It had been a busy afternoon, having arrived at Skyhold around midday. Since they left camp at dawn, eager to return home, the most Cullen saw of Evelyn was the last few miles of their journey as they neared Skyhold. Trying to save himself as much time as possible, he had been riding up and down the column speaking with his officers, diving up the tasks that needed to be done upon their arrival. By the time it was all sorted, he fell in beside the Inquisitor at the front of the army for the Ambassador's fanfare welcome she planned - and had thankfully warned them about yesterday via raven. Evelyn wore her older set of armor having destroyed the one her father had made, much to Josephine's dismay, who had a ceremonial set sent to her. He too wore a secondary set of armor since it had the benefit of not smelling of demon bile. With Inquisition banners flowing in the stiff mountain breeze, the sun high in the sky, and the whole of Skyhold's residents and guests turned out for their return, it certainly was a sight to behold.
With only him by Evelyn's side - Leliana never liked people to know of her presence - sharing the moment of his first major victory with her smiling beside him was surreal. For all the pain Adamant had brought them, it had also bridged the chasm that had been between them. Yet, after their reconciliation inside the fortress, there were few opportunities for them to steal some time together. Even so, just to be in each other's company and enjoy the repour they once had was enough to sate him. He found it was the little things, such as catching her staring at him while with the soldiers or grazing a hand or finger against him when no one was looking.
The moment the two were spotted on their mounts, the spectators lining the ramparts cheered wildly. He hated this sort of attention - any attention really, especially if Orlesians were involved. Part of him wished he had gone with Leliana, but Josephine had specifically mentioned he escorted the Inquisitor. It was his job after all, even if the Ambassador did not outline it for him in explicitly clear and concise terms: I kindly request that the Commander accompany the Inquisitor by her side, rather than blending into the ranks. I prefer to avoid any misunderstanding of his role in this victory. Furthermore, I would appreciate it if you could remind your valet to polish your armor. While engaging in battle is commendable, maintaining a proper appearance reflects positively on our collective image. And remember to wear a smile. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
"Wave and smile, Commander," Evelyn politely reminded him as they crested the hill making their way to the drawbridge. Her face was a serene façade paired with a bright smile as she began slipping into her role as Inquisitor. She lifted her marked hand to wave at those hanging off the crenellation, who they could just make out from their position. The decorative Inquisition golden-plated armor she was ordered to wear looked more like a red silk-blend formal gown with armor thrown over it. "What's wrong?" She elongated in a teasing tone as she threw a leg over her horse towards him to ride side saddle the remainder of the way. It was at times like these that he was reminded of her noble upbringing. While she complained at times, she mostly did as Josephine bid, knowing full well that each public appearance of hers was a different sort of battle.
"I'm simply trying to figure out how anyone would believe you fought in combat like that."
"Should we test it on the training grounds for fun later?" Her mirth was contagious and he ended up smiling.
"No need for a test, I could defeat you in one move."
"Oh?"
"I'd just pull your skirt over your head." Evelyn threw a surprised glance over at him as if he had just insulted her maiden virtue. "If I wrap it all about you, it'll catch on all those raised embellishments on that poor excuse for plating and you'll be packed in there like sausage."
She groaned, "Ugh, don't talk about food, I'm starving."
In an attempt to keep himself distracted from the many eyes staring at them as they approached the drawbridge, he inquired, "Didn't you eat at our last stop? I swore I saw you with a hunk of cheese the size of my fist as you headed into your tent to change."
She lowered an unamused glare at him, "Yes, but it was taken from me. My new lady's maid, Saphira, who Josephine sent along with the dress, is a stickler and seized it from me. She claimed I wouldn't fit in my corset if I ate it." Evelyn straightened her back and shoulders at the mention of the undergarment.
"I'm surprised the poor girl still retains her hand. I know how you get when you're hungry." He shook his head for emphasis.
They both bit back a laugh, "I did not maim her, Commander. And if you continue to tease me, I'll burn your pants off in front of the entirety of Skyhold."
"Maker's breath, isn't this bad enough," he said, motioning to the crowd as they crossed into the fortress. Thinking he was waving to them, many responded in kind making him awkwardly grab at the reigns while blushing. The two dismounted in practiced unison in the Lower Courtyard where Master Dennet's grooms were waiting to take their mounts. Offering her his arm, the two methodically made their way through the maze of congratulatory people.
