Warning: Sexual content after the break.
After a long day of getting the operation to the Arbor Wilds off and running with the looming 'three-day' timeline, Evelyn decided it was time to excuse herself from coordinating allies with Josephine and spend what little time she had left with her family. Owayne had been keeping them company in the meantime, but she just couldn't find an opportune moment to escape without feeling guilty about the amount of work she had just heaped upon her advisors – namely the Commander.
"Josie," she whispered, bending down beside her at the grand Ambassador's desk. Evelyn eyed her staff hurrying about in a flurry of papers, ribbons, and quills, making sure none could overhear them, "I know you're a responsible woman and can take care of yourself, but Cullen isn't during times like this, and I'd bet coin on the fact that he hasn't stopped to eat today. Would you mind if I stepped out to see how he's faring? Or more likely, tie him to a chair and force him to eat."
The Antivan laughed lightly, "Your help was invaluable today, Evelyn, thank you. Please, go and see to him, I'm sure your presence alone will be distraction enough for him to take a break."
"I think you overestimate his dedication to his mistress named duty, but I will try." With a wink and a knowing smile, Evelyn made her way to Cullen's tower.
Inside, it was what she suspected as she snuck in and leaned against the wall to observe the Commander's expert orchestration. He worked diligently from his desk between sips of coffee, having sorted several piles of parchment about. Loren was vetting all messengers, directing them to the pile in which the note needed to be placed. Rylen stood steadfast at Cullen's side offering him quiet conferences about decisions and such, as well as conferring with the lower-ranked officers coming in with questions. It was a familiar cadence that he and his staff fell into, and a punishing pace was set from the top. If it weren't for the doors constantly swinging on their hinges, his office would've smelt like sweat and steel with all the people crammed in it.
When she was finally spotted by Loren, the dwarf stuttered her step at her unexpected presence, "Inquisitor!" The busy hive of soldiers stopped and turned to her, quickly pounding a salute to their hearts.
What she really wanted to do was dismiss them all, but that was up to the Commander, knowing how sensitive he got when she did that when there was work to be done. As selfish as she'd like to be, Corypheus wasn't going to sit back and allow her the luxury of handling the family's affairs.
Rylen offered her one of his signature smirks, rolling his eyes at his commanding officer for bending back over his desk to work rather than paying a woman proper attention. "What's the status here, Knight-Captain?"
"Better than expected, Inquisitor."
"We're behind," grumbled the Commander, still not having looked up. He held out a paper and a runner quickly grabbed it from him and rushed out the door.
"Requisitions have been placed, the Rangers – as we call the expeditionary force – have been mustered, ravens have been sent to all our camps to secure the road for the army, and supplies and equipment are readyin' for transport. Aye, we are in good shape!"
"We are in poor shape," again, Cullen dryly added, "we require more wagons for transporting supplies, reports from Leliana's scouts have yet to arrive describing the Wilds' current conditions, and Sera has…" he trailed off with a huff.
"Sera has what?" Evelyn curiously asked. Rylen coughed trying to hide a laugh, but his face flushed anyway.
Cullen flashed him a scowl, his own face reddening for a different reason, "It's not funny."
Unable to hold it in, his second burst out a chesty chuckle, "Yes, it bloody is!" Smiling along with him, Evelyn shrugged still waiting to hear what mischief her elven companion had caused this time.
With a sigh, the Commander moved the books and papers around his maps of the Arbor Wilds. She hadn't noticed until now that he had covered certain parts and land features purposely. As he revealed them, Evelyn embarrassingly choked on her spit at the sight. All over his maps were crude drawings of various individuals and their exaggerated anatomy helping to mark all the area's landmarks from mountains to lakes. Even the dense jungle was used creatively. She looked up with tears in her eyes, and meeting Rylen's gaze, the two nearly rolled on the floor in roaring laughter. It wasn't so much at the artistry itself, but the Commander's abundant vexation over it.
"What's the matter, Cullen, who wouldn't want to stare at a Qunari with a bosom like that!" She couldn't help herself, willing to endure his disapproving glare. Soldiers dropping off reports bit their lips as she and Rylen made colorful commentary on the various scenes.
Breaking up their laughter, the Commander's voice boomed around the tower, "It will take ages for me to acquire new maps of an unexplored forest in the arse-end of Thedas!"
"Hmm," she made a show of studying the map, "I don't think that an arse, Commander…" When she glanced up, she could see he was at his wit's end; his anger making him fiercely handsome. "Rylen, kindly dismiss everyone for the evening. They can report back in first thing tomorrow, that goes for you too."
