Archive of Our Own

Her mother used to always say that love is friendship that has caught fire, she wasn't quite sure if she believed it until she met Cullen.

Meeting her advisors for the first time had been nerve wracking to say the least, even when Cassandra gave her a quick rundown on who all of them were. Knowing that her Commander was an ex-Templar made her slightly nervous, years of being the Circle had ingrained that in her even though she never had issues with any of the Templars there. She was trying to keep an open mind though, especially if he was willing to be understanding of her being a mage.

If anyone asked Guinevere, she would deny it, but she put him off for last when she was doing her round of Haven, getting to know all of the people she would be working with. There was a hesitance as she approached him among the dueling soldiers. His voice was powerful as he called out critiques, “You there! There’s a shield in your hand. Block with it. If this were your enemy, you would be dead.” He turns to the man beside him, “Lieutenant, don’t hold back. The recruit must prepare for a real fight, not a practice one.”

“Yes, Commander.” The lieutenant turned to deal with the soldiers.

Guinevere stepped forward to stand beside Cullen and he turned his head as a way of acknowledging her presence before speaking, “We’ve received a number of recruits– locals from Haven and some pilgrims. None made quite the entrance you did.”

She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her lips, “I’m sure. At least I got everyone’s attention.”

“That you did.” He replies, giving her a small once over. She was pretty, he’d give her that, with her dark eyes and mahogany skin that the sun seemed to hit just right. She had a nice smile too. When she quirked a brow at him, he realized he’d been staring too long and cleared his throat before speaking again as he silently told her to walk with him, “I was recruited to the Inquisition in Kirkwall, myself. I was there during the mage uprising– I saw firsthand the devastation it caused.” A nearby scout seemed to wave him down and offer him a report that he took without pausing his train of thought, “Cassandra sought a solution. When she offered me a position, I left the templars to join her cause. Now it seems we face something far worse.”

Guinevere looked at her hand in thought, voicing with a level of optimism she wasn’t aware she had, “I must have this mark for a reason, it will work. I’m sure of it.”

“Provided we can secure aid– but I’m confident we can.” Cullen assured her, “The Chantry lost control of both templars and mages. Now they argue over a new Divine while the Breach remains. The Inquisition could act when the Chantry cannot. Our followers would be part of that. There’s so much we can–” He cuts himself off, causing an amused smile to spread on her face. He was cute when he rambled, especially with the slight embarrassed flush that spread on his cheeks, “Forgive me, I doubt you came here for a lecture.”

“No, but if you have one prepared, I’d love to hear it.”

Cullen chuckles at her response, “Another time perhaps.” There’s a beat of silence as the smile she offers him seems to distract him, “I, ah…” He clears his throat as he loses his train of thought, “There’s still a lot of work ahead.”

A soldier approaches, “Commander. Ser Rylen has a report on our supply lines.”

Cullen offers her an amused look at the timing, “As I was saying.”

“Have fun, Commander!” Guinevere calls as he walks off with the soldier and she is pretty sure she hears him chuckles as continues walking.

Cullen found that he quite liked having Guinevere around, mage or not. She really seemed to care about the cause even if her position wasn’t one she asked for, and more so, she always seemed interested in everyone she worked with, whether it was her advisors or her continuously growing team of people that she takes into the field with her. She had come to him multiple times, trying to get to know everything about him and offering him stories in return. Even if some of her questions left him flustered and blushing, he found he didn’t mind it so much, especially when she came back with stories from her time in the Hinterlands or the Storm Coast, even the Fallow Mire (even though most of those stories were of her vowing to never return). Her enthusiasm for adventure and exploration made the stories all the more engaging, made sense given most of her life was locked up in the Circle. Through all of it, she was bright smiles and shining eyes that made you want to bask in her presence.