"I wouldn't dare fluster you so, and besides, look. I think we have a bigger issue." As they walked up the long flights of steps to where the Ambassador stood, to their shock waited Queen Elissa Cousland, Warden-Commander of Ferelden, beside her. When they passed under the archway beneath where they stood and out of sight, they shared a knowing look. The Queen's ominous presence did not bode well, no doubt here about the displaced Grey Wardens. Noticing the tension in her jaw, his own flexed wondering what awaited them atop the next landing. Ascending the rest of the way, Josephine began her speech, first congratulating them on their victory before welcoming all the soldiers home. The queen was then introduced, though they had already met over a decade ago. Seeing her was…
Cullen swallowed hard trying to reign in his treacherous mind. He froze in his bow, and it wasn't until the Inquisitor's elbow nudged him that he rigidly stood at attention. Ignoring him, the queen addressed the gathering, but he was too busy trying to block out the screams of Kinloch Tower to bother understanding what she was saying. His breathing hastened as cold beads of sweat dotted his brow. A warmth shifted towards him, attempting to discreetly help tether him to reality. As he had done before, he picked apart the visions all the while concentrating on Evelyn's touch and smell hoping it would stop soon. Her dress fluttered over to him, grazing his fingers, which he grabbed feeling the smooth texture against his skin. The amount of scented oil she wore was overcompensating for the earthy musk from being in the field. It was a fact that he was grateful for at this moment, as he envisioned one of the demon's bloody carcass sacs. The spicy sweet smell banished it from his mind, revealing the lunacy of it smelling so nicely. He couldn't close his eyes, resorting to simply blinking away the hallucination because he was in front of the entirety of the Inquisition. Something like that would certainly be noticed, as would Evelyn's closeness, but better that than him ranting and raving publically. Calming, after what seemed like an eternity, the pattern of his breath slowed and he blinked dispelling the illusion around him for good.
Seemingly out of thin air, Leliana appeared on his other flank and protectively stood slightly in front of him as the Hero of Ferelden spun on her heel. Apparently, his brief lapse only lasted through her speech. "Elissa," the two nodded with a warm smile and Sister Nightingale guided her into the Great Hall alongside the Ambassador. The room had been cleared to give them some privacy with the queen, so the only ones walking about were the staff. Once inside the foyer, she spoke again turning to the couple behind them, "Inquisitor, there is an urgent message from Seeker Pentaghast here for you."
Handing the letter over and opening it with practiced speed, Evelyn gave a heavy sigh, "I should respond to this right away. Commander, I'll need your assistance as well. Please excuse us for a moment, Your Majesty."
"Josie, Elissa, and I will go on ahead. Meet us in Josie's office afterward." With a conspiratorial look to the Inquisitor, Leliana hooked arms with the queen chatting happily as they walked through the large hall.
Pushing him just to the side of the large doors out of sight, she studied him with soft concern, "Are you alright? It was her, wasn't it?" He nodded in response, unable to trust his voice. Still taking shallow breaths, she stood as a watchful guardian making sure they were not being observed as he composed himself. Satisfied, Evelyn took his arms and placed them around her hips, pulling his head down, supporting a third of his weight as he shut out the world for a moment. With his head turned to the side against her neck, her soft delicate skin dominated his sight and scent comforting him. Her hand rested on his out-turned ear muffling the sounds of the room, so all he could hear was her heartbeat. The moment of serenity she created, all the while swiveling her head on alert, was exactly what he needed. When he felt like himself, his hands gripped her middle and pushed up off her, unable to help deflating in shame. Stepping closer, her eyes scolded him, "None of that now."
Clearing his throat having no stomach to try and fight her, he motioned to the missive in her hand, "What did Cassandra say?"
Evelyn smiled smugly with a small chuckle, "Look for yourself." Passing him the note, all that was written on it was 'Take your time.' He should've known that Leliana had been aware of his episode, which explained her odd appearance out on the landing. Cullen exhaled forcefully, more angry at himself than anything. As if knowing his thoughts, the beautiful woman beside him slid her fingers along his jaw redirecting his gaze to her, "Don't you dare question being here. This had nothing to do with lyrium or your memory. We all care for you, and we are a team."
"But if I'm more trouble than I'm worth…"
Her finger jabbed him on the chestplate, "You have just planned and executed a successful siege against Adamant Fortress, Grey Wardens, demons, a dragon, and one deranged Venatori mage. Our losses were less than anything you had estimated, and the operation went according to plan… well, mostly, but you know I always like to make things more difficult for you." Her cheeky smile was bright, despite the lambent light of the corner they had tucked themselves into.
"I will admit, being swatted off the ramparts and opening a rift into the Fade was not something I anticipated. Would it kill you to be boring every once in a while?"