"Aye, Inquisitor," he nodded then stepped in front of the desk, "All ye are dismissed! Ya have yer orders, finish out yer task, and report back here early tomorrow!" When everyone was gone, he bid the two of them good evening and left, still chuckling out the door.
When she turned back to Cullen he was angrily pouting, "Oh come now, don't be mad. Look, you can still see the forest trail, she made it a vein on that huge—"
"Eve!"
She pursed her lips together in amusement, making her way over to him, "You poor thing. Come on, it's time you take a break anyway for dinner. I did promise my father we'd both be there since we hadn't time to visit with them."
He sighed, his glum mood unaffected, "From the planning of one battle to the fighting of another, although this time we are throwing words, not weapons, about."
Cupping his face, she kissed him playfully trying to get a reaction out of him while he sulked. The pyromancer stroked his face and hair all while trailing her affection over him. When she, at last, pulled a smile from him – along with affectionately being called a 'pain the arse' – she ceased her ministrations to hold his mantle firmly by the ends so he couldn't look anywhere but into her eyes. "You've already won that battle," his eyebrow cocked up in question, "I'm yours already."
The Ferelden shook his head, "Your father has to approve of me."
"No he doesn't, and he knows that. He's here to get to know you, not test you." Pulling on his arm, the two began the trek back into the Main Keep with two Mabaris in tow. When they entered the rotunda, Evelyn lowered her voice, "My father did say he was impressed with you last night."
His brow creased slightly, "What for?"
"He said you had little care to all else, including properly addressing him when my note reached you. He said he knew then and there that it was far more than duty that was driving you."
He stopped abruptly, the golden light from the sconces caught on the dust motes floating about. Cullen spun on her with some intensity, "I love you, Eve. Nothing else matters."
"And what of Corypheus?" Her smitten gaze had a cheekiness to it. They made their way into the Great Hall, still in close confidence but not touching each other anymore. Their honored guests watched them carefully, parting to make them a path with polite bows.
He huffed, taking on a joking yet serious tone, "Yes, Inquisitor, I would be grateful if you'd just kill the blighted bastard already so I can get on with what's left of my life."
Heading to where her family had been gathering in one of the Ambassador's salons, "Why, Commander, do you have big plans I'm keeping you from?"
"Yes, actually." She cocked an eyebrow up at him amused. "I've met someone who I wish to impose on for the rest of her life." Evelyn schooled her expression, but his endearing words were making it difficult.
Her eyes floated about the sea of nobles watching them, trying to listen in to pick up any little gem they could. Josephine had told them to keep away from each other to let the rumor mill find something else to fixate on, but this new information he was sharing was just too good to resist. He didn't seem bothered by their stares either, more worried about her reaction than theirs.
To their left was a poorly concealed conversation between two nobles. "Perhaps there will be gowns," the woman's velvety voice implied.
The Orlesian man answered, "The signs are there. They'll be sewing in Val Royeaux even now."
"They are fools for it. As am I."
Evelyn spared a moment to wonder if they were talking about them, but unconvinced, returned to the Commander's bold omission. Leaving the stuffy and over-perfumed hall behind in favor of the serenity of the garden, they made their way to one of the private salons Josephine used for entertaining Skyhold's guests.
Pushing open the door quietly, they were met by hearing Rhiannon's boasting, "Ariella's wedding will be the talk of the Free Marches! Lord Trumbull is sparing no expense! All of Tantervale will be celebrating a most fortuitous union between our families."
Owayne rolled his eyes, kicking his legs up on the expensive furnishings, "Good thing Evie sent that letter to Lord Trumbull. Though I don't believe Ariella ever thanked her for saving the union." Seeing that they had entered, he winked at her but kept their presence a secret.
"What are you talking about, Owayne?" Their mother clanked down her tea.
Her brother smiled mischievously, "Would you like to tell her or can I?" At that, Rhiannon and Drexford turned to see they had arrived.
"Go on, Owayne, she wouldn't believe me anyway." Dragging Cullen along by the arm, she mirrored her sibling's smug grin.
"I see this is still going on," Lady Trevelyan grumbled, pointing to the two of them.
Drexford fixed a chastising glare at her before greeting them pleasantly. "Evie," her father kissed her cheek, then extended his hand to the man on her arm, "Cullen, glad you could both join us."
"It was not easy to get away, and unfortunately Cullen and I will be busy with the coming operation. We," she gestured at Owayne, "will be leaving in three days for the Arbor Wilds." At its mention, he slumped further down in his seat with a groan.
"How long will you be visiting there for?" Rhiannon brought the porcelain cup to her lips, her eyes blinking off as if bored.
