behind him.
"Stay behind me!" He commanded as he looked to Warden Blackwall who was already closing in next to me. Cullen's muscles were as tight as the glare on his face as he snarled at the approaching mages. He was a Templar which means that this was probably something he knew all too well. But still, something about the way he looked bothered me. The mages sent another barrage of attacks when Cullen yelled, "Protect the Lady Protector!" I nearly choked at the irony of the statement. Although it was sweet he wanted to protect me, there were too many mages for me not to fight. I moved in between them, the three of us standing in a line as the Mages got closer.
"Don't worry about me! Keep yourselves alive!" I yelled as I ran forward towards and sliced my daggers through the air towards a mage whose staff was sending ice towards my companions. His face in a tight snarl as he suddenly turned to me and blocked, but he wasn't fast enough. I drove my daggers through his chest, his blood splashing me from the impact of my blade. Suddenly, just over the Mage's shoulder a fireball sung towards me and the now dead Mage still attached to my blades. I ducked behind the man I'd just killed and I ran while holding the man up with my daggers as a body shield and threw him into the female mage. The woman fell to the ground and swiped at my feet with her staff. I jumped over it and kicked her in the face, faintly hearing something crack over the roar of battle. Looking over my shoulder I saw Cullen and Blackwall about 10 feet from each other trying their best to fend off the multiple mages that attacked.
I ran back to them to regroup when suddenly ice shot out from nowhere and I was jerked back by my wrist. I hit a tree hard behind me and groaned as I looked up and felt the ice expand around my wrist and freeze into the tree. I jerked against it and ground my teeth together when I realized I was stuck. I brought my dagger up and tried to break the ice, but it wasn't breaking fast enough. I yanked my wrist forward trying to break it tree from the damned tree when a bolt of lightning sparked towards me. I tried to dodge it, but I couldn't move out of the way quickly enough. The armor blocked most of it, but not all as the lightning singed my hip. I ignored it as I watched a mage run at me with a bladed end of a staff pointed towards me. The male mage drove it towards my midsection and I jumped up forcing all my weight up to just barely miss the attack. My wrist twisted painfully as I did, but I tried to ignore that too. Balancing one foot on the staff that was now embedded into the tree behind me, I kicked my foot out and my boot connected with the mage's chin. He stumbled backwards pulling the staff with him. He growled angrily and his staff lit up with lightning. Looking up at my blade I then looked at the mage and flung my blade in his direction. He fell to the ground writhing in pain as I grabbed the dagger from my other hand and tried to break the ice again as the Mage started to get up. Growling in irritation I stabbed it a bit harder not caring if I hit my wrist. I just needed to break the ice. My encased hand flashed green as I felt fear course through me. The mage held his staff up and the lightning crackled at me. My eyes widened as I stabbed at the ice harder feeling the tip if the blade scrape against my skin.
"Shit." I cried and wrestled and stabbed at the ice, my wrist just starting to come out of the ice that shackled me to the tree. Suddenly just as he was about to fire the lightning at me a blade knocked the staff upwards and the lightning exploded the tree into flames just above me. My eyes blew wide with shock as I looked from the fiery leaves that fell from the tree above me to Cullen who stabbed the Mage in the chest. His hair was disheveled as he turned to me and his eyes were ablaze. I looked up at my wrist and saw the blood running down the sleeves of my coat and seeping from the cracks in the ice. In a moments' notice Cullen's hands worked at the ice on my wrist. His face was stuck in a snarl as he wrenched the ice off of my wrist. I sagged a bit at the restraint gone, but I had little time to rest as Cullen grabbed my arm and yanked me a little roughly forward.
"Come on! We need to retreat!" He yelled as he pulled me to his horse and lifted me onto its back. Blackwall leapt onto his horse as Cullen placed his foot in the stirrups. I grabbed his hand, but he jolted just as he was about to hop on the back. An ice shard piercing through his left shoulder.
"CULLEN!" I gasped loudly as my hands flew to his shoulder. His face contorted in pain and he grabbed at the ice shard penetrating through his skin in between his armor. I grabbed him, my hand flaring up against his armor as I did. I pulled him onto the horse, his wound bleeding profusely as the horse neighed in urgency. With Blackwall already in front, I whipped the reins and the horse jolted us forward with great speed and power. Cullen's arms wrapped around my waist as bolts of lightning and fire shot past us. The horse's hooves pounded against the earth below fiercely as we shot through the remainder of the Hinterlands. Escaped. Barely. I hoped that Belle was somewhere in front of us, but my hopes were dying as we kept riding and she was nowhere to be found. My wrist was slick with blood from my attempts at freeing myself and I could feel the leather twisting around my burned side. Behind me Cullen grunted and I noticed his left hand was coming a bit loose around my waist. I grabbed it with my own and held it in place on my waist. "Hang on, Cullen." I murmured realizing he must be losing a lot of blood. We kept on riding until I was sure we were away from those damned Mages and I looked to Warden Blackwall as Cullen slumped a bit behind me. I pulled Cullen's horse next to his and nodded. "He's badly wounded, he can't keep riding like this." I explained eliciting a grunt of protest from Cullen, but Blackwall spoke up anyway.
"Follow me. I know these woods, there's a good camping ground just up that hill." He replied, but Cullen pulled his head up at us both.
"I will be fine. We must continue on." He argued. We only had a few hours of daylight left to travel, and I wasn't going to risk his life on a few extra miles.
