The Pursuit of Excellence

By: Alabaster Crow

Chapter 5: The Unexpected

Cullen stood in the corridor watching her go, as he reflected on what a wonderful morning it had thus been. He was therefore startled to hear someone clear their throat behind him.

"Commander?"

He turned to find Blackwall silhouetted in front of the arched doorway.

The large Gray Warden nodded and made a small bow. "Ah, Commander; I'm glad to have run into you. A contingent of Fereldan Wardens has just arrived. Please allow me to present the Commander of the Gray; Marine Amell."

Cullen's heart stuttered violently as a small, lythe woman stepped out of the larger Warden's shadow.

"Commander," she addressed him. "I am here due to an urgent matter. Please, I must speak with the Inquisitor as soon as possible."

She may not have recognized him, but although the backlighting kept her features in shadow, Cullen would know her anywhere. As he'd feared, his pride over the morning's events had been met with a comeuppance from the maker...

Affecting a composure he did not truly possess, he bowed and addressed her. "Commander Amell; it has been far too many years," he said, stepping close enough to see her features and make himself clear to her. "I will escort you to Lady Trevelyan."

"Cullen? By the Maker; it is you, isn't it?" she exclaimed, looking him up and down. "It is wonderful to see you looking well!"

"You never mentioned knowing The Hero of Fereldan," Blackwall interjected. "I must admit to being impressed."

"Thank you, Serah. Please would you ask the Inquisitor to meet us in the war room?"

"Of course, Commander. Commander." With a small bow to each of them, Blackwall headed up the corridor.

Once they were alone, Cullen was surprised at his lack of nervousness. Moving another step closer, he met Amrine's gaze and smiled fondly down at her. "Well met. It is good to see you as well. Please, before I take you to the Inquisitor, allow me to address a grievous oversight on my part."

"Cullen, there is nothing..."

He held up a hand, forestalling her. "Please, Amrine, let me finish." At her nod, he continued, "Thank you for saving me. Thank you for saving my life and the lives of all those in the Harrowing Chamber that day."

Taking her hand, he bent over it and rested his forehead to the back of it. "When last we met, I was full of hate, fear and self-loathing. I was not myself, but thanks to you, I've had the opportunity to make myself a better man than ever I was before."

Stepping back, he continued to hold her hand as he kissed her knuckles. "It has been an honor knowing you, my lady."

Her eyes, when he lifted his head, were huge. A tear rolled slowly down her cheek. "Oh Cullen, I am so very glad. I knew that the good man I'd come to care for was still in there, even when you were at your most disagreeable. Please believe me when I say I would brave those demons again, and more, in order to rescue you. You were the only person in that place that made living there bearable."

Suddenly feeling melancholy, he nodded. "I… have missed you. I hope that you are well, and as happy as circumstance will allow. Perhaps later we may have a chance to talk at greater length?"

She nodded. "I am well and happy, and I would like nothing better than to be able to catch up with you."

He smiled once more, as he returned her hand to her. "Good, and now please let me escort you to Lady Trevelyan. We should not keep her waiting."

Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, Amrine Amell, the Hero of Fereldan, smiled and followed her one time crush through the unfamiliar corridors.

The walk to the War room was a silent one, with Amrine following in his wake and taking in her surroundings with interest.

Cullen found himself reflecting on the very different roads that had led them both here, and how, back at the circle tower, neither of them could possibly have imagined that their lives would turn out this way.

Leliana was waiting for them in the war room, and upon seeing her, Amrine ran into her waiting embrace.

"It is so wonderful to see you again, Leliana!" she exclaimed as they hugged tightly.

"And you as well," Leliana replied. "I only wish it could be under better circumstances. I am right in assuming that there is a disaster in the making, am I not?"

They'd each drawn back enough to look each other in the eye, but their hands remained clasped together between them.

Amell's lips twisted in a smirk. "I could never hide anything from you," she admitted. "We'd best wait for the others to join us before I elaborate further on the situation."

"Certainly. So tell me; how is Alistair these days? Still a walking fortress, or has his love of cheese finally caught up with him?"

Amrine laughed. "Oh he's as formidable as ever," she finally replied. "He was never able to let his training fall by the wayside. If anything, he's scarier than ever in a fight. By the by; there is a chance you may be seeing him soon as he is currently leading the rest of my troops in Orzammar."

Cullen jolted upon hearing that. "What? The King is in Orzammar; with rifts and Darkspawn menacing the Frostbacks and Dales? Surely it is too dangerous to risk our monarch's presence?"

"Believe me, Cullen; it is no way around it. Contrary to what anyone might think, he considers himself first and foremost a Gary Warden," Amrine groaned.

"Besides," Leliana added, "The Darkspawn fear him enough that they try to avoid him on the battlefield. He used to have to resort to taunting them in order to get them to engage him!"

He stared them in disbelief as Leliana burst out laughing.

"That is the truth!" Amrine laughed. "I swear to you Cullen; that is what he does!"

It was then that Tahlya made her entrance, flanked by the rest of their group, and the two old friends fell instantly quiet.

"Is Josephine not back yet?" she asked, looking around the room.