Evelyn wanted to spill it in her lap, her face tensing, "More like battling, mother, for weeks, maybe months."
"What?! You will be missing Ariella's wedding?! I told everyone you were coming… they expect to meet the Inquisitor in person!"
"Then I suggest you write to Corypheus and ask him to hold off on destroying the world while I attend my adoring sister's wedding. Do you not remember me being stabbed by his lackey at the Winter Palace? No, of course not! And Ariella has yet to speak to me since I entered the Circle. For a sister whose good fortune in landing Lord Trumbull is due to my intervention, she has some nerve to invite me and act like dear friends." Her mother's eye widened in shock and her hand went to her heart briefly as was a habit in her theatrics.
"Aww, Evie! You said I could tell her?!"
"Sorry, Owayne, if you want, you can tell her Cullen and I are officially and secretly courting." She laughed at her brother's expense, and he stuck his tongue out at her. Her poor Commander simply remained stiff, standing out like a tall golden beacon amongst the brunettes.
"Drexford?! You knew all this?!"
The Bann sipped his tea, completely unsympathetic to his wife's dismay, "Mmhmm. I approve, wholeheartedly." Evelyn elbowed her love's ribs as if to say 'told you so.'
With a huff, Rhiannon stood facing her daughter, having to look up into her face due to the height difference, "Evelyn, you have influence to better your family. Why are you settling for a commoner? He can give you nothing."
Even though she knew this was coming – had prepared for it – hearing the words tumble without care from her callous mother after Ryker, after everything, broke what little tolerance she had for the woman who bore her. The heat of her fury blazed forth putting the fear of the Maker in the Lady, but before she could breathe a breath of fire, Cullen's hand tightened on her arm.
"If I may interject," it was a stern command directed at the Trevelyan women. Both clamped their mouths shut to look at him, but his gaze was directed at the pyromancer with flaming eyes. "I believe we can settle this without burning a new hole in Skyhold." A pointed, yet commiserating, look was aimed at the mage. Slowly, she felt the snarl on her face relax the longer she gazed into his amber eyes, whose intensity had softened. He took her by the hand, "I don't want you to constantly feel like you need to defend my station. I'm capable of it myself, civilly."
With a snobby once over, her mother yielded to him, "You do yourself credit, Commander." She waved a flippant hand about, "It's nothing personal, for you are perfectly agreeable, you just lack the proper station to be eligible for my daughter's hand."
Evelyn growled, "I'm only 'your daughter' when I'm useful to you."
The Commander pinched the bridge of his nose, then turned to the Bann, "I've acquired a piece of property in Southern Ferelden." The room quieted, and Evelyn suddenly felt numb, her jaw dropping of its own accord. "It's a large tract of land outside of South Reach. It's wild, having never been claimed, and rich in lumber. The Arl is in need of forestry services so I made a bid on the land with the intention of starting a business."
Her father nodded, looking between them, "That is a sound plan, and there will be ample opportunities in that line of work. Everyone needs wood in some capacity. What's your timeframe—"
"You bought land?" Evelyn's soft awestruck voice halted the discussion, "You bought us land?" Cullen's brow creased in concern searching her eyes desperately for a hint as to how she was about to react. She turned away from him walking away a few paces, stopping to let the words sink in.
Her mind was having difficulty grasping onto thoughts as they swirled around in her head. Every choice she had was taken from her upon entering the Circle was null and void. Every hope and dream of the future that slumbered in her heart awoke with a vengeance.
A dizzying excitement overtook her, and she spun bounding into Cullen's arms. Catching her, he was still caught off guard, stumbling back a few paces flopping down on one of Josephine's dainty armchairs, splintering it apart under their weight. Their legs kicked up upon impact, but in the commotion, she found his scarred lips with an unconcealable smile.
"Happy news! Perhaps we give them a moment," Owayne ushered their parents out of the door.
Parting, cheeks burning red, he seized the opportunity, "So, you're not angry?"
She shook her head adamantly, "No! Cullen… you bought us land!" Up until now, she didn't think herself capable of acting as giddy as Ilara.
"What about everything else? Income and— well, I really didn't get to explain the rest before you tackled me."
She thumbed his cheek, and her braided ponytail slid off her shoulder pooling on his, "You're having one rough night, aren't you?"
"That's a fair assessment." He groaned, arching up to pull a piece of the chair out from under his back.
"You know what will make everyone feel better? If I put my mother in the cells." She rose to her knees, "I'll call the guards—"
He chuckled, pulling her back down, speaking against her lips, "She only objects to my station, perhaps I can charm her over dinner."