"We're stopping and you aren't going to argue with me." I shot back at Cullen and nodded to Blackwall. "Lead the way, please." Blackwall nodded and pulled his horse ahead and through the woods. We were lead up a hill and on that hill was a clearing. It was a good area, a lot of light, but still good coverage. We were also on a hill so we had the advantage in a fight. I hopped off and guided the horse to a nearby tree and hopped off. Cullen jumped off as well albeit looking pained and ungraceful. I held onto him and saw Blackwall rushing over to help. He grabbed Cullen's opposite side and helped me pull him over to a tree. We sat him down as gently as possible and Cullen hissed as we leant him against his right shoulder. I looked down at Cullen and walked back to his bags.
"What are you looking for?" Blackwall asked as I pulled a med kit from his bags and ran back shaking the box at Blackwall as I did. I knelt down in front of Cullen and looked at his shoulder and nodded to Blackwall as he lightly touched the ice shard. Upon his touch Cullen's jaw clenched at the pain and I grabbed two thin cloth towels from the big box. "I'm going to pull this out, mate." Blackwall said and I looked to Cullen with a smile.
"Hey, remember when I called you lucky?" I asked and saw him crack his eyes open. "I…think that was a bit premature." I said and heard him laugh as Blackwall yanked the shard from his shoulder. His laughter dissolved into a small cry of pain before he bit his lip and balled his fist. "Sorry, I wanted to take your mind off of it." I whispered as I placed the two towels over the entrance and exit wounds. "Oh, and I'm going to need to take the armor off you. I can't get to the wound with it on." I said and he looked up at me, and for a moment he looked more awkward than he ever had before. A moment later his fingers numbly started working at the buckles of his armor as I pulled off his fluffy cloak and cuirass. After a moment all he was left in was his pants and leg armor and his ripped white long sleeved linen shirt. Not wanting to make him feel anymore awkward I grabbed my blade and gently cut the shirt a bit more in order to reach the wounds easily.
"You know, I liked this shirt." He joked in a low voice and I heard Blackwall laugh behind me as Cullen cracked a smile at his own joke. Reaching into my pocket I grabbed a healing potion and handed it to him with a smile.
"Drink this. It'll help." I said and watched as he uncorked the bottle and downed the red liquid. I cleaned the wounds with the alcohol I'd found and started the suture on the back wound. The ice had gone all the way through, but luckily for him it'd missed bone and it wasn't very large so any permanent muscle damage would be minimal. I finished the back wound and placed a clean bandage over it before moving to the front. He looked up at me as I placed his fluffy cloak behind him and leant him back against it. I started the suture on the front and he paused.
"So you've sown wounds before?" He asked and I grinned,
"Once when I was drunk." I joked and saw the slight loss of color in his cheeks. Laughing as I moved the curved needle up and down through his skin he groaned.
"You're not serious, I hope." He shot back as he looked over at his shoulder, his eyes staying locked with it as my hands worked.
"Oh, I'm completely serious." I stated with a cocky grin, copying his words from earlier. He let out a snort of laughter, but said nothing in response. Concentrating on the suture I noticed everything about him up close. The muscle definition in his shoulder, the thick cord of his neck, his pulse beating slowly as I could feel a faint beat moving from his heart to my hand laid gently over the wound. He was also very warm, not in an unpleasant way, but unusual and nice. Blackwall had gone for a perimeter check to make sure it was safe to stay here for the night. I smiled as I finished and examined my handiwork.
"That's a pretty impressive job for someone who's only done it once." He pointed out as he leant against the tree a bit more grunting as he relaxed his pained shoulder.
"And drunk." I added and he nodded with a smile. "What can I say? I pick things up quick." I murmured, but lost track of thought when he touched my cheek gently.
"You're bleeding. You need to get it cleaned." He said, but I removed his hand equally as gentle.
"It's fine, just a little scratch." I said as my own hand grazed it. I'd completely forgotten about it to be truthful. He caught my forearm and looked at my wrist which was still bleeding, but much, much slower.
"At least let me help you with this." He urged and I sighed as I shirked my armored jacket off and peeled away the cuffs gently. My skin burned as I pulled the leather away. The crusted blood cracking and breaking off as I poured alcohol over the wound. Hissing quietly I saw Cullen grab a towel and placed it over my wrist as he moved forward gingerly. His eyes seemed distant, however, as he cleaned out the slashes on my wrist.
"Are you alright?" I asked and felt him jump as if he'd forgotten I was there for a moment before his eyes looked to mine. He looked right back down at my wrist and pulled the towel away inspecting the wound before grabbing the bandages. "Was it the Mage's?" I asked and saw his whole body tense up.
"Am I that easy to read?" He asked without looking at me. I tilted my head to him, but he never once looked up. He looked so ashamed at the moment and I couldn't exactly figure out why.
"Just a guess, actually." I replied and saw his shoulders shake indicating some sort of laugh of sorts. "Mage's and Templars have been attacking people like that all over the place in the Hinterlands. They don't care whether or not people were Templars or Mages when they attacked, they just did." I whispered and used my other hand to lift his chin up so I could look at him in the eyes. "So if you're thinking we got attacked because of you or what you used to be…you can think again." I explained and saw his eyes light up a bit at my words before he wrapped the bandage again and used the adhesive side to stick it to itself. I smiled at him as I stood and walked over to his pack and brought the tent over and started to set it up next to him.
"I can do that. I just-" I looked over at him as he tried to push himself up and I pushed him back down attempting to be gentle. He grunted as he leant back against the tree and pursed his lips at me. "Lady Protector I am not an invalid. It is a wound, I can still function and set up my own tent." I chuckled and shook my head.
"Can't you just let me do something nice for you?" I retorted trying to keep the laughter out of my voice, but failed. He leant his head against the bark of the tree as I continued to pitch the tent.
