Warning: NSFW towards the end!
We're slowly getting into the M rated material. For now anyways.
Still lots of slow burn between them but there is finally something that happens between them, not what you think though.
Hope you all are enjoying it so far! Please leave a review if you are!
—-
Chapter 17:
"Lara, we're here. Wake up…" A soothing voice called to her.
She stirred, her vision still blurry. Opening and closing her eyes a few times, she soon recognised the carriage. She sat up and turned to see the Commander looking at her, a warm smile on his face.
"We're here?" She asked.
"Well, not quite. We've traveled some distance and it's almost midnight. We found an inn we can turn in for the night," He replied offering a hand to help her out.
Lara took his hand, reveling in the feel of it. She climbed out of the carriage and took in her surroundings. It was a quaint village that almost reminded her of Haven with small roads, warm cabins and cottages, and a dusting of snow. Behind her was an inn called the Red Lion. She could almost laugh at the name. Fereldens and their lions. Cullen led her into the tavern, their bags being brought in behind them by Inquisition soldiers.
It was quite a modern tavern for the town but Lara loved how cozy it was. An all wooden layout with large tables and chairs, a roaring fireplace giving off warmth, a touch of medieval with iron chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, and a wide bar filled with plenty of options with doors to the kitchen behind it. It was kept in pristine condition.
"Inquisition? What an honor. What can I get you?" The owner greeted them with a surprised but happy smile.
"We were wondering if you have three rooms available for the night. One with two beds for our soldiers," Cullen responded.
"You must be Commander Cullen? Happy to have a fellow Ferelden home. Of course we have. Give me one moment and I'll get you lot set up," The owner beamed and headed upstairs.
—-
The owner picked the best rooms for them, especially for Lara as thanks for all that she's done for Ferelden. The room was spacious with a queen size four poster bed. A bath was set up for her and a small plate of food and some wine awaited her on the table. She sank into the bath appreciating the warmth.
She wore her robe while taking a few nibbles, her skin thick with the honey scented lotion Vivienne insisted she take with her. She never felt so polished since she was at home. She shook her head as if to rid herself of her thoughts about her family. She found this room welcoming, her family would have detested it. A knock on the door startled her.
"Inquisitor? Are you alright?" It was Cullen.
She clutched her robe tighter and made her way to the door unlocking it. She peered her head through the crack trying to cover her body with the door. He stood there without his armor, distractingly dressed in just his tunic and trousers. Lara tried to focus on his face.
"Why would I not be?" Lara smiled.
"Just checking before I turn in. Did you need anything?" He smiled back at her.
"You never actually told me what dealings we have here," Lara asked, curiously.
"King Alistair. He would like to meet as he has some concerns. I also thought it would be good to see an old friend," He admitted the last part sheepishly.
"You know staying locked up in your office isn't good for your health. I'm glad you decided to go," Lara smirked.
Cullen laughed. "And I'm glad you came with me," A warmth appeared in his eyes.
Lara swallowed, her body tense at his response. "If that is all, goodnight Commander."
"Goodnight, Inquisitor."
Lara closed and locked the door behind her. That night she dreamt of her Commander in her bed, only it wasn't Cullen. It was a Desire Demon pretending to be him, playing with her mind.
—-
It wasn't the best sleep Lara had. Images from her dream kept replaying in her head, being tempted with what she wanted but couldn't have. Much like Cullen. It wasn't her experience yet she had dreamt it after his confession. She didn't know what it meant, only that she kept nodding off in the carriage.
Traveling through Redcliffe sent a shiver through her spine as memories of Alexius and the Elder One's future resurfaced. One of her traumas happened here and it was enough to make her dread Redcliffe. Cullen seemed to sense her tension but didn't speak on it. Either he knew or was too scared to ask.
They finally arrived at Redcliffe Castle to meet King Alistair. Lara only saw him briefly in an angry mood towards Fiona and the rebel mages. Did he know Cullen brought her along? It was going to be an interesting meeting and Lara wasn't quite sure how to prepare for this. Cullen said he was an old friend so hopefully it wouldn't be too bad.
"Cullen! So good to see a familiar face again," A loud voice greeted them as they exited the carriage.