Then those smiles were wiped away as Haven burned around them. She was running with her small group with her, trying to rescue as many people as she could as their world burned around them. She fought demons and templars alike until she made it into the Chantry. The plan for an escape was a rushed one and led to her being left behind. She could see the protests on his lips before he even could speak them, putting a hand on his arm as she assured him, “I’ll be find, Cullen, just get them out of here.”

“Guinevere.” Her name falls from his mouth in a small plea and she is stunned to hear it. Even when she had convinced most of her Inner Circle to call her by her given name, he had insisted on calling her ‘Herald’ or ‘your worship,’ insisting it would be rude if he didn’t, but of course he chose the moment when she had to leave to make her want to stay.

Then, like a spell falling over her, Guinevere wrapped an arm around his neck, pulling him down to her, and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was desperate and messy even as her other hand came up to cup his cheek. He barely managed to snap out of his surprise and kiss her back, hand brushing her hip, before she was pulling back and backing away. There was a determined fire in her eyes as she commanded him, “Go.” He didn’t get a chance to respond as she was jogging towards the door, calling to Cassandra, Varric, and Dorian to follow her.

In the days that followed, he worried that leaving her there had been the worst mistake he ever made, but when he found her amongst the snow and carried her back to their makeshift camp, his worries dissipated greatly. Once she had rested and warmed up all it took was her having a conversation with Solas for them to suddenly have real hope again.

Guinevere found that she quite liked Skyhold, cold as it was, and once most people were settled, she began doing her usual rounds again, falling back into a routine after everything had been upended. She felt a sense of slight deja vu as she slowly approached her Commander, who was giving instructions efficiently, “Send men to scout the area. We need to know what’s out there.”

“Yes, ser!” One soldier acknowledged before she and another soldier left to do the command.

“Commander. Soldiers have been assigned temporary quarters.” Another soldier informed him.

“Very good. I’ll need an update on the armory as well.” The soldier just stood there, causing Cullen to have to level the soldier with one of those intimidating gazes, “Now!” Guinevere makes her approach more obvious as the soldier salutes and leaves. He turns to her as she stops before him, “We set up as could at Haven, but could prepare for an Archdemon– or whatever it was. With some warning, we might have…”

Without thought, she puts a gentle hand on his arm as she reminds him, “We couldn’t have anticipated the attack, Cullen.”

“I know,” He concedes as she drops her hand, “but if Corypheus strikes again, we may not be able to withdraw… and I wouldn’t want to. We must be ready. Work on Skyhold is underway, guard rotations established. We should have everything on course within the week. We will not run from here, Inquisitor.”

Ah, a new title that he will insist upon. She had hoped that Haven had been the end of titles, but here he was using them again. She straightened and offered a curt nod before asking as calmly as she could, “How many were lost?”

“Most of our people made it to Skyhold, it could have been worse.” He said, “Morale was low, but has improved greatly since you accepted the role of Inquisitor.”

“Everyone has so much faith in my leadership…” She mused before allowing her resolve to harden, “I hope I’m ready.”

“You won’t have to carry the Inquisition alone.” He assured her before allowing his understanding to how she must feel be more evident, “Although, it must feel like it. We needed a leader; you have proven yourself.”

“Thank you, Cullen.” He gives her that crooked smile of his, one side of his lips quirked up, and her heart flutters at the look. She allows herself to soften slightly, voice lowering in that way that it did when she was being more vulnerable, “Our escape from Haven… it was close. I am relieved that you– that so many made it out.” Smooth, Gwen, She cursed herself.

“As am I.” There’s a beat of silence as onyx meets amber before a blush spreads across her cheeks and she moves to leave but he grabs her wrist to stop her, “You stayed behind. You could have… I will not allow the events at Haven to happen again. You have my word.”

“Thank you.” She shifts her arm so his hand catches hers and she squeezes his hand before turning to leave once again, her hand slipping from his.

“One last thing.” She turns back to him, offering him a curious look, “Why did you kiss me?”