"And what am I to do? Sit here and watch while you set up camp as well?" He asked irritably. I knew he was upset, but I didn't want him hurting himself even more.
"Am I not pleasing to look at, Commander?" I shot back with a wink and saw him flush. He spluttered for a moment as if very confused as to what to say next, but to be honest I didn't expect an answer back.
"I-That is not the point. I came along on this mission to help you, not be a burden." He replied as I tugged the last rope in place and sat back on my knees. Just over his shoulder I saw Blackwall reentering the camp with a sharp nod in my direction to indicate it was all clear. I touched Cullen's hand that was lying balled up on the ground. He looked ashamed and angry at himself and the situation. He looked from his hand and mine to my face.
"Cullen. You are not a burden, if you hadn't been there I might've died. It's the least I can do for the person who saved my life." I replied softly and watched as he seemed to relax in the smallest of ways. The fire in his eyes seemed to lessen, his body losing its stiffness slightly and his hand was no longer in a tight ball. "I know it's killing you, but could you just let someone take care of you for once?" I asked and saw something flash in his tired eyes, but it was too quick to recognize. He didn't smile, but I knew he was grateful as I looked him over. He'd lost a lot of blood, he should be sleeping. I moved aside and spread the bed roll out inside the medium sized tent and grabbed the blanket in the set and placed it aside for him. "Now. Get some sleep." I said and his eyes followed mine defiantly.
"I don't need to sleep. I need to help with setting up camp." He argued as he pouted like a child.
"Well we've already established that isn't happening. You've lost a lot of blood, and you need to rest." I replied stonily pulling on my own rendition of his 'Commander' tone and saw him about to retort when I raised my hand towards him. "As The Herald's Protector I command you to get some sleep." I ordered and saw a quick grin tug at his lips before it disappeared into a thin line of his pale pink lips.
"I wasn't aware you had the authority to order me around." He replied as he shot me a rather haughty look. I probably didn't have that kind of authority...I mean he is the Commander… I glared back at him and folded my arms. Okay, switch tactics.
"Cullen Rutherford you get in that tent and you go to sleep or so help me I will tell every single woman in Haven and Jim that you saved orphans from a burning house and their mabari pups." I shot back with a wide smirk knowing that I'd won this one. His eyes widened and he spluttered again.
"You wouldn't." He grumbled at me and I smirked and checked my nails.
"That depends on you." I replied and saw him think it over for a moment before he moved into the tent grumbling all the way. I grinned and stood as he gingerly shifted into his bed and closed the tent flap. Looking over my shoulder I saw Blackwall had started a fire and was cooking something on the spit. I smiled and went over to it and held my hands out to warm them and noticed the blood that caked them. Cullen's blood and mine. I stared at them and felt a chill run through my body.
"There's a stream just down the hill…if you want to wash that off." Blackwall said and I nodded and smiled briefly to my bearded companion and strode down the hill silently to glistening stream. The sun was finally setting, the evening light making the small stream glisten pink and orange. I dipped my hands into the stream and scrubbed the blood from my hands. Minding my bandages, I watched the blood wash off down the stream. A sense of déjà vu overcoming me.
"You nearly got yourself killed, Tayen." I huffed as I washed my hands off in the sink. He chuckled at me and grabbed my hand gently in the sink. His stormy blue eyes smiling down at me as he moved to my left side.
"You worry too much, Quinn. I just was having a bit of fun." He replied as his other hand gingerly touched my cheek. My heart beat quickly as anger pulsed through my veins. He was an excellent fighter, but because he deviated he got hurt and could've gotten himself killed.
"I think I worry the proper amount! We had a plan! A plan Tayen and now I'm cleaning your blood off my hands!" I growled and kept on scrubbing my arms. The blood coming off in flakes as the water ran red. Weaving between my fingers and over my silver engagement band he gave just a month ago.
"Well someone is being dramatic. It wasn't even that bad-"
"An arrow through your thigh, Tayen! You're lucky it didn't hit an artery!" I yelled and felt him tense next to me. "Why didn't you just follow the plan? Does this mean nothing to you?" I asked angrily as I held my hand up to him to show him the engagement band. "Did you even think how your death would affect me when you 'had some fun'?" I questioned as my head dipped in sadness. His hand brushed over my back and I felt his fingers comb through my long tresses. He was silent as if mulling over my words as I turned away from him and started cleaning the blood off my hands again.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." He whispered and turned me to him. His hand slipped past my waist and turned the faucet off as he looked down at me. His hand lightly brushed the skin on my neck as his blue eyes sparkled in the candlelight. Abruptly a broad, cheeky smile spread across his lips. "I've never seen you so worried about me." He admitted with an equally cheeky tone. I punched him in his arm in anger, but felt a smile of my own spread across my lips. "I kind of like it." He added as he pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back, smiling as he kissed my temple.
"I love you. Of course I worry." I replied as I ducked my head into his neck. "Just promise me that you'll stick to the plan for now on?" I pleaded as I looked up at his face and he smiled down at me. His black hair flopping against his forehead.
"For you, anything." He replied and brought his lips to my nose in a sweet kiss. I smiled and held his face in place as I brought my lips to his. His hands wrapped around my waist and held me tight as his lips molded to mine. He pulled his lips away, his forehead leaning against mine. "Oh, and I love you too, Quinn." He whispered back making my heart flutter in my chest-
"Lady Protector!" Blackwall yelled from the top of the hill making me jump. A tear fell down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away as I spun to see Blackwall walking down the hill. "Are you alright, my lady?" He asked and I stood up looking down at my now scrubbed, clean hands.
"Yes. Yes, I apologize Warden Blackwall." I called out as I headed back up the hill. He was standing in the opening as I walked into the camp next to him.