"No, your grace," Cassandra answered. "She sent word that she's been delayed. We expect her to arrive sometime tomorrow."

"Very well. Cassandra, I'll leave it to you to fill her in when she arrives."

"As you command," the Seeker answered.

Tahlya nodded and then approached the Warden Commander, holding out her hand in greeting. It was instantly taken and the two of them shook. "Commander Amell, it is an honor to have you at Skyhold. I am aware that you are here on urgent business, but first, please allow me to make the introductions."

She went around the room, introducing each of her companions and advisors in turn, and then motioned the Warden closer to the map table, moving to stand beside her, as the rest of the attendees circled it. "Please, tell us what we may do for you."

Amell looked around her and met each member's gaze in turn. "Thank you Inquisitor. Thank you all for hearing me out. I am here to request your aid in a matter of extreme importance."

"A week ago, King Alistair received word of a very troubling nature from King Bhelen in Orzammar. There has been a sudden resurgence of Darkspawn activity in the deep roads, and he reported that the number of Darkspawn pushing back towards the city is alarming. But, far worse, was his report that this menace is being accompanied by demons and other foul creatures the like of which the dwarves have never before seen."

There was a great deal of murmuring around the table, interjected with exclamations of disbelief.

Amell held up a hand, quieting them before continuing. "The Legion of the Dead had briefly managed to push into the Dead Trenches, where they discovered what seems to be, by their description, a large fade rift. There is also a newly discovered tunnel, which had apparently been disguised as a cave in for many years. It is large enough to move armies through, and it appears to move away from Orzammar along the line of the Frostbacks."

Leaning over the map, she used a finger to trace the approximate route so that everyone could see.

"Yes," she agreed, upon hearing Cassandra curse under her breath. "It leads in the direction of Haven and also towards Skyhaven. We have no idea how long it may actually be, however I did encounter what seemed to be the first wave of Darkspawn, and they were within miles of the Haven ruins."

She jabbed her finger at a specific point on the map, and Cullen quickly added a pin to mark it. He watched Tahlya, noting her grim expression as she traced the tunnel path on the map and frowned.

"What action has been taken?" she asked.

Amell gave her a serious look. "The King mobilized the Gray Wardens in Fereldan under my command and also requested the aid of the Wardens at Weisshaupt and in Orlais. There has been no word from Weisshaupt as of yet, however Orlais has sent a large contingent of Wardens to meet King Alistair in Orzammar. At this time he is readying our troops to begin an attack on the advancing horde with the goal of cutting them off from the city. He asks that you aid me in an attack which will drive the hordes back through their tunnels towards the rift. Our hope is to crush them between us, and push the remaining horde back to the breach, where you can trap or destroy them when you close it."

The Inquisitor looked puzzled. "We know where the abominations are coming from, but where are the Darkspawn coming from? And why?"

Amrine shrugged. "Darkspawn are known to be roused by disturbances… I feel comfortable in concluding that this rift has stirred them up and drawn them from the lower depths."

"This is no small task," Tahlya sighed. "I fear how many men may be lost in this endeavor, yet I see no other way around it."

"We understand the risk as well, Inquisitor, and we would not risk you or your organization, were it not for the rift. That is something only you can handle." Amell placed a closed fist over her chest and bowed. "I can only say that fighting Darkspawn, even in tunnels such as these, is what Gray Wardens do. We excel at it. We have unique abilities that allow us to endure, and we shall pave the way for your forces."

"Hold a moment." Cullen suddenly spoke up, moving closer to Tahlya. "Am I not correct in my understanding that anyone but a Gray Warden, if exposed to Darkspawn blood, will die?"

It was Blackwall who answered, with a touch of funereal humor, "This is not entirely true; sometimes they turn into Darkspawn themselves."

An uncomfortable silence filled the room as they all took turns looking at each other. Finally, the Warden Commander spoke up. "We, the Wardens, will of course meet the brunt of the force head on. The rest of you need not engage the Darkspawn, only the abominations."

"I don't like this," Cullen grumbled. "In such tunnels it would be easy to lose control of the battle, but what other options have we? I agree that it seems we have little choice but to back the Wardens up; either that or allow the hoard to advance and the rift to grow."

Tahlya nodded. "My biggest concern is the rift. I can barely believe that it opened in the deep roads. Everything points to it being opened at precisely that location, and that is truly frightening! We may not be dealing with a random sequence of events, but with an unknown enemy; one who controls where these tears in the veil occur."

Solas bowed his head. "I agree that it seems likely that is so," he added. "I had begun to wonder it before now, but this seems to clench it."

Tahlya turned to face Amrine. "Commander, if you and the rest of my companions will excuse us, I need to meet with my advisors. We will of course join the fight."

Again the Commander saluted her by thumping her fist against her chest plate. "I thank you on behalf of Kings Alistair and Bhelen," she exclaimed. Then she turned and left the room as the others followed her out.

When the doors had been closed, Tahlya addressed Cullen. "Any ideas on how we might minimize our risk?"

"Very few," he answered. "And I doubt they will do much good. You cannot take the horses and carts into the tunnels, so a small contingent of men will need to remain with them when you begin your decent. After that, people will need to be designated to carry your supplies. I will need to meet with Commander Amell and learn the Wardens' strategies for traveling in such places. How do they even light their way? Once I have a better idea of their tactics I may be able to make further suggestions."