There were so many answers she could give, but in truth, she wasn’t quite sure herself. So she replied with a small smirk, “Why did you call me Guinevere?” He watches her leave with a slightly stunned look on his face.

Seeing Cullen and Dorian together was something Guinevere had to get used to. For some reason, she had kept them separate in her head and seeing them amiably playing chess together had been a surprise. Well, less amiably and more constant teasing and making snipes at each other. “Gloat all you like. I have this one.” Cullen told Dorian with a self-assured smirk.

Dorian crossed his legs and quirked a brow at the commander, not too different from what Guinevere did often, teasing, “Are you sassing me, Commander? I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Guinevere approached them with a smile as she quipped, “I don’t know, Dorian, maybe you bring it out of him.”

Cullen looked at her, half standing to greet her, “Inquisitor.”

“Leaving, are you?” Dorian smirked at him, “Does this mean I win?”

Cullen slowly sat back down, not taking his eyes off of her. She crossed her arms over her chest as she reminded him, “It’s Guinevere, Cullen.”

“Right, sorry.” He rubs a hand behind his neck almost bashfully.

Guinevere can’t help but smile as she leans her hip against Dorian’s chair, “Are you two playing nice?”

“I’m always nice.” Dorian responds.

There was a beat of silence as Guinevere leveled him with her eyes. “Of course, you are.” Her sarcasm was palpable.

“You’re so mean to me, Gwen.” He pouts. She rolls her eyes and pushes his head away, making him laugh before turning back to Cullen and making his next move, “You need to come to terms with my inevitable victory. You’ll feel much better.”

“Really?” Cullen asks as a smug smile crosses his lips and he moves his last piece, “Because I just won. And I feel fine.”

“Don’t get smug. There will be no living with you.” Dorian warns before meeting Guinevere’s eyes, seeing the amusement glinting in them as he stands to leave. She notes the odd look he is giving her and quirks a brow only for him to give her a smirk in return, “Have fun with him, Gwen.”

“Trust me, I will.” Her voice is soft as she responds but it makes Dorian laugh nonetheless as he walks away.

Guinevere shakes her head slightly, smiling softly, before turning her attention back to Cullen, “I should return to my duties as well…unless you would care for a game?”

“Prepare the board, Commander.” She tells him as she sits in the chair Dorian vacated.

“And, you’re on me about using titles.” He mutters as he begins resetting the board.

Guinevere feigns ignorance, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Commander.”

Cullen meets her eyes, a warning tone filling his voice, “Guinevere…”

“You said my name.” She beams and he rolls his eyes, “Anyways, where did you learn to play so well?”

“As a child, I played this with my sister. She would get this stuck up grin whenever she won– which was all the time. My brother and I practiced together for weeks. The look on her face the day I finally won…” Guinevere could see the fondness in his eyes as he spoke and that made her smile softly, “Between serving the templars and the Inquisition, I haven’t seen them in years. I wonder if she still plays.” He made his first move.

“You have siblings?” She asked as she looked over the board.

“Two sisters and a brother.”

“Where are they now?” She moved her first piece.

“They moved to South Reach after the Blight. I do not write them as often as I should.” He looks at the board, musing in realization, “Ah, it’s my turn.”

“All right. Let’s see what you’ve got.” Guinevere challenges.

A few moves are made in silence before Cullen inquires, “Just out of curiosity, why are you so insistent on being referred to by your given name?”

“Because I worry I’ll lose myself to my titles.” She admits with a level of vulnerability that shocks even her. She distracts herself by moving her next knight to take out his bishop.

“What do you mean?” He questions as he looks over the board, noting the somewhat reckless move she made.

“My titles make me a symbol rather than a person.” She tries to explain simply, “I understand that many see me that way and I can't control that. I’m willing to be a symbol of hope if that is what they need, but with those close to me, my inner circle if you will, I want to just be myself. Not the Herald of Andraste, not the Inquisitor, just Guinevere.” She can see understanding settling across his face as a fond smile crosses her lips, continuing, “When Dorian and Varric started calling me ‘Gwen,’ it was a reassurance I didn't know I needed because it showed that I was just a friend of theirs rather than this big symbol.”