"You were down there for a long time. Was something wrong?" He asked, his brown eyes following me as I strode past him. He looked haggard and tired. Possibly the fight from today.
"No, nothing is wrong. I was just thinking, that's all." I replied and saw him nod, but his eyes were squinting at me in disbelief. I looked around the camp, Cullen still in his tent, the fire blazing with something that smelled somewhat like goat meat. The scent making my mouth water as I got closer.
"There's some goat stew in the pot. I was waiting for you, thought it rude to eat before a lady." I smiled at the thoughtfulness of his actions and saw two bowls sitting out with spoons. He moved around the fire and dished out two bowls and handed me one of them. I looked down at it and then back at Cullen's tent. I wanted to check on him just to make sure the sutures were still intact or- "I checked on him just before I checked on you. He's out for the night and his wounds look fine." He spoke up silencing my thoughts. Looking through the fire I watched as he took a bite of food and I lifted the spoon to my lips and slurped the hot stew. The saltiness of the meat and the delicious tang of the stew warmed my insides as I watched the fire. "So…where did you learn to dress wounds like that?" He asked from across the fire.
"My family was very wealthy. We had a healer who lived with us and I saw her do a couple sutures." I replied vaguely and he snorted with laughter as he pushed the spoon around in his bowl.
"Those are pretty impressive sutures for just watching your healer do it a couple times." He shot back as he continued to eat his stew. My eyes drifted up to his across the flames as a smirk pulled at my lips. Why was he fishing?
"Is this how you normally get to know people or am I just special?" I asked with a coy smirk as I brought the spoonful of stew to my lips. His lips dipped into a thin line at my question, nearly disappearing under his thick beard. His hands brought stew up to his lips, but his eyes never wavered from mine.
"I apologize, My Lady. I just wanted to know more about you. So far the things I know about you are limited to your fighting ability." He replied as he looked down into the fire and played with a burning stick. I watched the stick cautiously as Blackwall looked towards the woods, his eyes distant as he watched the shadows.
"It's really nothing personal, Blackwall. I just don't really give out information to people I just met." I responded as I watched him stoke the fire. He smiled up at me and it reached his eyes.
"I did not take it personally, My Lady. I just want to know that I can trust you. There are very few who I can trust, and that list has only been shrinking." He proclaimed. He looked like the type of man that didn't trust easily. The way he looked at me with such guarded caution was enough to realize that. "The thing is, is that I think you are the same way." He added, his brown eyes flicking to the bowl in my hand. "I noticed you let me eat the stew first, you answer every question vaguely, and when you can't avoid a question you turn it on the other person. Always make another person talk more, share more." He set the bowl down on the ground and ran a hand along his beard. Obviously, he knew my game, but I also knew his. He just wants to know he can trust someone, and there is nothing wrong with that. So I'll give him what he wants.
"You're right. Look, you might not know my favorite color, but know that I'll have your back in a fight if you have mine." I replied with a small smile in his direction.
"That's good to hear." He replied simply as he crossed his arms over his chest. I looked back into the fire and yawned loudly. Sleep was finally catching up to me and I couldn't ignore it this time. Blackwall yawned as well and stood. "If you want, My lady you may take my tent." Blackwall continued as he looked back at his fully assembled tent. Shaking my head I stood as well and looked back towards Cullen's tent.
"Thank you for the offer, but I'd rather just sleep out here." I decided as I walked towards the tree next to Cullen's tent and looked over my shoulder at Blackwall who was walking towards his tent.
"If you're sure…" He said and walked back towards his tent. Good night." He threw over his shoulder as he disappeared into his tent. Sliding down the tree behind me I looked up at the night sky and smiled. I always liked sleeping under the stars, it felt more peaceful. I pulled my cloak around me, I looked briefly at Cullen's tent and I hoped he was sleeping well. Part of me wanted to go check on him, but I also didn't want to wake him. The potion should be helping some, but I still worried about him. The world around me was quiet, but not in a suspicious way. More of a calming and serene way. I laid awake for a few more minutes watching the sky before my eye lids drooped closed completely as the forest lulled me to sleep.
"You failed your mission." He stated as he walked around his desk and crossed his arms. "I thought I trained you better than this." I felt a pang in my heart, the disappointment and anger in my Father's tone only making me feel worse. What mission had I failed? I didn't understand. I hardly ever fail missions. I turned to Tayen, but he was gone. The room was gone, the ground scorched and the giant, green Breach was high in the sky. Demons, too many demons. Their faces malicious and gruesome, their gnarled teeth and glowing yellow eyes watching me as they strode over bodies. Behind them a looming black figure with eyes as red as blood. My eyes drew back to my Father who was standing in the middle of it.
"I didn't fail…Father I didn't-" His hand abruptly came into view and slapped me in the face. I fell to the ground and held my face gingerly as I looked up, but felt a scream catch in my throat when I saw Leliana's body lying in front of me. I scuttled over to her body and pressed my fingers to her neck to check for a pulse. But found nothing. A strangled cry left my lips as I shook her. "Leli! Leli wake up!" I whimpered, but no response. I felt tears prick my eyes as my Father behind me scoffed.
"I told you getting close to people makes you weak. This is the price you pay for not listening to me." He hissed as he took a step forward and kicked a body by his foot. I turned to him and stared at the body and my throat closed up when I realized it was Varric. His crossbow broken in two with a gaping hole in his chest.
"Varric." I cried nearly silent as I moved to him and checked his pulse, but he was already gone as well. My eyes were wide, tears blurring my vision as I looked up at my Father. "How could you?" I asked, but he was no longer my Father. Tayen instead stood with a grin lighting his face.