"Thank you, Commander," she replied. "Please go do that now. Leliana, and Josephine, please remain."

With a bow, Cullen turned and left the chamber.

After going through a list of items she needed her remaining advisors to take care of, Tahlya dismissed them, but Leliana gently captured her arm and held her back as she made to leave the room.

"What is it?" she asked, too distracted to appear patient.

"So; you and Cullen?" Leliana asked, carefully scrutinizing her face as she often did when trying to "read between the lines".

Tahlya sighed. "Yes. Why do you ask?"

"Do you love him?"

Closing the door, she rounded on her advisor. "Why are you asking me this now, of all times, Leliana? What is it to you?"

Her red-haired friend fidgeted uncharacteristically. "I know it is not an ideal time for this conversation, but I daresay we may not have the opportunity for a while. Do not get me wrong; I like the Commander well enough, and he is a man of great integrity…"

"But?"

"I have heard a troubling… whisper concerning his past," Leliana confessed guardedly.

Tahlya gritted her teeth. She was in no mood for playing games. "A whisper?" she huffed. "What is it that you aren't telling me?"

"You know I am speaking to you as a friend," her spymaster replied. "Do you love him or not?"

"I love him," she admitted, surprising herself in the process. "Now what have you heard? Spit it out!"

"I cannot tell you outright. I have two friends who would flay me alive if I did so, and it is also a matter of national interest and could prove very dangerous if my information were to become public knowledge."

"National interest?" She stared her friend down as wheels began turning in her head. "The information must have come from the Warden Commander…and the other friend mentioned must be King Alistair; your old traveling companion, and the Warden's lover," she said in a tight, clipped voice, before demanding, "Now, tell me; what is it about Cullen's past that could be a matter of such secrecy?"

"If you did not love him, then it would not matter," Leliana replied. "However, you do love him, so you should know right now that should you ever marry him, your life will change very dramatically; perhaps not for the best. As your friend I wanted to protect you by letting you know this now, before you get even more attached to your ex-Templar. Surely, you can understand this?"

"How would his past affect my life negatively should I marry him?" She asked, feeling both perturbed at the conversation and at the same time strangely excited by the mere idea of marrying Cullen. "I know he is most likely of noble birth, so I do not see what the problem could possibly be."

Then she saw Leliana's carefully neutral expression change ever so slightly…

"Wait; Cullen does not know anything about his origins, but now you are telling me that the King does…" She almost fainted as it all came together. "By the Maker; he must be from a very highly regarded noble family if the King knows his background and has involved himself!"

Moving to a chair she dropped into it and tried to compose herself.

"Cullen doesn't know, Tahlya," Leliana confessed. "You must not say anything; that is for the King to do, and it is his intention to do so when this business with the rift and the Darkspawn is finished."

Something dawned on her then. "Why do you think that this would change my life radically? How could it be for the worse, if he is from a high ranking family?"

Leliana looked at the floor and hesitated, which made Tahlya suspicious that her next words might be a lie.

"Your estate would of course go to his family; the family that deserted him. This cannot be a good thing, no?"

Tahlya rubbed her face. It did make sense. "You are right, of course. I had almost forgotten I am the last…" Shaking her head, she rose to her feet. "But this is neither here nor there; we have a battle to fight. Afterwards, if I survive this entire rift business, it may become something to worry about."

"I just thought it best that you know."

She took her adviser's hand and squeezed it. "Thank you, my friend; I should not have doubted your motives."

Together they left the room, and Tahlya did her best to forget the matter entirely, at least for now.

Later that day, Cullen was pleasantly surprised at encountering Tahlya in the courtyard as they each were making haste towards different areas of Skyhold. He was not, however, pleased at the public setting, nor at the number of people who watched them furtively as they moved towards each other. Regardless, upon seeing her grim expression of determination melt at the sight of him, he promptly dismissed all thoughts of propriety.

Reaching out, he grasped her elbow and pulled her to him so that he could plant a firm, but quick kiss upon her mouth.

"How are you holding up?" he asked quietly, trying to keep their conversation private.

"I feel as though there isn't enough time in the day, otherwise I am fine," she replied. "Yourself?"

"Much better now," he said, giving her a small smile. "I've met with the Commander and I am satisfied with her preparations and methods for moving through the tunnels."

"That is good to know, at least," she sighed. "Have you anything else to report?"

Lifting his head, he turned to glare at those who had stopped to watch them, and then, satisfied when the onlookers scurried back about their business, he turned his attention back to her.

"I can give you my final report later, unless something unexpected turns up, in which case you will hear from me in a timely manner." He leaned closer to her and lowered his voice again. "When will I see you?"

She smiled and blushed prettily. "I intend to take my final reports in my office, as I've much paperwork to catch up on prior to leaving. You can meet me there, or in my chambers, if I have already retired."

He smiled ruefully. "Maker, but I've the desire to kiss you senseless right now," he admitted. Pulling her up against his chest, he briefly wrapped both arms around her as he planted a chaste kiss on her brow. Then he released her and reached out to tip her chin up so she had to meet his eyes. "Until later, then, my Lady," he whispered.