Evelyn stiffened, "That's about the only thing that'd make me lose my appetite. It's like befriending a blighted genlock. But you are very charming." She rolled her hips into his groin, "And you're a notable man with land now, you're just missing a wife."
"Defeat Corypheus and I'll have that too."
Popping up and helping him to his feet, she made for the door, mark sputtering green light, "Fuck dinner then, I'm leaving now to kill that ancient arsehole!" Opening the door, they shared a laugh as the others joined them again.
The rest of the evening progressed well. To her immense satisfaction, her father genuinely enjoyed Cullen's company speaking of everything from family to military endeavors. Her father's constant desire to practice the latest in martial strategy with his cavalry spurred a spirited conversation between the two, concluding in an invitation to the family estate to see their operation in case the Inquisition wanted to field mounted units.
Despite her mother's backhanded remarks at times. To Cullen's credit, he handled her mother frighteningly well, making her wonder about this hidden talent of charming potential mothers-in-law. Rhiannon had a weakness for strong handsome men – Henley always being on the receiving end of her flirting – and the way she eyed her Commander was thankfully not as aggressive as she knew she could be. That was likely due to the fact that she was bound to turn her nose up at anything her youngest daughter liked. There was a silver lining to their spite after all.
***
As the evening of the third day was upon them, Cullen received an urgent summons from the Inquisitor to come to her quarters. Having a few last-minute things to discuss with her regarding the operation, he gave the reins over to Loren and headed up to see Evelyn. He knocked once and pushed in, jogging up the steps.
"Inquisitor— Maker's breath!"
Evelyn was naked lying on the bed, her curves melting into the silk sheets. Her sultry voice and smile floated over to him, "Good you're here, I was wondering what was keeping you." Sitting up, her two-toned hair fell like mahogany and golden silk down her shoulders and back.
He swallowed hard, holding the paper in his hand up, "Um, the list of…" Sliding off the bed he watched entranced by her nakedness. No matter how many times they had been intimate, the sight of her wiped his mind of all other thoughts leaving him breathless. In fact, he could hardly remember a time when she wasn't an utter distraction.
Taking the paper out of his hand, she tossed it aside not looking away from his gaze, "You've been overworking yourself. You need a break." Her hands slid up to circle his neck and her warm scarred body pressed against him, making her 'oh' when she felt his cold chestplate. Undeterred she pulled him down into a searing kiss, tangling her tongue in his. With him right where she wanted him, Cullen heard the clicks and pulls of his armor being taken off, though he was surprised it didn't just melt off with the heat pulsing between them.
He cleared his throat, "I've already forgotten why I came up here." Normally it would worry him, brushing off a task or thinking his mind was failing him, but he was certain the reason for his forgetfulness was her.
Evelyn smiled against his lips, "Good! I suppose I don't need to tie you down to the bed, you'll come willingly?" With pieces of armor clanging to the floor, he pulled off his gloves to run his hands up her body. The world around them melted away as her vanilla and embrium scent relaxed him. His mouth traveled down to her peaked nipples made so by the touch of his cold plates. As his shirt was thrown over his head, the momentary separation gave him the room to push her back towards the bed, but she resisted, "No, no, I'm in command tonight, my lion."
He quirked an eyebrow, "Oh you are?" His playful challenge was met by the strings of his pants being torn open and Evelyn eyeing him as she slid down his body.
"Yes, I am," she murmured against his tented smalls. Using her teeth she slid them down to free him, letting out a hot breath upon the sensitive flesh.
Her tongue licked from shaft to tip, making him suck in a sharp breath. His stomach muscles tightened watching her work her mouth on him. She grasped his ass and thighs as he pushed farther into her mouth, unable to resist the way she knew exactly what he liked. The rolling and flicking of her tongue, then the look on her face when she popped off for air and used her hand made his legs quake. The heat of her breath and the pressure from the suction caused his release to come too quickly, having overwhelmed his senses from the start.
Cullen filled her mouth with a grunt, but some escaped having not been ready for it, dripping out the side of her mouth. Standing with a blissful hum, she made a show of swallowing it. With one of his fingers, he slid the spend that escaped her between her lips and she sucked on his fingers, seemingly still wanting to have him in her mouth. Evelyn was continually finding ways to show him how much she wanted him and every part of him, leaving him with no doubt about how much he desired him.
"Cullen…" she moaned with a pout when he took back his digits, but it was a short-lived disappointment as she stepped her back a few paces to push her flat on the bed. Her legs dangled off the bed, and it was his turn to kneel.