"Oh I did nothing, Quinn darling. You are the one who couldn't save them." He hissed as he moved to the side and the Herald laid there missing his marked hand as he choked on his last breath. "Some 'Protector' you are." He scoffed as he lifted the Herald's limp head and squeezed his cheeks. "It's too bad. He was such an innocent soul. Never even killed anyone." Tayen mocked as he threw Trevelyan's body down onto the ground. Walking up to me he grabbed my chin and jerked my head up to him and sneered at me. He hoisted me up and backed me against a sharp pillar of red lyrium. His laugh ringing out around me.
"Let her go!" I knew that voice. Tayen looked to me before turning his head to the man who'd just yelled at him. My eyes moved over Tayen's shoulder and I stopped when I saw who it was standing amongst the bodies and destruction. For a moment I mistook the man for a lion. His body basically glowing with a golden aura against the blackened landscape. His blonde hair waving slightly in the breeze, his armor glinting green from the Breach above as he extended his sword.
"Cullen." I breathed as I felt a smile come to my face. Tayen's eyes flared angrily, but suddenly he disappeared in a puff of black smoke leaving me behind coughing and wheezing on the ground. A hand touched my hair and gently turned me over. "Where-?" I started, but he held a finger to my lips as he crouched down in front of me.
"Shh, it's okay." He said and slid his hand my cheek with a smile on his face. "You're safe." He whispered and I looked around me and saw all the damage and destruction falling away till it was only me and him.
"Cullen…" I murmured as he stood up and smiled down at me. "Wait. Please." I called out as he walked away from me seemingly not hearing me.
My eyes opened wide and I looked around. The sun peeking through the trees, birds taking flight from branches as the morning dew covered the grass covered ground. Beneath me the somewhat smooth bark of the tree had been replaced by something fluffy. Cullen's scent wafting around me, citrus and musky man scent that was incredibly delightful. I sat up and raked a hand through my hair sleepily and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I stood and leant back and stretched my arms out beside me, feeling my bones pop and my muscles stretch. Smiling to myself I looked to my companion's tents, my eyes falling on Cullen's tent and staring at it for a while. The dream confusing me while also making me feel a warmth inside of me. Cullen saving me...the way he looked. So golden and beautiful and…perfect. My heart fluttered in an odd way that made me feel like I couldn't breathe. An erratic and unfamiliar feeling somewhere between terror and happiness. Tearing my eyes from the tent I looked towards the woods. I needed to run, to clear my head and focus on today's mission. Making sure my daggers were in place I then situated my cloak back into place. I stopped however when I saw Cullen's fluffy mantle lying on the dirty ground and picked it up and cleaned it off before hanging it by his tent. With that I crept from the camp site making sure not to wake anyone and once I was clear I started running.
Guiding myself through trees and brush I focused on the mission ahead. Go to the Storm Coast. Find the Chargers. Obtain the Chargers. Return to Haven in one piece. In all reality it shouldn't be too hard, but for some reason there is always a problem that arises with these people. Some unforeseen danger that magically pops up and screws up the plan. Leaping over a log as I circled the camp I landed in the shallowest part of the stream. The water slightly soaking into my boot as I moved onto the rocky side and ran along it. My mind wandered to the Herald as I wove through the trees. Wondering if he was alright. I should be receiving word today from Leliana about the Herald's arrival in Val Royeaux. I was anxious about it. All it took was one noble prig to be standing there with a full armed guard and the Herald was done for. I blinked and the image of the Herald dead at my feet flashed before me. Shaking my head, I ran faster leaving those thoughts to the wind. My breath coming in pants now as I made my way all the way around the camp to where the stream made a path up to the camp, but slowed to a stop when I saw Blackwall and Cullen standing shirtless in the stream. Their pants rolled up to their knees where the water was barely touching as they poured water over their heads. I quickly slid behind a tree, the blush erupting furiously across my cheeks. My face burned as I squeezed my eye shut and prayed my noes wasn't bleeding. Andraste's Flaming knickers. Was I still dreaming? I lifted a hand to my arm and pinched myself as hard as I could. Nope. Not a dream.
"So what's the mission today, Commander?" Blackwall's gruff voice rang out and despite my mind screaming at me to sneak away, I stayed and eavesdropped. I guess it was the spy in me.
"We are to head to the Storm Coast and recruit The Bull's Chargers Mercenary Company." Cullen responded, and I couldn't stop myself anymore. I peeked around the tree silently and saw the muscles and nearly started drooling. Cullen wasn't facing me, but Blackwall was. His chest wide, scarred and covered in thick black hair the same color as his beard. His abs somewhat defined, but without a doubt muscular. My eyes drifted to Cullen's back which looked like it was sculpted from marble. The white scars from years of training lacing his back beautifully. The tight, bulging muscles working in his back and arms as he washed his curly hair. I bit my knuckle to keep the girlish squeal inside. Quinn, like-ie…Quinn like-ie very much.
"Haven't really heard of 'em." Blackwall said as he raked his fingers through his beard. I watched Cullen nod and look behind him briefly.
"I have heard very little as well. But, the Lady Protector seems to know quite a lot about them, and believes they will be an excellent addition to the Inquisition." He agreed and I smiled to myself at his words.
"Ah…that woman is a mystery. I can't quite figure her out." I stiffened and turned my head slightly around the tree to Blackwall as he carried on his bathing. Cullen looked over towards the camp before he rubbed his neck. "But, perhaps it is only because I have known her so briefly." He added a bit quieter emitting a chuckle from Cullen.