Turning on his heel, he strode quickly away before he changed his mind and made them fodder for the ravenous gossips.

Amell sought him out that evening as he was finishing troop assignments and logistics out near the barracks. Given the circumstances, Cullen found that his heart was not much in the mood for revisiting their past at the moment; he was anxious to reunite with his new lover and spend the remaining time with her.

"Good evening," Amrine greeted him, as the wind whipped her blue robes tightly around her.

He'd immediately noted that she'd changed out of her Warden armor in favor of her mage robes and he found her likeness to the girl she'd once been heartwarming. Despite his desire to retire, he could not help but be glad for the chance to settle his past.

"Good evening," he answered back, mustering a smile. "You know; people refer to you as the Hero of Fereldan, the Warden Commander and even as Dragon Slayer, but somehow, despite the years, when I look on you I still see the sweet little mage I once fancied."

Her eyes went wide. "So then, you no longer fancy me?"

It took him a panicked moment to realize that she was teasing him. He gave a depreciating shake of the head. "I was a Templar and you a mage; had we overstepped our boundaries it most likely would have ended very badly. But yes, back then I fancied you. As things stand now, we have both matured beyond such fanciful yearnings. You must instead make do with a man who will always have a soft spot in his heart for you." Here he cupped her cheek with his hand. "Is that so bad?" he murmured softly.

She covered his hand with her own and smiled. "No; it is quite wonderful to know that you are a friend. It is so much more than I could have hoped for considering our last meeting."

"I am glad," he replied.

Dropping his hand she stepped away and fidgeted, but then met his gaze and sighed. "Leliana told me about you and Lady Trevelyan," she finally admitted. "She is a very lucky woman."

He bowed slightly. "Thank you, and the King is a very lucky man. I only wish that your life together was easier."

"It is all right, Cullen. We came to terms with it years ago. Besides, great love is well worth the sacrifices necessary to hold on to it."

"It is as you say," he agreed.

Amrine looked around them and then gave him a sharp look, suddenly becoming the Warden Commander once more. "I promise not to keep you much longer, but I do need to discuss something of great importance with you."

"What is it that troubles you?" he asked, suddenly feeling anxious.

Amrine moved closer and lowered her voice so that no one else would be able to overhear her. "I cannot elaborate on this right now. You need to know that the King has been hoping for an opportunity to speak with you. It is unfortunate that these circumstances have put it off."

He now felt an uneasy sense of foreboding. "The King; what does he have to do with me?"

She clutched his forearm tightly. "Cullen…. If anything should happen to Alistair during this battle; should he and I both be killed, I need for you to promise me that you will present yourself at the Denerim Chantry immediately."

He froze for an instant; his mind was so befuddled by the request. "Are you serious?" he stuttered. "Why would you have me do such a thing upon the King's death?"

Amell glared at him and when she answered, her voice was steel, "This is a request that comes directly from the King, and it is for the King to clarify things for you." She gave his arm a small shake. "Let me give the King your word that you will do this."

"Very well; I will do as he asks," he finally answered with a resigned sigh.

Amrine nodded and released him. "One last thing; you may not speak of this to anyone, do you understand? Not even to your lady..."

He nodded, unable to speak.

"Maker willing, it will all be explained to you when this Rift business is concluded. I bid you good night then." With a nod, she turned and sauntered away.

He watched her until she disappeared into the main building, his stomach suddenly rolling as a terrible sense of future turmoil settled over him. Then he set off towards his chambers so that he might wash up and change before calling on Tahlya.

After running about Skyhold the remainder of the day and making certain that those in charge of key elements in the upcoming excursion were following her orders to the letter, Tahlya found herself mentally exhausted. That had not stopped her from spending the next few hours at her desk, making certain all the journals were filled out correctly and that nothing had been overlooked.

Cullen was the only person she had yet to hear back from, but she knew she could count on him to get things right, and besides; he would be reporting to her in a much more informal way than the others…

Feeling tired, and emotionally drained, she stretched and yawned. A glance at the windows showed it was rapidly darkening outside; somehow she'd completely missed sunset. Fortunately she'd already bathed and ordered a large tray of cold food for their dinner; for she knew the kitchen staff was overburdened getting their travelling rations together.

Rising, and still working the kinks out of her neck, she wandered to the window and moved the curtain aside. Leaning on the wall, she stared out at the last purple and pink light on the horizon and thought back on one of the most frustrating and anxiety-provoking days she had ever experienced.

Not having time to affirm the night before with her new lover had been difficult, but tempered by his triumph against the captain of the guard, and Bull. She was relieved that she'd thrown caution to the wind and let everyone know the true nature of their relationship, and his passionate manhandling in the entranceway corridor had made the risk well worth it.

Her fear that the rest of the group would not approve was put to rest as they all congratulated her on their new relationship. Only Dorian was a little put off, teasingly informing her that he was jealous of her success in landing the Commander and that she better not mess it up lest he be there to help the poor man "pick up all the pieces". To which she'd replied that she didn't think he had a chance in the Fade of succeeding. Dorian had sighed deeply and remarked that at least he would have the pleasure of making the ex-Templar blush prettily. They'd giggled together like schoolchildren after that.