Lara stopped in her tracks as the two men greeted each other. Alistair was extremely good looking but she didn't miss the close resemblance he had to Cullen. Seemed she had a thing for blonde Ferelden men at this point. Her ancestors must be rolling in their graves.
"You must be the Inquisitor Cullen's told me about! You are prettier in person," He shouted looking over at her. Cullen behind him turned red, his hand behind his neck. Alistair seemed to have no filter which Lara appreciated. He approached her, taking her hand and placing a kiss on it. Cullen's eyes widened but said nothing. Alistair was a flirt as well.
"You're king. Shouldn't I be bowing down to you?" Lara asked.
"Not when I have a favor to ask of you," Alistair gave her a smile.
"Ah, so you're winning my approval by flirting?" Lara arched an eyebrow.
"Possibly," He stroked his chin. "First I owe an apology. I granted the mages refuge only to have them kick my uncle out. I didn't care what was going on, I just wanted them out. It wasn't my finest moment. Of course, I realized after. I wasn't in the best of moods when we briefly met," He explained.
"Apology accepted. The mages are in a better place now so thank you for kicking them out," Lara smiled.
Alistair laughed. "Yes, I can only imagine the horror on Cullen's face here when he found out you brought back a bunch of rebel mages."
Cullen shuffled his feet uncomfortably. "I managed."
"So, you said you need a favor. That depends on what," Lara stated.
"Right! Walk with me my lady?" Alistair extended an arm. Lara nervously took it, not wanting to reject a king, but also not liking the hurt expression on Cullen's face.
—-
Lara sat next to Cullen in a large, fancy dining hall. It wasn't quite an Orlesian nobility dining hall but for Ferelden this was quite a big deal. King Alistair and Queen Anora sat across from them. A feast was laid out for them, servants at the ready preparing the table before they ate.
"Seeing as you saved the Empress and all that, I think you'd be best at having these peace talks with her on my behalf. Cullen here is a fellow Ferelden, he knows what the land needs. He knows what I want. Thing is, I don't own a mask. I get nervous when an Orlesian wants to talk. What do I even say? I hear it involves poison and dancing. Both at the same time…" He started, while putting food on his plate.
"Alistair," Cullen warned, "You know she's Orlesian."
"Right, I've insulted you now. Not good," Alistair stated.
"You're not wrong," Lara smiled while taking a bite.
Alistair laughed. "Good! You're not insulted then. I can still ask for my favor."
Cullen tensed beside her, clearly annoyed as his fork clashed with his plate. Lara wasn't sure why he was so annoyed. He wanted her here, didn't he? Did he not like them flirting? Anora didn't seem to mind, as if this was usual behavior from her husband.
"To be clear, you would like me to negotiate the peace talks between Orlais and Ferelden on your behalf?" Lara asked.
"Could you? I'd be most relieved. I really wish to not set foot there. I would be willingly walking into a trap. Celene would be more willing to talk with you than with me," Alistair looked at her hopefully.
"Seeing as I'm a bit too hot headed for Orlesian politics, I can speak with our Ambassador Josephine. She'd willingly take on the task. I've also had my fill last when we were there and don't intend to go back anytime soon," Lara responded.
Alistair clapped his hands together. "Splendid!"
—-
Queen Anora excused herself to her quarters after lunch. Cullen and Alistair were talking outside so she let them have a moment alone, not wanting to disrupt. Alistair granted her permission to roam around the castle if she pleased so that was exactly what she did. She walked through the rooms and corridors, pondering her old life and what would have been for her. Most likely, she would have been rushed into a marriage of convenience that benefited her family, purely political, and no doubt they would be thrilled to be rid of her. She never would have imagined herself here, head of an Inquisition.
She heard a laugh that sounded so foreign to her, it gave her chills. She walked to the window and looked down to see Cullen standing there. Laughing. It was such a rare sight. Alistair was laughing with him. He was so much more carefree here in Ferelden, in his part of the world. This was where he belonged. Would he return here once everything was over? The Inquisition wouldn't last forever surely. A worrying thought crossed her mind. Where would she go after all this? Skyhold was her home. Could she stay there permanently?