"No, I've known her for a couple of weeks now and she is still a mystery." He replied and I felt a smile come to my lips again. A mystery? I studied Cullen for a moment as I saw his hands gingerly moved past the sutures. His eyes traveling thoughtfully up towards the camp.
"She's a rare one. Doesn't care much for talking, she likes action." Blackwall chuckled and I turned back around the tree when his eyes turned straight ahead of him. I could imagine Cullen was tense at the moment. A blush creeping up along his handsome face. But, much to my shock I heard him reply with a clear voice.
"She certainly is not like most women." And now my cheeks were aflame again, even though I wasn't certain if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Are most women what he likes…? They were quiet after that, but if I tried to sneak off I knew Blackwall would see me, looks like my only option was to run right on through and pretend like I hadn't heard any of it. Pulling a few more strands of hair into my face and pinching my cheeks I trotted out and around the tree and saw Blackwall look up at me. His hand darting out for his sword briefly before he paused and smiled up at me. He was rather attractive, in a rugged, forest man type of way.
"Good morning, My Lady!" He called and I didn't have to fake the blush that hit my cheeks when his eyes and Cullen's fell on me. I found myself slowing as I moved towards the path to the camp.
"Good morning Warden Blackwall." I called and looked to Cullen who looked too awkward to move. "Good morning, Commander." I added as I walked past them and Blackwall smiled at me. "Pardon my intrusion gentlemen, I was just out for a morning run." I apologized as I returned the smile, attempting to keep my eyes and thoughts from wandering. I quickly turned on my heels and bolted up the hill to the camp and when I was out of their sight I leant up against a tree and fanned myself. Pull yourself together. You've seen shirtless men before! My mind screamed as I tugged at the linen shirt. But they were not nearly as attractive as them. My own mind retorted on itself as I threw up my hands in exasperation. Stupid men and their stupid gorgeous bodies. Abruptly something cawed at me and I looked up to see one of Leliana's ravens flying towards me. I held out my wrist and the bird landed gracefully on top with its left foot extended with a note attached to it. I took the letter from the bird and smoothed my fingers over its feathers as I read it.
'"Lady Nightingale,
We have finished scouting out Val Royeaux as you ordered. There are Templars here to support the Chantry or so we think. We have stationed your spies throughout the masses of people to watch for and after the Herald when he arrives. No signs of hostility yet, but we will keep a close and watchful eye.
-Scout Fortain"
"Quinn,
The Herald should not arrive for a few more hours from when you should get this and my scouts will send another letter for news of what is happening. As of this news about the Templars, I am not sure what it means, but I do not think that it has anything to do with the Herald's peaceful chat with the Clerics. Keep me informed on your mission as well. Also, one of my scouts has informed me of a new boutique that has just opened in Val Royeaux and the clothing there is to die for. When you return perhaps we shall order some clothing. You have been running around in your linens and I will not have it.
-Leliana"'
I smirked at the end of the letter, but found myself shaking my head as I looked over the portion of the letter about the Templars. Why would they be in Val Royeaux to support the Chantry…that was odd. And why now of all times? Was it because of Justinia's death? It didn't make much sense to me. Rereading the letter, I made sure I didn't miss anything giggling slightly over the boutique part. I'd definitely need them now that…Belle ran off. I heaved a sigh at the thought. She was a good horse…
"Is that a letter?" Cullen asked next to me and I snapped out of my daze and looked up at him and nodded. Handing him the long slip of paper I watched his eyes scan over the paper.
"Leliana informed me of the matters in Val Royeaux. If the scout sent her that early this morning and she sent it to me immediately, then I would say the Herald should be there fairly soon." I explained as he looked over the top part again, his forehead creasing.
"What is this about the Templars in Val Royeaux?" He asked more to himself than to me. I shrugged, however and tapped my chin.
"I'm not sure, and neither is Leliana. I highly doubt it has anything to do with the Herald, though. Or at least I hope it doesn't." I muttered as I leant against the tree behind me. His eyes raked over the bottom part and a smirk came to his lips as he looked over at me.
"You women and your clothing." He said with a shake of his head, and I shot a smirk in his direction.
"Not all of us can get away with running around shirtless, Commander." I replied sassily as I snatched the letter from his hands. He blushed and rubbed the back of his neck and gulped awkwardly. "Do you have any paper? I need to write her back." I stated trying to ignore his adorable blushing, and watched him move past me quick as a flash. As he moved I looked to the spot where I'd patched him up and grimaced at the thought of all the blood he lost. My eyes flicked down to my hands, my body stiffening before I heard him call for me.
"Here." He said and I thanked him as he handed me the paper, quill and ink. I walked over and sat on a stump and tapped the quill in the ink pot and began scribbling down the events that led up till now.
"Leliana,
I have obtained your Warden, and he is currently in my party. Everything was going pretty smoothly, until on the way to our current camping position we were attacked-"
I paused and looked up to Cullen who was standing a few feet from me, watching.
"Should I or should I not tell her you were badly injured?" I asked and he tilted his head to me before his hand reached up and brushed the sutures. He looked back to me and nodded,
"Yes. If there was an injury you should always put it in the reports." He responded and I raised an eyebrow at him. He sounded like he was talking to a trainee recruit.
"Good to know…" I replied vaguely and rolled my shoulder at the thought of my now healed arrow wound. He shot me a skeptical look before shaking his blonde head and walking back to his tent and packing it up. Now…where was I?
"-By apostates. The Commander was badly wounded in his shoulder by a shard of ice. However, since I am also a part-time healer, I fixed him up. I believe he will live. He was a real champ about it, too. Bleeding out and barely blinked an eye, and wanted to keep going on with the mission. I mean really Leli, where do you find these people? Anyway, we're going to be headed out to the Storm Coast soon. We should be there in perhaps five to six hours.