“I never thought of it that way, I apologize.”

“It's fine, Cullen.” She told him genuinely before adding only in a slightly lighter tone, “Just try to leave the title for more professional meetings than me just stopping by your office to talk.”

“I will.”

The game continues and Guinevere is slowly becoming more and more aware that Cullen is taking it easy on her. She knows she made some reckless moves as she tried to distract herself from how the soft smiles he gave her made her heart flutter. He could have won by now, but he was giving her a chance and she didn’t quite know how to feel about it. She is brought out of her thoughts by Cullen musing, “This may be the longest we’ve gone without discussing the Inquisition– or related matters. To be honest, I appreciate the distraction.”

She can feel a slight blush in her cheeks as she suggests as nonchalantly as she can, “We should spend more time together.”

A smile grows across his lips, slight excitement filling his voice, “I would like that.”

“Me too.” Guinevere replies, moving a piece thoughtlessly.

Cullen can’t help a teasing smirk, “You said that.” She blushes violently as she realizes he was right. As much as he wants to tease her in that moment, he instead refocuses, “We should… finish our game. Right. My turn?”

The game concludes less gracefully than Guinevere had hoped. She normally was pretty good at chess, but she was so flustered throughout the game that she was sure the only reason that she was winning was because Cullen was throwing the game. She made a last move, checkmate, and he leans back in his chair, conceding, “I believe this one is yours. Well played. We shall have to try again sometime.”

Guinevere met his eyes, silently telling him that she knew he threw the game before agreeing softly, “We shall.”

Guinevere couldn’t stop thinking about Cullen and it was becoming a problem. It distracted her almost the entire time she was in Crestwood, leading to almost nonstop comments from her companions. Cassandra lectured her for losing focus in battle, Varric teased her, and Blackwall’s laughter only goaded Varric on. It caused her to steel her nerves upon returning to Skyhold to finally make the leap she had been avoiding since Haven.

Guinevere walked into Cullen’s office as she would any other time she was doing her rounds, trying to appear calm even as he seemed to light up upon seeing her, smiling softly as he said, “There you are, I was wondering if you were going to stop by.”

She deflected her nerves by allowing a smirk to pull at her lips, teasing him softly, “Thinking of me, were you?”

It was adorable how fast he blushed, “Well, I-I heard you had returned from Crestwood and you normally try to talk to everyone and–” He cut himself off when he noted the amusement on her face, “Oh, you’re just teasing me.”

“Yes, I was.” She confirmed with a smile before flirting softly, “You’re cute when you ramble.” He blushes, “And, when you blush.”

“Maker’s breath.” He breathes, avoiding her eyes.

She steps a little closer to him, trying to reenter his line of sight as she said as calmly as she could, “On that topic, I thought we could talk.” Her voice grew softer and a little hesitant as she added, “Alone?”

“Alone?” He looked at her curiously before noting her almost bashful posture and agreeing, “I mean, of course.”

He leads her out on the battlements and the walk in silence for a short time, both clearly nervous with him rubbing the back of his neck and her chewing on her lips lightly. “It’s a nice day.” He tries in an attempt at conversation.

Being broken out her thoughts, she looks at him oddly, “What?”

“It’s…” He drops that idea and instead focuses on the fact that she had been the one to request this little chat, “There was something you wished to discuss.”

Despite all of her earlier bluster, this was so much harder. Flirting was easy, she could do flirting, but being vulnerable was much more difficult. So it all came out in a rush, “Cullen, I care for you, and I–” She sighs as the words struggle to come out.

“What’s wrong?”

There was no denying that she cared for him and that she was well on the way to loving him but that underlying worry about their pasts still persisted in her mind so she finally asked him, “You left the templars, but do you trust mages? Could you think of me as anything more?”