Unable to stop a full toothy grin, she leaned against him laughing, "Scared I'll give you more gray hair, Rutherford?"
He simply laughed along with her, "I'd be careful yourself, Trevelyan."
Pushing away, a look of horror was slapped on her face suddenly, as her eyes went wide. "You're joking, right? Cullen, tell me you're joking. I don't have gray hair. That's ridiculous… y-you know because of my mutation." She scoffed grumbling, "I don't have gray hair."
He began walking towards Josephine's office teasingly, "Don't we have a guest we need to placate?" Quickly following him, the rest of the way she muttered about her hair, but before they reached the door, he softly reassured her she wasn't graying, before opening the door for her. With a haughty look, she shrugged a shoulder at him with a 'I knew that.'
That was the end of their light banter as the mask of the Inquisitor was quickly donned as they joined the ladies sitting about in the Ambassador's office. An elegant seating area was arranged beside the large fireplace. It was as if Josephine squeezed all the trappings of a fashionable parlor into her rustic corner of the castle. Inquisition banners hung behind her desk on three of the walls, while on the fourth - beside the door - was one of the large golden murals the Inquisitor found displayed with a curated plaque. Above the fireplace were several other intriguing artifacts, no doubt to be strategically used as conversation starters with the visiting dignitaries.
"I apologize for the delay, Your Majesty. I trust these two have been entertaining you." There was not enough seating for the two of them, so naturally he offered Evelyn the seat while he paced about the office. After being on a horse for so long, his legs were restless, made only worse by his nervousness of looking upon the queen again. Perhaps if he kept himself distracted and just got used to her voice first, he could avoid another relapse. Looking about the room for a distraction, his eyes landed on the colorful arrangement brightening the Ambassador's desk. A fresh bouquet consisting of wildflowers from the outlying forest was placed in an expensive vase on the corner of her desk. After a bow to the queen in greeting once more, he moved to stand against the sturdy piece of furniture so he could still look as if he was engaged in the conversation.
"They have, Inquisitor, but today I'm here strictly as the Warden-Commander of Ferelden. As I've come to hear it from Arl Teagan, you are a woman of purpose, of which I can appreciate. Ambassador Montilyet has told us that you've saved a large number of our wayward brethren. I would very much like them released to me immediately."
"Commander," he picked his head up, "please have someone send for Ser Stroud. I believe he should be here for this."
"At once," he strode to the door, ordering one of the guards to find the man. He spoke to the Inquisitor on his way back to resume station beside the desk, "It may take some time for them to retrieve him from the training grounds, where our soldiers readied an area for them to be quartered. No doubt he's there." A glance from her told him to be on guard as she broke the news to Warden-Commander Cousland of the true extent of what had happened at Adamant. Leaning once more against it, he bumped it a tad too hard and a note fell from the flowers.
As it lay open, Cullen did a double-take as he read the short note that was hidden within it. Instinctually, he gazed up at Josephine, who seemed to blush at his stare. Realizing that he had just made the terrible mistake of getting himself involved in something of a personal nature, he blinked a few times as if it'd dispel the words of Blackwall's chivalrous poem from his memory. Unfortunately, his traitorous mind found itself stuck on fathoming the possibility of the odd pairing: Lady Montilyet and Blackwall?
"Before he arrives, there is a delicate matter we should discuss," thankfully disrupting his inappropriate and irrelevant train of thought. He pushed off the desk to reposition himself just at the Inquisitor's back and slightly to the side. Cullen watched the exchange of looks as Evelyn gave a pointed one to Leliana, who was seated beside the Hero. Turning slightly more to face her on the loveseat, the Spymaster's face was set forebodingly in a frown. "Before the battle, we came across something that could cause public outrage against the Wardens." Holding his breath, he peered up to finally gaze upon their prestigious visitor.
The queen didn't blink, but stared hard at Evelyn, "By all means, do not spare me. I'm well accustomed to bad news."
Observing these two women was like witnessing the final match of the Grand Tourney: The Hero of Ferelden versus the Inquisitor; the latter being the slightly younger up-and-coming challenger. Both of noble lineage, they seemed to be on equal ground when it came to intelligence having a wealth of experience with politics. Cullen found a number of similar characteristics between the two which was slightly unsettling, as he was still trying to repress the disquiet of his mind. Their brown eyes were sharp and perceptive constantly scanning each other for the slightest twitch. Both had striking features, with looks leaning more toward alluring than conventionally pretty as one would suspect from high-borns. The Warden-Commander had a notable scar crossing her high cheekbone, whereas Evelyn's made her look fiercer especially when she set her jaw. The only advantage each woman held was that Elissa was indeed a queen, and Evelyn was surrounded by her advisors.