She'd made time to visit the foreman in charge of re-constructing the fortress and mentioned the living conditions Cullen had been enduring. He'd assured her that he would have one of his teams immediately begin work on the tower.

It was then that Blackwall had accosted and informed her of Commander Amell's arrival.

Although she was confident of Cullen's love for her, it had still been shocking to hear that his one-time flame had shown up within hours of their joining, and she had to admit to some small amount of uneasiness where the Warden's presence was concerned. Still, perhaps it was for the best that they reconcile their past with the present and find some closure.

It was not until the meeting in the war room that her whole world was rocked. To discover so huge a threat was bad enough, but to discover that no less than two kings, the Gray Wardens, The Legion of the Dead, and an entire city was looking towards her and depending upon her to aid them in defeating an army of pure evil…

Well, it was a daunting responsibility, to say the least.

And the thought that anything might happen; that this might be all the time she ever had to spend with Cullen, was heartrending to her. She had so much she wanted to share with him, and so little time. Tahlya was not a pessimist; she was actually a pragmatist, and thus, she had to consider all possibilities. To that end she'd already met with the rest of her companions and advisors, drawing up plans for how the Inquisition would move forward should she not return.

Just then there was a knock on her door, and her heart rate skyrocketed at the thought of who it had to be. She nearly ran over, but at the last minute stopped and composed herself before pulling the door open.

And there he stood; dressed in fresh clothes, his hair still wet and tousled, and smelling faintly of soap. He was holding a large canvas equipment bag and looked just a little put-upon.

She eyed the bag and then raised an eyebrow at him.

Cullen cleared his throat. "I hope you don't mind me bringing my things with me. When I arrived at my chambers I found them pretty much demolished, and the foreman informed me I would need to stay in the barracks until the renovations to the tower are completed." He suddenly blushed and looked appalled. "Oh! I will be moving my things to the barracks tomorrow; I did not mean for you to think I was moving in!" he hastily explained.

She couldn't help but laugh at his discomfort. "Oh, Cullen; of course it is fine. And there is no reason to be so proper. After all, I am the one who insisted that your tower be re-built immediately. As things worked out, you might as well stay in my rooms while I am away."

He smiled at her then. "That is something I would be grateful for. And thank you for seeing to the tower." Leaning over, he gave her a quick peck on the lips before moving into the room and stowing his bag out of the way. Then he turned and opened his arms.

She all but bounded into them and was rewarded with a fierce hug and a drawn out kiss that left her weak in the knees. Afterwards, he continued to hold her to him and rubbed his clean-shaven cheek against her own.

"It has been an unspeakably long day," he sighed near her ear, "but thankfully the Maker has blessed us with a full night together before we must part. It is truly bittersweet then, to feel this precious time slipping by."

"I will be back, Cullen. I promise you that," she whispered fiercely.

He held onto her shoulders and gently moved her away enough so they could look at each other. "If only it was your will that decided that," he sighed. "But I have faith in you. I must; for if you fall, all will be lost."

She nodded, and then slowly backed away and turned towards the table, determined to put this sorrow behind them. "Enough of this; come let's eat."

He caught her arm and pulled her back against his chest. "Later. Right now I have other things on my mind."

Then his mouth was on hers, and she could feel the desperation in him as he ravished her lips, and then trailed light kisses and nibbles down her neck. She found herself lost in him; the feel of him. Time seemed to stand still, and she felt disoriented when he suddenly stopped and stood to bury his face between her neck and shoulder.

"Tahlya," he groaned. "Maker… Let's move into the other room before I lose all reason and take you on this table.

His words brought her around, and she couldn't help but smirk at the thought of such a proper man doing so improper a thing. After a few seconds, he pulled back to look at her and laughed when he saw her expression. "Maker, but you're going to be the death of me…" he huffed, raising an eyebrow and still laughing. "We are not going to do that to your table." Then composing himself, he caught her hand and led her through the double doors to her bed chamber.

Pulling her back into the circle of his arms, and smiling the entire time, he slowly walked her backwards until her legs met the edge of the bed, and then with a devilish smirk of his own, gave her a small push, so that she fell onto her back.

Before she could recover, he'd pulled off her boots, and then when she came up on her elbows, gently shoved her back down so he could remove his own boots. He was on her before she could complain. Straddling her, he leaned down to kiss her passionately.

Tahlya wrapped her arms around him, burying her fingers in his hair as he ignited a fire in her that took away all reason and left only a frighteningly overwhelming need to have all of him.

Cullen began working his way down the slope of her neck, as his fingers made quick work of the buttons on her chemise. Then he was sitting up and wrestling it off her, returning to ravishing her mouth with something that sounded suspiciously like a growl.

She felt that noise he made all the way down in her groin, and quickly reached out to undo the laces on his tunic.