“I could.” He admits smoothly before stumbling over his words, “I-I mean, I do… think of you.” He sighs slightly, running a hand over his face, “And what I might say in this sort of situation.”

“What’s stopping you?” She inquires as they move closer to the wall and turn to face each other fully.

“You’re the Inquisitor. We’re at war. And you… I didn’t think it was possible.”

He was so close and she could barely breathe yet she managed a soft smile as she told him, “And yet I’m still here.”

“So you are…” Cullen breathes, “It seems too much to ask, but I want to–” He cuts himself off as he slowly leans down and his lips brush hers, their breath intermingling before they are interrupted.

“Commander.” A soldier’s voice interrupts their moment and Guinevere turns her head away as she blushes and he pulls back, “You wanted a copy of Sister Leliana’s report.”

“What?” His voice comes out gruff and irritated as he turns to the soldier.

“Sister Leliana’s report. You wanted it delivered ‘without delay.’” Soldier is somewhat stunned by the harsh glare the commander was giving him and his attention glances to where the Inquisitor was leaning against the wall, hair falling infront of her face to hide her blush, then he looks back at the intimidating commander, choosing then to back out, “Or… to your office… right…” The soldier couldn’t back away faster.

As soon as the door was closed, Guinevere tried to tell Cullen, “If you need to–” She gasps as his lips cut her off, silencing the thoughts. She flounders for a moment, taking in the fact that he was kissing her with one hand cupping her neck and the other on her waist before she responds, resting her hands on his hips.

Cullen pulls back before she can kiss him back properly, making her whimper slightly even as he quickly apologizes, “I’m sorry… that was… um… really nice.”

Her eyes glinted as she smiled, telling him rather bluntly, “That was what I wanted.”

“Oh.” There was slight shock in his voice before he’s leaning forward again, “Good.” And then he is capturing her lips again and she feels as though everything is falling into place.

Guinevere moved somewhat quickly towards Cullen’s office after her talk with Cassandra. She was worried about him and needed to check on him. However, she could not have expected to almost get hit by a box the second she entered his office. She didn’t miss how fast his face fell from one of frustration to an apologetic one as he realized what he had done, “Maker’s breath! I didn’t hear you enter. I–” He didn’t meet her eyes out of shame, missing how soft her expression was, “Forgive me.”

“Cullen, if you need to talk…” Her voice was gentle, it almost made him want to run over and hug her, never letting go.

But, much like her, he felt the constant need to be strong, so he denied his desires, dismissing her words, “You don’t have to–” His voice falters as his knees do, threatening to give out on him, leaving him gripping his desk tightly for support. She moves towards him, wanting to offer him some comfort, but he puts a hand out towards her, stopping her from moving closer, “I never meant for this to interfere.”

“Are you going to be alright?” Her concern was palpable and it made his stomach twist. She had enough to worry about, she didn’t need to add him to her list.

“Yes…” He answered quickly before sighing as she gave him one of those looks that said she saw right through him and carefully straightened, admitting, “I don’t know.” She met his eyes and they blazed with a past he wanted to forget, “You asked what happened to Ferelden’s Circle. It was taken over by abominations. The templars– my friends– were slaughtered.” His breathing grew heavier as he moved towards the slim window, sharing his darkest memories with her, “I was tortured. They tried to break my mind, and I–” He let out a bitter laugh as he continued, “How can you be the same person after that?” Guinevere’s brows furrowed, concern filling her being as she wanted nothing more than to hold him until his pain was hers and that could lighten the load, “Still, I wanted to serve. They sent me to Kirkwall. I trusted my knight-commander, and for what? Her fear of mages ended in madness. Kirkwall’s Circle fell. Innocent people died in the streets. Can’t you see why I want nothing to do with that life?”