She buried that thought as she continued to explore around the castle. She never thought about life after the Inquisition. This was a new normal for her. It would also mean leaving everyone else behind which she couldn't bare. This was why she didn't get close to anyone. They always left in the end. Before she knew it, she found herself in the gardens. It was beautiful, serene. She stayed here for who knows how long before a voice startled her from her daydream.
"I wanted to bring you to the gardens and here I found you. Can you read my mind?"
"Is that your way of flirting? Asking a mage if they can read your mind?" Lara smirked.
Alistair laughed. "I suppose I should tone it down. Cullen's not too happy with me."
"Why not?" Lara asked, confused.
"Um," Alistair's eyes widened as if he realized something, "Nevermind."
He extended his arm to her and Lara intertwined her arm with his. "You are an attractive young lady. Especially for an Orlesian noble. I can see the fascination. Unfortunately, I am married but flirting still isn't illegal," He gave her a wink.
"I take it she knows you're a flirt?"
"Very much so. I can't say I wouldn't try with you if I wasn't otherwise occupied," He complemented, making Lara blush.
Maker, he's straightforward.
"Cullen is a good man underneath it all. He has been through a lot. Go easy on him. In any event, I will be visiting Skyhold soon after you handle the peace negotiations but I wanted to ask…Morrigan is there, correct? So I've heard?" Alistair seemed nervous.
"Yes, she is. She works for the Inquisition now. Do you know her?"
"Uh, yes actually. How is she doing?" He asked, eagerly.
"Quite well," Lara responded, noting there was a history there. Former lover, maybe?
"Good. Maybe I'll speak with her when I'm there although I'm sure she'll only insult me," Alistair replied.
They continued to walk and talk, or mostly flirt from Aistair's side until they approached the carriage. The gardens truly were beautiful. The greenery and the pop of colors from the flowers were a sight to behold. It was as if she were transported to a whole other world outside Redcliffe.
"Now I must regretfully part from you. You've been an absolute pleasure," Alistair said. Cullen was staring at them both, expression unreadable. He planted a kiss on her hand again.
"I look forward to seeing your pretty face again in Skyhold," Alistair smiled at her.
"Maker's Breath…stop dragging it out Alistair," Cullen muttered, annoyed.
"I wouldn't have to if you did something about it. She's a free woman from what I can tell," He replied, not bothered.
Lara suddenly felt uncomfortable and wanted to get away from the situation. She felt trapped between the two men. What was it with Ferelden men? Alistair was attractive but he didn't provide the safety and comfort she felt with Cullen and immediately found herself wanting to be in the carriage with him.
"Since I'm a free woman, I will be escorting myself in the carriage while you two sort yourselves out," She spoke, pushing past Cullen and entering in the carriage while the Inquisition soldier held the door open for her. She heard the two men chuckling behind her.
Once Cullen was in the carriage, she felt the jolt as it began to move. She was safe again.
"I'm not even going to ask what that was about," Lara stated.
"Pay him no mind. He's always like that," Cullen replied looking out the window.
"What did he mean by 'if you did something about it'?"
Cullen looked at her, smiling. "I thought you weren't going to ask about it."
"Well, now I am," She demanded.
"Yes, your Highness," He replied sarcastically.
"Are you sassing me? Does that mean you're not doing something about it?" She challenged him.
He suddenly leaned in closer to her, taking her off guard. His arms surrounded her, his hands resting on the seat on either side of her. Her breathing quickened, her heart beating loudly in her chest.
"Would you like me to do something about it?" He challenged her back.
"Depends on what it is," She responded breathily. She wanted to reach out to him but restrained herself.
"I think you know," He replied.
She leaned in closer to him, surprised by her sudden boldness. She blamed it on his proximity, his scent, her desire for him growing with each passing moment.
"Show me," She challenged, not sure what she was hoping from him. Would he kiss her? Touch her? Oh, how she wanted him to. Her body was drawn to him, begging him to touch her. He was so close to her, yet wasn't touching.
"In time," Was all he said as he pulled back from her, looking out the window again. She sat there breathing heavily, annoyed at the space that was now there between them. He left her wanting even more of him, and she found herself frustrated and uncomfortable at the warmth that formed between her legs. It was going to be a long ride.