He was having none of it; grasping her hands, he pinned them above her. "I must warn you," he husked near her ear, "I've an overwhelming amount of frustration tied to a lifetime of celibacy, which I mean to take out on you tonight. I find myself too desperate for you to take things slowly; so let me have my way… and I promise later you may have yours…"

She bit her lip to muffle an unbidden moan. "Maker, Cullen… I am going to turn the tables later... leave you too exhausted to gloat…"

"That's my girl;" he growled, "you just try to keep up with me." Releasing her hands so he could remove her breast band, he quickly began nibbling and sucking at her nipples as he moved a hand down to her breeches, and set about undoing the laces. Sitting up, he yanked the offending garment off her and quickly removed his tunic, tossing it atop her discarded clothing.

Leaning back down, he slid his way down her body, trailing his tongue over her stomach, hipbones and further still... Then he grasped her smalls by a side tie and ripped them clean off her, causing her to squeal in surprise.

He let out a low chuckle at her reaction then returned to working his way down her body.

She found herself gripping his hair tightly when she felt his hot breath on her cleft, and then she was arching off the bed in reflex as he experimentally ran his tongue over her. She hadn't the time to catch her breath when he suddenly looked up at her and while maintaining eye contact did it again.

"Cullen!" she gasped. "Oh please…"

He did it again. Then again. And then he really threw himself into it; alternating licking her and flicking his tongue against her most sensitive area. Quickly picking up on what she liked, he worked at her with great enthusiasm until she yelled out his name as she found her release.

Tahlya collapsed, panting and feeling as though her bones had turned to jelly. As she worked at catching her breath, she watched under heavy lids as Cullen hoisted himself up over her, and while balanced precariously on one arm, fumbled at the laces on his breeches, before impatiently pushing them down to his knees. There was a look of such desperate want on his face that an overwhelming desire again blossomed within her. Only then did she realize that he was murmuring something under his breath.

"And she came to me in a vision and laid her hand on my heart. Her touch was like fire that did not burn. And by her touch, I was made pure again," he murmured softly, as he leaned in to kiss her.

She felt him trembling as he pulled her left leg up around his hip, encouraging her to wrap herself around him as he bore down on her, brushing his body against hers. She needed no further urging and gladly clung to him, as in one swift motion he made contact and sheathed himself within her.

A visceral cry was drawn from her at his invasion, but she'd been more than ready for him, and it was not pain, but pure sensation that had her calling out.

Still, he froze momentarily. "Love?" he asked against her lips, still shaking with his own reaction, but making certain she was all right.

"Don't stop…" she pleaded, moving her hips and encouraging him to continue.

He immediately heeded her, withdrawing and the driving into her hard, entering fully and drawing a gasp from her. He grunted in counterpoint, and then lost all control, bucking into her again and again as he set a brutal pace.

There was no elegance in his claim on her this time; it was a matter of uncontrollable need, and the fear of their imminent parting. In his frenzy he could not last long, and indeed, that was not his aim. Soon enough, he gasped out her name and reached his end with a final thrust followed by a huge shudder.

For a moment he rested atop her, the majority of his weight held off her chest by leaning on his forearms as they each tried to catch their breath. Tahlya stroked his back and shoulders lovingly, even as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck and shoulder; apparently a favored place on her body Eventually, Cullen planted a firm kiss there, and then raised his head to meet her gaze. His cheeks were flushed; his eyes bright and he exuded a contented demeanor she'd never associated with him before.

"Well, now…" he husked, "where did I leave off….?"

Her head spun as he gave a sudden thrust, proving that he was still hard and ready for more. She groaned, and was about to make an appreciative comment when he kissed her silent, and with an amused look, resumed a leisurely pace.

This time, he kissed her, moving from her lips to her cheeks and down her neck. Wrapping an arm around her, he slid it beneath her to cup her buttocks and lift her up higher so that he could grind slowly against her.

It felt so good; he felt so good, that all she could do was cling to him and moan while he whispered lovingly to her of his devotion and her importance to him. While she found her second release, he held her pelvis firmly against him, groaning at the feel of her internal spasms, as he devoured her with his eyes.

She had barely recovered when he suddenly rolled over, taking her with him so that she ended up straddling him. As Tahlya fought to regain her breath, she looked down at the man beneath her.

Cullen encouraged her to lean in closer, and reaching up, began undoing her hair. When he was satisfied that there were no more pins or ties, he ran his fingers through her locks until her hair hung down in an orderly black curtain.

"Much better," he sighed. "My blue-eyed raven... how beautiful you are." Holding fast to her hips, he met her gaze with a smoldering expression.

"Blue-eyed raven, is it?" she asked with a smirk.

"Indeed. I find I quite like calling you that."

"Well, my lion, it seems that it is true that there is a correlation between a man's fighting prowess and his abilities in the bedroom." She grinned at the blush that instantly colored his face.

"I'all have you know that I once fought all day and night before exhaustion forced me to rest," he grunted. "And then I repeated the feat the very next day."

She raised an eyebrow. "So I've heard. That only proves my belief that the adage is correct."

He appeared wary. "So then; you've no complaints about my lack of experience?"

"Maker, no!" she replied. "I'm very grateful that I'm the only one who has experienced your… less lethal abilities. Otherwise, I'd have to fight off rivals at every turn."