She had to hold her hands at her side, wanting to reach out to him as she showed understanding, “Of course I can. I–”

“Don’t!” Cullen cut her off, clearly drowning in self-loathing and regret, her kindness was too much, “You should be questioning what I’ve done.” He ran a hand over his face as he paced to stand in front of her by his bookshelves, “I thought this would be better– that I would regain some control over my life. But these thoughts won’t leave me…” His voice was pained, but also clearly showing his frustration and anger with himself, showing everything he has been trying to hide from her, “How many lives depend on our success? I swore myself to this cause… I will not give less to the Inquisition than I did the Chantry. I should be taking it!” He punched the book shelf, making her heart hurt for him as he repeated in a softer voice, “I should be taking it.”

“Cullen.” She said softly as she moved closer to him, taking his face in her hands, gently running her thumbs along his cheek bones and making him meet her eyes, “This doesn’t have to be about the Inquisition. Is this what you want?”

He lets out a breath, finally taking a second to breathe, before answering earnestly, “No.” He relaxes his hand, letting it fall back to his side, “But… these memories have always haunted me– if they become worse, if I cannot endure this…”

She leans up, pressing her forehead to his as she tells him softly, “You can.”

He sighs as she pulls back slightly before agreeing, “Alright.”

Guinevere offered him one of her soft smiles before pressing a kiss to his forehead and pulling back completely, hands returning to her side, “Now, do you want me to stay or space?”

“Space, please.” His voice comes out quick, making him look at her in worry that she would be offended so he added, “I need to think.”

Guinevere nodded in understanding, “Okay.” With that she left the room, Cullen watching her go.

And, space she gave him as she handled some assignments for other members of her Inner Circle. Being emotional support for her friends became a common theme as she took Dorian to meet his father, helped Cassandra find the remaining Seekers, and supported the Iron Bull through becoming Tal-Vashoth. She didn’t speak to Cullen again until she returned from the Storm Coast after helping Bull. Leliana had told her that he was asking for her.

She found him on the battlements. He heard her approaching, he always could. He turned to her with a small smile as he attempted to express, “I wanted to thank you… when you came to see me… if there’s anything…” He scratches the back of his neck in slight embarrassment as he sighs, “This sounded much better in my head.”

She laughs slightly, “I understand, Cullen.” Her amusement shifts to slight concern as she inquires, “I trust you’re feeling better?”

“I… yes.”

“Is it always that bad?” She asks, the worry that had been buried over the past several days surfacing.

“The pain comes and goes. Sometimes I feel as if I’m back there…” He admits, “I should not have pushed myself so far that day.”

“I’m just glad you’re alright.”

“I am.” For once, the admission sounded genuine and that made her smile softly as she moved to stand beside him, “I’ve never told anyone what truly happened to me at Fereldan’s Circle. I was… not myself after that. I was angry. For years, that anger blinded me. I’m not proud of the man that made me. The way I saw mages… I’m not sure I would have cared about you, and the thought of that sickens me.” The way he looks at her with so much guilt at the thought makes her heart clench, “Now I can put some distance between myself and everything that happened. It’s a start.”

“For what it’s worth, I like who you are now.”

Cullen looks at her in slight disbelief, “Even after…?”

“Cullen, I care about you.” Guinevere tells him, her voice soft and loving as she places a gentle hand on his arm, “You’ve done nothing to change that.”

“You’re a wonder, Guinevere.” She looks away and blushes with a smile, one that he can’t help but share before he offers her a chance that not many do, a chance to be vulnerable, “What about you? You have troubles of your own. How are you holding up?”

Guinevere takes a moment, having to stop the habitual response so she can open up to him as he opened up to her, “Honestly, I’m terrified. So many people depend on us. On me. Corypheus is still out there.”

“We’ve made great strides. Do not doubt yourself– or the Inquisition– just yet.” Cullen assures her before offering, “If there’s anything I can do, you have only to ask.”