—-
Lara was awoken after she had nodded off in the carriage. The door was opened and Cullen stood there nervously. She looked around noting it was evening but wasn't familiar with the location. She looked back at Cullen.
"I want to show you something before we turn in for the night," He told her, his hand extended.
She scooted over closer to him, taking his hand, letting him help her down from the carriage. He walked with her and she didn't miss the fact that he was still holding onto her hand, his thumb stroking her. It was a sweet gesture that made her nervous but she welcomed it all the same. As they walked in silence, Lara took in her surroundings. This time in nature was doing her some good. Some time away from all the chaos in Skyhold, all the responsibilities that awaited her. They arrived at a dock full of fog granting them privacy.
"Where are we?" Lara asked, taking in the mountains surrounding them that peaked through the fog.
"You're surrounded by danger almost everyday. I wanted to take you away from it, even if just for a moment," He replied, letting go of her hand and walking in front of her.
"I grew up not far from here. This place was always quiet," He leaned against a pillar that stood at the dock's edge.
"You came here often, I take it?" Lara asked, watching him.
"I loved my siblings, but they were very loud. I was the quiet one. I would come here to clear my mind. Of course, they would find me eventually. Especially Mia," Cullen chuckled.
"You were happy here," Lara stated, noticing how his face had lightened at the memory.
"I was. I still am," He responded. This was home for him.
A dark thought crossed her mind. "You're alone here with a mage. That doesn't concern you?"
"The Templars may have rules on fraternization. I'm no longer bound by them."
"I know that, Cullen," Lara rolled her eyes. "You've seen the worst of my kind. Experienced it. You don't see that in me?"
"I don't," He stood up. "If I've ever given you reason to doubt…" He let out a sigh. "Of course I have," His hand rose to the back of his neck again.
Lara looked away, annoyed that she had to ruin a perfect moment. Surely, this would have come up at some point. To be with someone whose kind inflicted pain and suffering on you? No way he would want her. None of this made sense why he wanted her here.
"Whatever I fear in magic, I see none of that in you," He replied, finally cutting the silence. "You've shown me the good that can come from magic."
Lara didn't know how to respond to that. It still didn't make sense to her.
"The last time I was here was the day I left for Templar training. My brother gave me this," Cullen pulled out a coin from his pocket. Lara walked closer to him. "It just happened to be in his pocket, but he said it was for good luck."
"Templars aren't supposed to carry such things. Our faith should see us through," He said the last sentence mockingly and looked up at her.
"You broke the rules? I'm shocked. I thought I was the rebellious one," Lara smirked at him.
"Up until a year ago, I was very good at following the rules. Most of the time," He commented, and Lara smirked further. "This was the only thing I took from Ferelden that the Templars didn't give me," He continued.
Suddenly, his expression changed. Lara's smirk faded as she tried to read his expression.
"Humor me, Lara. We don't know what you'll face till the end. This can't hurt," He said, placing the coin in her hand leaving his hand covering hers.
Lara's eyes widened. He was giving her a token of his past, something passed down to him from his family. The one thing he carried with him, rebelling against the Order. The one thing that probably kept him alive. With this, he was letting her into his life. She couldn't accept it.
"No, Cullen. Keep it. I don't want your luck to run out. Not when it's kept you alive all this time," Lara looked at him sincerely.
"I suppose you're right. I should have died during the Blight, Or at Kirkwall. Or Haven. Take your pick. And yet, here I am."
He put the coin back in his pocket. Lara let out a sigh, happy he took it back and wasn't upset with her. If he believed that kept him alive, then it was good enough for her. She found safety in knowing it kept him safe and hoped it continued to do so especially with Adamant on the horizon. Cullen soon closed the distance between them, his hands on her hips causing desire to stir in her body again at his touch.
"I finally found some luck," He whispered, his forehead leaning against hers.
"How so?" She whispered back.
"You, Lara," He confessed and her heart hammered in her chest at his words.
"Cullen…" She said his name as a warning. A warning he was getting too close and she may not be able to stop it, her body betraying her as she leaned into him.
Ignoring her warning, he pulled her closer and she felt his lips on hers. Electricity shot through her body at the feel of his lips on hers as he kissed her gently. She grabbed onto his arms for support as the sensations that ran through her body were unfamiliar yet overwhelming.