As always, he began by paying his respects to the long scar he left on her leg months ago. A small sultry laugh floated in the air as she knew what he was doing. Evelyn repeatedly told him to stop feeling guilty about it, but it had become something of an inside joke between them.
Despite having been satisfied, his vigor was returning as he pleasured her. Aroused and wet, the flat drag of his tongue stoked the heat of her mana. It pulsed with her every breath and her hips pushed into him greedily. When he speared her through the folds, she cried out, arching her back and grabbing at the covers above her head. Holding her to his face he nipped and sucked at her, watching her come undone. She was a beautiful mess of long limbs expressly writhing in euphoric bliss at his direction.
When it ceased, she lazily held her arms up, beckoning him to come to her. He chuckled, draping his body over hers. Pushing some of her locks out of the way, her lust-leaden smile was a vision, though he crashed into it a moment later shattering it with a kiss. Her pink lips were swollen, making it easier for him to tug and suck on. As they kissed her hands roamed about, stopping to trace the scars scored in his side and back, but as she became aware of his second wind, they went to teasing him.
"Insatiable you are, my lion." Rising, he sat back on his knees as she turned on hers to grasp the headboard. With her back arched like a cat and her heat spread for him, she gazed back at him, "Don't hold back."
"Eve…"
"You need this. We are going to battle. Fuck, I need it too." They stared at each other, words not needing to be said. They were tense and stressed, and, Maker forbid, they could lose each other in the coming days. There were no guarantees; never were in battle, a fact both of them were well aware of.
Had Evelyn not lived the life of a Knight-Enchanter, their last night together might have been more tender, full of sweet moments to draw from when alone in his field tent having to keep up the ruse. But she wasn't and didn't want gentle caresses under the blankets. No, instead she white-knuckled the headboard needing something to overpower her nerves; something that would make them feel alive in case this was their last night together. Pushing such horrid thoughts away, he knew she was right.
"If I get too rough—"
"You won't. Don't spare me—"
"I won't," and he spanked her hard making her mewl to punctuate his point. He dipped himself into her, wanting to start slow. Her tight muscle walls were always a marvel to him. Holding her by the hips, he began to quicken his pace making her arch deeper into his thrusts.
Her loud moans echoed off the stone walls of her chamber, "Yes, harder!" At her request, he slammed into her with more than he ever had. Her arms trembled against his strength, fighting to keep her in place. Evelyn's praise and urging not to relent had him at a euphoric yet punishing pace. Sweat began to dot his brow as he fucked her like a madman, chasing their release.
The bed shook beneath them as the tension brimmed at the surface. Evelyn's muscles were starting to flutter and her limbs her shaking as she withstood his onslaught. Her hardened stance was beginning to waver as her muscles surrendered to the explosive sensation. When she came, her melodic voice rang in his ears while she clamped down on his cock. The devastation she brought upon him was swift though and he stuttered a few more hard thrusts into her, emptying himself in her.
Cullen felt as though he was as made of air, as his muscles burning with a warm numbness. After pulling out soaked in cum, Evelyn collapsed with a moan on her stomach and he fell in beside her. "Maker, are you alright?"
A bright lazy smile spread on her face as she turned towards him, "Yeah, you?" Her breathy response had him mirroring her.
"Yeah," he stretched his arms over his head, listening to their panting for a few minutes.
When their bodies had recovered slightly, making several jokes about not being able to feel their limbs, they rolled to embrace each other. Their foreheads rested together as they pulled themselves as close as humanly possible. Even as amazing as he felt, the battle ahead still loomed over them.
"Eve," she hummed and gazed up at him, her lively brown eyes like a comforting hearth, "I need you to know that I love you."
"I already know that, you silly man."
"No, I mean, I need you to know it with every fiber of your being and promise me, you'll come back to me."
She cupped his face, "Nothing will stop me from it. You made us a future!" Sealing her vow with a kiss, she added, "I love you, Cullen Stanton Rutherford. I will always come back to you so long as you're always waiting for me."
"Always. Though you'll be the one waiting for me once you get to Orlais. I promise I will not keep you waiting long, not like what happened in the Emprise du Lion." The thought made him grip her tighter remembering the state he found her in.
"We made a promise to do everything together, remember? Ancient Tevinter Magister arse-kickings and all." They smiled, and he took comfort in her confidence.
Through the rest of the night, Cullen couldn't help hoping that this could be it; the final battle. A little over a year they had been fighting Corypheus, yet this time felt as if it had a touch of destiny to it. Something was stirring, he felt it in his gut. It was all or nothing; there was no room for error.
One thing that was certain, and that was if this was indeed it, the first chance he got he was going to get down on one knee and seal their future. Together.