P.s. We certainly have to see about this new boutique mostly because my clothing quite literally ran off. I had to share the Commander's horse just to get to the camping spot. I am not happy about it.
-Quinn"
I rolled up the letter and tied it off with the string that came with the letter she sent. Whistling to the raven it swooped down from its perch and landed on my arm again as I tied it off.
"Take this to Leliana." I murmured to the raven as I thrust my arm up. The bird beat its wings excitedly as it soared above the trees and out of my view. I dropped my view from the bird to Cullen as I picked up his supplies and placed them gently in his pack. He was now back in his full armor and pulling against the leather on his wounded shoulder. "Is it irritating your injury?" I asked and he looked up at me a bit startled. His hands dropped from his armor quickly.
"A little, but as to be expected." He replied and I held up my finger as I walked over to his pack and grabbed a clean towel and folded it gently. He watched me as I did and slowly pulled his armor forward away from his linen shirt underneath and placed the towel in between. I felt the heat of his eyes and another's on me as I did this. Tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear as I looked up at him forgetting the lack of space between us.
"That should be a bit more comfortable." I reassured as our eyes locked. "How does it feel?" I asked, but he didn't move as he looked back and forth in between my eyes.
"Perfect." He replied slowly and something behind us dropped making me jump. I turned to see Blackwall picking up a pan and parts of his tent.
"My apologies." He called out with a small awkward wave as he leant over and finished picking up his things. I came to my senses, realizing how close I was to Cullen and backed away. He cleared his throat and got busy placing the rest of his things in his pack. I grabbed my overcoat and pulled myself into it and buckled it closed. Pulling the elastic from my hair I let my auburn hair fall around me. The pony tail giving me a slight headache, plus I liked feeling the wind in my hair when I rode. I looked over at Cullen's fluffy cloak as it hung and grabbed it for him.
"Somehow this ended up as my pillow." I said and he chuckled and pulled it around himself and situated it around his neck.
"I wonder how that happened…" He replied with a slick grin and I laughed at him as I shrugged and looked to Blackwall as he poured water on the fire. The lasting embers turning into puffs of smoke. I took one last look around the camp and made sure we hadn't forgotten anything and nodded.
"Alright. Are we ready to head off?" I asked as Blackwall walked over with his horse. He nodded as he pulled at his armor situating it on his body.
"I believe so, My Lady." He replied as Cullen did the same. Now I was the one who felt like a burden. My horse was gone which meant that I had to ride with one of them. It was not that comfortable riding hours alone on a horse, less so with someone else. Cullen and Blackwall swung onto their horses as I stood somewhat awkwardly. Cullen extended his hand to me and I reached out for him when I heard Blackwall speak up. "Lady Protector, why don't you ride with me? The Commander is still injured and I wouldn't want him to be in pain for the duration of the ride." Blackwall pointed out and I paused and looked up at Cullen who was looking to Blackwall with an impassive look. I didn't want to cause Cullen pain, Blackwall was right about that.
"Thank you for your concern, Warden Blackwall, but I assure you I am in no pain." Cullen returned with the same impassive look. It was then that I realized that Cullen didn't trust Blackwall. Probably why he was bathing with him today…and why he didn't want me riding with him. Cullen's eyes turned to me and I smiled up at him.
"It's alright, Commander. I can't imagine having someone riding with you and your injury would be very comfortable." I replied and he looked as if he were about to argue. "Even if it doesn't hurt now, it could later and I don't want to do that to you." I added quickly and he nodded and retracted his hand back to the reins as Warden Blackwall held out his hand to me and I took it and swung onto his horse. I placed my hands on the packs as we rode forward and suddenly Blackwall took off. I jolted as we passed Cullen and grabbed hold of Blackwall to stay on the horse. Cullen beat after us as we took off North towards the Storm Coast. Blackwall's gruff laugh ringing out in my ears.
"Hold on to me, Lady Protector. The ride might get bumpy." Blackwall called back and I held onto his sides as ran through the forest. Cullen right beside us as we did. Time past slowly as we made our way north through the thick woods to the Storm Coast, and I could hardly wait. I'd wanted to see the sea for so long. The last time I'd been was about 4 years ago, and I hardly got to see it. "So, Lady Protector, do you like games?" Blackwall asked and I shook myself from my thoughts and looked at the back of Blackwalls head.
"Depends on the game." I replied and he turned his head to me with a smirk playing at his lips.
"Smart woman. It's a fun game, really. I describe something in our surroundings and you try and guess what it is." He replied and I lifted an eye brow and looked around.
"Well, it should be an easy game for me. All that is around us is foliage and random animals." I replied, emitting a chuckle from him.
"True, but it beats sitting in silence, does it not?" Well he has a point there. He looked around for a moment before nodding. "Alright, the object is green, with a long stem, and white petals." He said and I looked around and I grinned.
"This is an easy game. It's the elfroot." I responded and he chuckled,
"I was going easy on you. It was only the first round, next one will be harder." He warned and motioned for me to go. I looked around trying to think of something hard, my eyes falling to Cullen's gloved hand.
"Alright. It's dark brown, with five extensions, and it is smooth to the touch." I said and Blackwall grabbed his chin and in front of us I saw Cullen tilt his head as if he were mulling over it as well. I giggled at the two men and Blackwall pointed.
"A tree." Blackwall said and I shook my head.
"Nope."
"Roots?" He asked and I shook my head again,
"Try again."
"A druffalo?" Blackwall guessed again and I laughed at that one.