Fuck it…
She returned his kiss, a soft moan escaping her as she reveled in it. The kiss soothed some of the aching desire she had for him. For now. Cullen responded as he kissed her more fervently once she returned the kiss. His hand now cupped the back of her head as he kissed her. An intense heat pooled in her lower half as she desired more of him. She craved the feel of his hands on her body, on her skin. She wanted his warmth to engulf her, to be lost in him.
His tongue soon danced with hers, setting her body on fire at the contact. A pressure built in her pelvis, aching with longing. She needed more. More of him. They took a few steps back in tandem, their bodies dancing together while their tongues did. It was as if they forgot they were on the dock's edge and soon they lost their footing. Before she realized what happened, she was falling and was greeted by a large splash, submerged under water. She tried reaching for Cullen but couldn't find him and rose to the surface.
Letting out a gasp and spitting out water, she looked around and soon Cullen resurfaced, wiping the water from his eyes. Lara couldn't help the fit of giggles that erupted from her once reality hit. Cullen let out a laugh and blushed like he was a teenage boy again. He swam over to her, holding her against him, wrapping her legs around him. She let out a gasp at the contact as she felt him hard against her. He let out a soft groan in response.
"I love hearing the sounds you make. I want to be the only one who does that to you," He whispered huskily in her ear.
Lara blushed at his boldness. In company, he was different. Discreet, shy, orderly, and polite. In private, he was someone else entirely. A different side of him that only she witnessed. She enjoyed all sides of him even if it felt like whiplash sometimes.
If only he knew…
Truth is, he was the only one that did, but she couldn't admit that now. She would keep that secret for as long as she could.
"Cullen," Was all she could say.
"Lara."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Who knew you had a sassy side?" She commented.
He let out a deep chuckle. It sent a shiver down her spine.
"You're cold," It was a statement. He swam closer to the dock, and lifted her up as if she weighed nothing to him, sitting her on the dock's edge. He lifted himself up beside her. Lara stood herself up. Cullen wrapped his arm around her, keeping her close to him as they made their way back to the carriage. She could have used a warming spell but decided against using magic around Cullen and basked in his body heat instead, getting lost in his scent.
—-
Lara was grateful for the warm bath that awaited her in her room at the inn. She sank into it with a moan as she felt her body warming up. She used a warming spell for her clothes once she was alone. She laid her head against the edge, closing her eyes and enjoying how the warm water felt. The memory of him kissing her flooded her mind, causing her to bite her lip remembering her desire. It was even better than what she expected it to be. The way he wrapped her legs around him in the water. The feel of him next to her core.
With a strangled moan, she found her hands wandering between her legs. Her core clenched at the thought of him hard beneath her. It did nothing to calm the heat that coursed through her body. The frustration building in her body the closer she was with him, the tension between them reaching a breaking point. How much longer could they go back and forth? She swiped in between her folds, her wetness still identifiable even in the bath.
Unable to withstand it, she entered a finger in, moaning at the intrusion, her head tilted back. She entered another one, feeling it stretch her. She imagined it was him inside her, just like in her dream, watching her come undone underneath him. Him shirtless sprung to her mind, his sweat glistening off of him, his hair unruly as he smirked at her, his scar tilting with his lip. The feel of his hands on her naked body. She let out another moan as she pumped in and out faster thinking of him. The passion and the longing in the way he kissed her, like he needed more of her. His tongue an indicator of his experience, of what he had to offer. She imagined what it would feel like, his tongue dancing in between her legs. She felt a jolt through her body at the thought and let out another moan.
How she wished to march into his room and demand that he take her. To make her his. To abandon all self-control and give herself to him in every way possible. How much she wanted him to do something about it. She remembered the feel of him entering her in her dream followed by how hard he was underneath her in the water. His length felt impressive and Lara gasped at the thought of what he looked like naked, hard for her. A delicious pressure was building in her pelvis, rising higher and higher the more she was lost in inappropriate thoughts of her Commander.
She moaned at the torture, needing a release soon. This was new for her, exploring her body in such a way. She had never desired someone this much where it led to her needing a release. Her other hand reached down to touch her clit and a plea escaped her at the sensations and sensitivity. She rubbed it, matching the rhythm of her fingers and she no longer could control the gasps and sounds that escaped her as she was closer and closer to her release. Thinking about him entering her, moving in and out inside of her, his length and the feel of his hard cock was enough to send her over the edge as she finally came undone in the tub.