Cullen relaxed visibly, as a pleased smirk appeared on his face. "Speaking of the correlation between fighting ability and the bedroom… I'm not certain I've gathered enough information to say if it holds true in your case."

She leaned down so that her lips were brushing his ear as she spoke. "Is that so?"

"You know it," he exhaled, with a shiver.

Quite some time later, exhausted and completely sated, she collapsed across him. After his challenge, she'd made certain to move slowly and stop frequently to demand his kisses. She'd prolonged their lovemaking, teasing him mercilessly along the way and soon discovered that the man's iron will was firmly back in place; that there was no way to push him to anything close to outright begging. Instead, he'd patiently suffered her teasing and endured until she'd surrendered and ended their frustration. They'd both found completion together.

While they lay there entwined in a sweaty tangle, Tahlya made a silent vow to herself that when she returned from her mission, that she would find a way to push him beyond his limits.

With a heartfelt sigh, Cullen rolled them onto their sides, kissing her gently while catching his breath. She felt herself starting to drift off, but fought it when he began gently stroking her arm.

"Mmmmm," she sighed appreciatively, opening her eyes to look at him. He looked as exhausted as she felt. "Cullen?"

"Hmmm?"

"What was it that you were saying earlier; just before…" here she blushed, as she tried to find the right words. "Before you, um…"

"Asserted my claim?" he asked, sounding amused, his breath in her ear.

She shivered in delight. "Yes. Was it part of the Chant? I am not familiar with it."

"It was part of the Canticle of Maferath," he replied.

"Maferath? That cannot be good," she teased.

"What can I say? I would not want to share you with the Maker, either…" he murmured.

She stroked his cheek. "It was a beautiful verse, my love," she soothed. "and I am definitely a fool for romantic ex-Templars."

He captured her hand and held it against his cheek. "What did you just call me?" he asked, suppressing a smile.

She smiled as she spoke. "I called you my love, and so you are. I think I knew it last night, but I doubted myself then. I was frightened by how quickly everything between us happened. The events of this past day, and the feelings they provoked in me, made me finally admit the truth to myself."

Her reward was a tight embrace, followed by another passionate kiss. "You've made me a very happy man," he sighed. "...now, if only I could go with you today… I think you could use my tactical advice."

She kissed his nose. "We will do what we must. I cannot justify risking you when I have the Warden Commander and the King of Fereldan already providing such advice."

Cullen sat up suddenly and stared towards the fireplace, the flickering light highlighting the scars that littered his face and body. He suddenly looked much older. When he looked back down at her, she could see he was worried. "You are right, of course, but that does not change how very difficult it is for me when you are off fighting and I must remain behind."

She sat up as well and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I am sorry for that. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be for me were our roles reversed."

He reached back to cover her hand with his own. "No matter; it is a soldier's lot in life to leave others behind or remain while friends move out. I have spent my entire adult life waiting and watching… and fighting when it was my turn." He gave her a weak smile. "In the meantime I shall endure, and defend this fortress, until you return."

It was then that Tahlya began feeling pain in her right hand and glanced down to see that her mark had flared to life. Quickly, she tucked her hand beneath her left thigh. "I know you will," she whispered, kissing him. "Now then; you must be famished," she said, changing the subject. "I know I am. Let's eat, and then try to get some sleep."

"Yes, you're right," he replied, standing and searching for his breeches. "Why don't you throw our bedclothes down before the fire while I retrieve our meal? We can lounge there for a time."

She smiled at him, but as soon as he left the room, she ran for her gloves, which were on a nearby chair and pulled one over her right hand. Then she wrapped her robe around her and set to throwing the quilts and pillows down on top of the bear skin rug in front of the fireplace.

She was both puzzled and worried by her mark's sudden reaction, and something had her second guessing her decision to leave her military advisor behind. There was no logical reason he would be needed, but she still felt a strange foreboding which her flaring mark seemed to reinforce.

Still feeling apprehensive, she sat down on the makeshift bed and began stoking the fire as Cullen returned with the food tray and a bottle of wine. He handed them off to her and went back for the glasses. By the time he'd returned, she was divvying up the bread, cheese and dried meat.

He settled in besides her, opened the wine and poured her a glass. They each drank gratefully and then set to eating.

After a time she carefully brought up the subject she needed to address. "If something should happen to me, someone will need to take over as Inquisitor, you know."

He nodded. "Of course. I nominate Cassandra," he offered.

"Why Cassandra?" she asked. "Don' t you know that her other loyalties prevent her from assuming the title?"

He gave her a strange look. "That is merely an excuse and not the true reason she refused the honor. But that is her choice. I am certain that if anyone could convince her otherwise it would be you."

She nodded. "She is not the person I had in mind."

He gave her a disapproving look as he realized what she was saying. "Tahlya, no," he quickly protested. "What good would I be to the Inquisition if I lost you? You cannot…"

She cut him off. "We both know that is not the case. I know you; you are here because you believe in this. If it comes to it and you must step up, I know that you will lead the Inquisition honorably. You have the strength of will needed to see it through; to make the tough decisions, and to delegate tasks to those best suited to carry them out. I myself only hold this position because I turned up at just the right time, in the right place, and with a story that proved useful. You are actually far better suited to the title."