"Very well," the Inquisitor rested both arms out on the plush chair, "before the battle at Adamant, we found a mass grave of bodies of those the Warden mages were sacrificing, and unfortunately… they were not all Wardens."
The queen placed her cup and saucer down without a clink, "I see." There was a pause as she was clearing thinking over the implications. "And who is all privy to this information?" Her hands folded neatly in her lap as she calmly waited.
"Just my advisors here and some of the Spymaster's agents. Not even Ser Stroud is aware."
Elissa's piercing eyes flitted around to all of them in turn, not moving her head, "And you are planning to keep this a secret?"
Evelyn nodded, "It is one thing to sacrifice members of your own order, it is another to waste the lives of those uninitiated and innocent while under the direction of a Tevinter Magister. If word were to get out, I'm not sure blaming it all on Lord Erimond will sate public outrage."
At that, the Warden-Commander's tough exterior finally succumbed to the seriousness of the revelation. Glancing at Leliana with fondness, no doubt knowing it was she who counseled discretion, Elissa's facial muscles softened, "You were right to withhold this information. I hope you would agree that Thedas cannot survive without the Grey Wardens." The Inquisitor nodded easing out of her own tough mask. "As it stands, peace has never been kind to our order. We always seem to find trouble in our vigilance, be it through the Elder One's treachery or our own. I'm sure Leliana has told you we are struggling to maintain our numbers as it is, a fact that few know as well. As the news of the Battle of Adamant spreads, it will make that task even more difficult. Clarel was a good woman, but it seems history will blacken her name despite the complexity of the truth. The loss of all the Orleasian mages is a devastating blow to us along with the other casualties. Yet, I have been assured again by Arl Teagan and Lady Montilyet that you laid siege with the intention of saving as many as you could." Elissa's demeanor was more accusatory now, wanting to be certain.
The Warden-Commander looked at him then at the Inquisitor, but her resolve didn't waver, "I assure you, and the Commander here can contest, that I made sure both Warden Blackwall and Stroud were able to negotiate a surrender with every soldier possible. The mages had been possessed by demons and we both know that is as unfortunate as it is irreversible."
Feeling the need to validate her words, Cullen found his voice, "Let us not forget that it was Warden-Commander Clarel who allowed this corruption in their ranks. We simply responded to the threat, without the aid of Emperor Gaspard or the other Grey Warden of Thedas."
Squinting at him, the Hero of Ferelden looked him over skeptically. No doubt if Leliana had been corresponding with her about key members of the Inquisition she mentioned the incident involving him at Kinloch Tower. "You are not wrong, Commander, but politics between Ferelden and Orlais have always been tumultuous, be it between monarchs or Wardens. There is no Blight, so our entry into Orlais would've been met with hostility. Emperor Gaspard will have no foreign armies cross his border for any reason, except for the Inquisition it seems. The late Empress Celene was much more diplomatic, cooperative, and understanding of the importance of preserving our lands, but once Gaspard rebuilds his empire, there will be a great war." Her ominous words made his gut uneasy at the prospect of another war between the two neighboring kingdoms - one being his homeland. She turned her attention back on Evelyn now, "You, Inquisitor, have guaranteed the coming storm by placing him on the throne."
Cullen held his breath as his love scoffed at the queen, which made him realize the kind of job he'd have in the future should she mouth off to the wrong person. Especially if she had no qualms about snubbing a queen of all… Maker's breath, she was the Hero of Ferelden! As they conversed, he went through a mental checklist of how well-equipped he would be if Elissa decided to lash out at the insult. "Given my choices between him and Ambassador Briala, I chose stability." Elissa seemed thoughtful as she listened, "Briala harbored loyalty to no one, not even Orlais. If she ascended the throne, another civil war would've broken out that very night, and one that would see the elves of Thedas targeted. It would've resulted in a war of race, one that would've spread beyond the borders - into your borders to be precise. Ailenages would rise up and rivers of blood would run through the streets of Ferelden's cities." Evelyn paused, "At least with Gaspard he's the monster you know and there are diplomatic measures that you can take to protect your people. Not to mention the fact, that his military experience and reputation alone will hold Tevinter at bay from invading the south. Either way, he's weak right now, giving you the time to consider your options."
Surprisingly, the queen chuckled, making all the advisors shoot relieved glances at each other. "You speak true, Inquisitor. It's nice to meet a woman who stands by her decisions."