"Maker's breath you are bad at this. Do you want a hint?" I asked and he nodded and I thought over it and smirked. "Alright, the hint is, is that this object conceals something." He looked around and ran his hand over his beard. I couldn't tell if he was humoring me or if he honestly didn't know. Suddenly Cullen looked down at his glove and I saw a grin spread across his lips.
"I've got it." He announced and I smirked.
"Oh, you do?" I asked and he held up his hand and turned it for both of us to see.
"It's my glove." He said and I giggled and nodded.
"That's correct!" He looked back at me and smiled as I laughed at how obvious the answer was as Blackwall slapped his forehead.
"Maker I feel foolish." Blackwall said through a chuckle. I looked towards Cullen and grinned,
"Alright, Commander it's your turn." I said and he looked around slowly before nodding.
"This object is small and sharp looking. It shines like silver and holds something together." He said and I looked around us and shook my head. Maker I had no clue. What was around us that had that description.
"A buckle?" I asked and Cullen stiffened as if I'd gotten the answer and I grinned. "It's a buckle isn't it!?" I asked excitedly and he chuckled and looked towards me.
"What buckle?" He asked and I lifted a finger to my chin and squinted at him.
"You're a tricky one, Commander. It's probably the smallest buckle that makes up the horses reins or something like that. Or maybe something involving your armor." I replied and he tilted his head back and laughed.
"To you it should be a bit more obvious." He replied and I lifted my eye brow at his amusement, but his hint caught my attention. I looked over myself in confusion checking myself for buckles as Blackwall looked back as well. I tapped my chest piece, but shook my head. No, that was too big… My hand moved to my cloak and my eyes lit up. The buckle of my cloak! I turned to him excitedly and tapped it.
"It's the buckle on my cloak!" I exclaimed and he smirked and nodded. I punched the air in victory and laughed. "I love this game!" I said excitedly and heard the two men chuckle around me when a caw sounded through the air. I looked up and saw the same raven flapping towards me. I held up my arm and the bird landed gently its same foot extended. I stroked its feathers gently before taking the letter from the raven again and reading it.
'"Lady Nightingale,
The Herald arrived in Val Royeaux. He spoke with the Mothers, but it didn't go as planned. They didn't wish to speak calmly, instead insulted the Herald of Andraste in front of a large group in the square. It was dealt with however, when Lord Seeker Lucius…um…interrupted the head Mother and announced that the Templars were not returning to the Chantry. Seeker Pentaghast tried to speak with him, but he was very rude and short with her. According to the Lady Seeker it is very unusual for him to act this way. The Herald will also be attending a gala hosted by Vivienne de Fer, a head Mage to the Orlesian court. Also, when the Herald was leaving the square they were confronted by Fiona the Leader of the Rebel Mages in Redcliffe. She wants to speak with the Inquisition about recruitment.
-Scout Fortain."
"Quinn,
This is the news I just received from Val Royeaux. I sent it to you as quick as possible. The Herald is safe, he should be headed towards this Vivienne de Fer's chateau at the present. I assume you are almost in the Storm Coast now. As for the Commander's injury have one of the healers look over the wound when you get to the outpost there. Not that I do not trust your handiwork with a needle, but better to be safe than sorry. The business about your clothing is unfortunate, Josephine and I will take the pleasure of ordering you new ones. Keep me updated on your progress with the mission.
P.s. Happy Name Day, my friend. I have a present waiting from Orlais for you when you return.
-Leliana"'
Awe, Leli remembered. I read over the letter and looked to Cullen as I stood on the back of Blackwall's horse and jumped into the saddle behind Cullen. The Commander nearly jumped out of his skin when I did and turned his head to me.
"Sweet Maker-Quinn you could've warned me." He admonished making me shrug as I handed him the letter. I reached into his pack and grabbed the parchment, ink and quill. "This doesn't make any sense. Why would the Templars leave the Chantry like this…? Have they gone completely mad?" He questioned out loud, making me shrug once more. As I tried to steady my hand on the rather bumpy road.
"What I'm concerned about it the Mage part. That doesn't really make sense to me that their Leader would just waltz up to the Herald and invite us to Redcliffe. I thought neither side was even acknowledging us." I replied and he shook his head as he read over the letter again.
"They weren't…until now. I guess." He muttered as he continued to read the letter. I holding the quill steady I scribbled down a quick letter.
"Leliana,
I'll make sure the Commander gets looked at, and we are almost in the Storm Coast. I shall write you when we acquire the Chargers. And thank you, I'm sure you and Josephine will pick me out a great wardrobe. And thank you, Leliana, I can't wait.
-Quinn"
Placing everything gently back into the pack I rolled up the letter. The raven hopped down from my shoulder and onto my forearm as I tied it to his foot and lifted him into the air. He took to the skies with a mighty flap of his wing as Cullen turned to me.
"It's your Name Day?" He asked and I nodded slowly with an embarrassed smile.
"Yes…I have survived 28 years. We're all very surprised." I said jokingly and he chuckled at that. I was about to stand in the saddle to go back over to Blackwall's horse not wanting to make Cullen uncomfortable, but his hand flew out and grabbed my arm.
"We are almost there, and I don't want you to fall off." He told me with a stern look. I sat back down in the saddle properly and looked to his shoulder.
"What about-"He waved his hand nonchalantly.
"It does not hurt, and I can endure an hour of it if it does." He replied equally as stern as the look he gave me. Rolling my eyes as my hands moved to his sides. He stiffened again, but slowly relaxed.
"You just wanted me to sit with you, huh?" I asked quietly and saw the blush climb up his ears and unexpectedly Blackwall's chuckle rang out from beside us.
"Maker's Breath…" He muttered as we continued to trot down the path with the smell of the salty sea in the air.