"That is not true," he said, nodding towards her gloved hand. "You have a unique physical ability, and a true talent for cultivating loyalty." Here he frowned. "Why are you suddenly wearing your glove?"

He made a grab for her hand, and she moved it behind her. "In a minute," she stalled. "I chose you. Leliana, Josie and I already met and it was agreed to. I need you to agree to this as well."

He tossed back the rest of his glass and sighed. "It seems that I am unable to deny you anything. Fine; I'll agree to it, but you'd better come back to me, Tahlya."

She sighed in relief, but then grew playful. "Is that a threat?"

He shot her his sternest look. "It is."

"And what will you do if I don't return? How will you make good on your threat then?" she teased.

His eyebrows shot up, but then dropped down in a scowl. "Do not even jest about such things," he scolded her. "But if you must know; I would punish you by having my way with as many women here as I could."

She felt her mouth drop open, but then the mental image of him giving in to the advances of many pretty young ladies had her gritting her teeth as an ugly emotion overcame her. Then she heard him laugh heartily and snapped out of it.

"Oh, your face just then!" he continued. "Oh ho, but that would be a punishment indeed for you!"

"Fine," she spat. "I will make it back here even if I am nothing but a corpse. Then we shall see how much you still like me."

He threw an arm around her shoulders and pulled her too him as he tried to keep a straight face. "I am sorry, love, but you had that one coming. Just make sure you do come back, and you will have nothing to fear."

"Take it back…."

He suddenly sobered. "Come back to me and I will give you the opportunity to make me do so." It was then that he grasped her hand and pulled it up between them, at the same time sliding her glove off.

The glow from her fade mark lit his face eerily, highlighting his look of alarm. "What is happening? Why is it doing that now? Is there another rift?"

She shook her head. "I don't think so, and I really don't know why it suddenly sprang to life with such a vengeance."

He gave her a measuring look. "Truly; you don't know?"

"I do not. I suppose there is nothing we can do about it right now. Hopefully an explanation will be forthcoming soon." She felt very badly at the worried expression that was now visible on his face.

With an uneven sigh, Cullen ran a hand through his hair, and then gave her a quick kiss on the brow. "Come then, let's lay before the fire and try to get some sleep." Grasping her hand, he led her back to their makeshift bed and upon lying down, pulled her up close to him as she laid her head upon his shoulder.

Despite everything they almost instantly fell into a deep sleep.

A knocking at her outer door woke her just as the sky was lightening. Pulling on her robe, she quickly made her way to the door and opened it just enough to converse with the person outside. It was Elsa, one of the women who helped her keep both her chambers, and her appointments in order.

"Milady, you asked me to wake you just before dawn," she said quietly.

"Thank you, Elsa."

"Is there anything you need; breakfast, or a washtub?"

"No thank you; I'm fine. Please go ahead any lend help anywhere else you may be needed."

With a quick curtsy, Elsa moved off and Tahlya shut and locked the door. When she turned around she found that Cullen had moved into the room and was just out of sight of the doorway. For a long moment they just stared at each other, neither wishing to be the first to state the obvious.

Then, with a sudden shake of his head, Cullen advanced quickly and swung her up in his arms. Before she knew what was happening, he had her on her back across the bed and was feverishly kissing her as he undid his breeches. He wasted little time in entering her and proceeded to make love to her in a slow manner, holding her face between his hands and alternately kissing her or staring into her eyes.

Much too soon, they each found their release, and there was no longer any point in delaying the inevitable. Blushing furiously, she informed him that she needed to use the chamber pot and wash up.

Kissing her nose, he nodded and clambered off of her. "No need to be embarrassed," he said, with a sweet smile. "I need to release myself as well. I will withdraw to the outer room and you can meet me there."

"You're not going to urinate off my balcony, are you?" she asked wide-eyed.

He winked at her. "It is what most of the men here do; we've no need to use a chamber pot for that. But don't worry; I'll make sure I am not seen… and I won't splash anything or anyone either."

She threw a pillow at him as he backed through the doors and closed them. She was sure her face was beet red. Sadly the pillow only hit the door.

A short time later, after attending to matters and washing herself at her basin, she was dressed, her hair braided and tucked into the back of her armor so that no enemy might use it against her.

Moving to the doors, she threw them open and moved in to the outer room.

Cullen was waiting for her in front of the main doors leading to the corridor, fully dressed in his armor, his lion helm under his arm, and his face tight with the effort to hold back his emotions.

"I must say my farewell to you here," he sighed. "It would be unprofessional to do so in front of all our people… and it would be too difficult for me to do so then. Indeed, even now I find myself at a loss…"

She moved quickly to him then, and was rewarded with a strong bear hug even as tears began to spring up in her eyes. Then he was kissing her, crushing her lips against her teeth in his desperation to pour everything he was feeling into the act.

When he lifted his head and their eyes met, she could see him fighting back the tears, even as her own tracked down her face. "Fight well, my love," he murmured. "May the Maker protect you and speed you back to me."

Before she could speak, he'd released her, turned and exited the chamber. She could hear his heavy footfalls as they faded away down the corridor.

It was the loneliest sound she had ever heard.

To be continued….