"Evelyn, please."
"Elissa," the Hero fired back, but looked to Leliana, "I have to say, when you insisted I come to meet the Herald months ago, I had no idea she'd be so reasonable. I expected some Chantry zealot, spewing the lies the hidden powers of the world want us to, to keep the sheep in line. I can see now why they are beginning to fear her influence." Cullen watched Evelyn visibly swallow. He remembered back to how anxious she was after Haven was destroyed when it was just Corypheus she had to worry about, but now others were wishing to undermine her. Feeling his heart beat faster at the thought of the unseen dangers, he couldn't help but place his hand on the pommel of his sword. "I would very much like to know your thoughts on several subjects, Evelyn."
"And who is I'd be speaking with: the queen, the Warden, or the Hero of Ferelden?"
She shook her head, "None of them. You'd speak with Elissa Cousland." The Phoenix snorted a laugh at the sentiment and even he felt his facial muscles twitch. "I'm interested to see if we share any common goals, ones that would benefit Ferelden and the Inquisition. I may not be able to aid you as openly as politics allow us to, but your Spymaster knows how to farrier messages back and forth without raising suspicion."
"That certainly piques my interest." There was a knock on the door, and in walked Ser Stroud. The queen leaned forward lowering her voice, but Cullen was too distracted by the interruption that all he was able to separate from Stroud's heavy intonation echoing through the chamber was Evelyn's reply of, 'Dinner it is.' After the introductions, their friendly chat returned to one of formal business, "Ser Stroud, The Warden-Commander has offered to provide the Orlesian Wardens with refuge. What say you?"
Stroud seemed slightly taken back, "That is extremely generous, of our Ferelden brothers and sisters. Thank you, Warden-Commander." He turned back to the Inquisitor, "If it's alright with Your Worship, I'd like to accept the offer. The Inquisition has done enough to help the Grey Wardens, I'd hate to keep imposing on you when you have the Elder One to defeat."
"I will grant the request and defer judgment of the Wardens to its highest-ranking members under one stipulation… that should the Inquisition require the services of Wardens in its fight against Corypheus, that you answer my call." Evelyn's words quieted the room, as the Warden-Commander thought it over for any pitfalls. Cullen thought her terms were more than fair, even too lenient given the consequences of what may have happened if the Inquisition failed. Yet, he understood not wanting to get the Inquisition involved in the messy politics of dealing out "justice" in whatever form that took. He could hear the uproar now of how the Inquisitor thought herself so mighty as to surpass the authority of all but the Maker Himself. Thinking back to the queen alluding to enemies abound waiting for their chance to strike, who would seize the opportunity in this case? The decision to leave the judgment of Wardens to Wardens was both practical and prudent. As far as the Inquisition was concerned, this was the best possible option to pair its military strength with its diplomatic prowess.
Queen Elissa studied Evelyn with an air of uncertainty, "That's all the Inquisition would ask of us?"
The Inquisitor looked at each one of her advisors for approval. The ladies just sat back and nodded content with the terms, and as nothing more came to mind, he set his jaw and gave a firm nod as well. They had discussed it, but never settled on a course of action, and with Elissa's surprise visit, Evelyn was forced to make this decision alone. "I speak for all of us when I say that the Elder One and his army are a threat to everyone, but the powers that be seem to be leaving it all up to us to deal with - no offense meant to you personally, Your Majesty. Yet, they will gripe that we are becoming too powerful without an elected Divine to steward us. The way I see it," Evelyn sat back tenting her hands, "I don't care if I have their permission to do what must be done to save the world. Something I'm sure you can appreciate." She directed the comment at the queen who smirked. "What I would like is to have allies who we can trust and who trust us in return to do the right thing by the people of Thedas when immediate action is called for."
"Isn't that what we Wardens do, save the world? Or in this case, help save the world." Elissa glanced at Stroud who gave her a suave nod. "We accept the Inquisition's terms. If you call Inquisitor, we will come."
With a smug expression, she looked up at him contently though the others would have trouble seeing it at the angle they were at. "Commander, would you have some soldier assist them in reading themselves to leave…?" she turned from him to the others, waving her hand in question.
"Tomorrow, if we can manage it. At least the men would have the rest of today to rest before having to set out once more."
"Very good," he bowed to the women and took Stroud with him, "To work?" Grateful for the distraction and an excuse if the Ambassador requested his presence at dinner, the two men walked to his office to work out the particulars. Evelyn seemed to have things well in hand with the queen, whom he hoped he never had the pleasure of seeing again.