"Cullen…" She whispered aloud as she released, trying to catch her breath as she absorbed all the sensations that wracked her body. Once she came down from her high, reality sunk in and she blushed looking around at the door in case anyone heard. She sunk down into the tub as if to hide her embarrassment that she just masturbated to her own Commander.
—-
The next morning, they made their way back to Skyhold in silence. Cullen had her hand in his, stroking her hand with his thumb while she rested her head on his shoulder. If he had heard her last night, he gave no indication of it. The release was welcome as it eased the desire and tension in her body but she didn't know how to face him. He kissed her, surely he felt the same, but she didn't know why she was so embarrassed.
As much as Skyhold was her home, returning there meant preparing for Adamant. The weight of that was too much to bear but it needed to be done. Corypheus wasn't going to have his demon army either under Lara's watch. Him and his demon army can go to hell. He would have to pry it out of her cold, dead hands at this point. So long as she ruined his plans, she had more time. She hoped eventually he would run out of options but with his diversion into elven ruins, something told her he already had a backup plan and was acting on it.
Then there was Cullen. A demon army being created meant blood magic. The very thing that tortured him. And he was going to be walking right into it, making himself vulnerable. She was even more grateful he kept the coin. It somehow gave her a peace of mind.
"Cullen, Adamant is going to be full of blood magic," Lara stated, breaking the silence.
"I'm aware," His jaw clenched, his teeth grinding.
"And you're just going to walk right in there? The Winter Palace was enough to set you off, this will be worse. If a demon gets hold of you…" Lara exclaimed, panic rising in her throat.
"What would you have me do? I cannot send my men to battle and not be there to lead them," He looked tortured. It was on his mind as well.
"I can't look after you while I'm there," She said, worried.
"I wouldn't expect you to," He replied. "Rylen will be with me. Should anything happen, he can take over."
It wasn't the best plan but it was better than nothing. It was known that Cullen quit lyrium so she hoped their soldiers would be understanding of the situation.
"I'm allowed to worry about you. A little bit," She murmured to herself.
He leaned over, his hand cupping her face bringing her to look at him. He stared deeply into her eyes. She felt so wanted under his gaze, as if he were memorizing every detail like it was the last time he'd see her.
"You think I don't worry knowing I have to send you out there, putting your life at risk, hoping you'll come back each time," He confessed to her.
Before she could respond, the carriage came to a halt. They were back in Skyhold. Lara could hear the soldiers taking their luggages out from underneath. He pressed his forehead to hers and went to leave the carriage but not before placing a kiss on the top of her head. She watched him descend and then he disappeared out of sight. The soldiers helped her descend the carriage and she saw him, walking towards Skyhold and towards the stairs up to his office. Lara would give him his space even though she wanted to follow him and demand he keep her in his office. But that wouldn't be appropriate. Not with too many eyes on them now.
"Ah, there you are! Looks like the Ferelden air has done you some good. Or is it the Ferelden men?" Dorian smirked.
"Dorian!" She hissed as the soldiers pretended they weren't hearing. She grabbed his arm and led him away.
"Nothing happened."
"Because it didn't or because you didn't allow it to?" He questioned.
"Fine," She rolled her eyes. "We had our first kiss."
"Oh, finally! My efforts weren't wasted. Tongue, I hope?"
"Ugh, yes, tongue. Are you going to be this descriptive about Bull or shall I ask him for details?"
"Please don't," He groaned. "Anyways, I hope you enjoyed your Commander filled bubble because we need to prepare to fight some blood mages. Or blood Wardens in this case. However you wish to put it."
Lara was thrown into preparations immediately; armor, weapons, and potions needed to be decided upon and Cullen was briefing his men on the plan of action of how they were going to attack. In the meantime, she liaised with Solas regarding protecting Cullen. He quickly taught her a barrier spell known as a Fade Shield that she could use to protect him. Thankfully, she managed to create it instantly. This meant bringing more potions as it could destroy her mana should anything go wrong. It would have to do.