“Thank you, I…” The words almost tumble out of her, those three little words that echo in her head more often than they should, but she swallows them down, settling on a simple, “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, Guinevere.” She’s pretty sure her heart skips a beat.

He may be miserable there, but he wouldn’t have missed seeing her this beautiful for the world. Cullen could handle battling of Orleasian nobles as long as he could keep seeing the soft smiles on Guinevere’s face.

Although uniforms had been agreed upon for her advisors and the members of her Inner Circle– Dorian, Vivienne, and Cassandra– to wear, of which was a sleek black, silver, and gold design after the initial color choices had been rejected by Guinevere, Josephine and Vivienne had stolen her away for dress fittings before she could even inquire after her own, insisting that the Inquisitor needed to be a shining example to the court. That decision led to Cullen’s constant staring at Guinevere any time she was in the main ballroom.

The dress that had been designed was simpler than the typical Orlesian ball gown, but it was a stunning lilac color that popped against her deep toned skin. The jewels that had been woven into her hair sparkled under the chandelier light, like stars in the night sky. He could hardly focus when she had been talking to him, almost missing all of the teasing she was giving him.

It was a very long night, he would admit, but dancing with her after it had ended made it all worth it. He never liked dancing until that moment.

However, he never got to express that to her after Halamshiral as they both became busier than ever. Barely a day passed before she was off to the Storm Coast again to handle some red lyrium reports, and the day she did have, they both were so busy with paperwork that they never left their respective offices.

“Rylen’s men will monitor the situation.” He ordered.

“Yes, ser. We’ll begin preparation at once.”

“In the meantime, we’ll send soldiers to…” He trailed off as he spotted a familiar and beautiful face hiding behind the soldiers, leaning against the wall with an interested look in her eyes. He hadn’t gotten a report that she had returned, telling him that she had come straight here, it took everything in him to remember to finish his sentence, “...assist with the relief effort. That will be all.”

“Ser!”

It felt as if all of the soldiers filed out of the room impossibly slow before he could finally close the door, leaning against it tiredly, “There’s always something more, isn’t there?”

“Long day?” She asks softly, understanding in her voice. She hadn’t even given herself a proper second to breathe after arriving back in Skyhold, she just wanted to see him.

Cullen sighed softly, a clear answer to her question before pushing off of the door and walking back towards his desk, “I shouldn’t complain. The war won’t last forever. When it started, I hadn’t considered much beyond our survival. But things are different now.”

Guinevere moves closer to him as he turns to face her, inquiring curiously, “What do you mean?”

“I find myself wondering what will happen after. When this is over, I won’t want to move on… not from you.” He runs a gloved hand along her cheek in a gentle caress, staring into her eyes for a moment. He hadn’t really noticed before how her eyes were such a dark black that they almost looked grey as light reflected off of them. He held her gaze before he seemed to second guess himself, “But I don’t know what you– that is, if you…” He stutters as he moves to mess with papers on his desk as a distraction.

“Cullen.” She tells him softly, her hand coming to rest on his arm, “Do you need to ask?”

“I suppose not.” She moves between him and the desk, leaning against it as he slowly leaned towards her, “I want–” His attempt at a kiss is thwarted as her hand bumps a bottle, making her gasp as it shatters on the floor. They look at it for a moment before meeting their eyes again. She can’t help an amused smile from spreading across her face. He smirks down at her before he sweeps everything else from his desk in a swift motion. A small laugh falls from her lips as she scoots back onto the now cleared desk, laying down on it as Cullen wedges himself between her legs and leaning down to capture her lips.

Soft kiss after soft kiss is shared between them before she finally pushes back, trying to wrestle with his armor. He pulls back and almost laughs as a look of confusion and frustration crosses her face, the mage being confused by how the armor is put on. He stands up to begin undoing buckles and clasps, working to remove all parts of his armor. She watches in wonder even as she mutters something about ‘bloody armor being far too bloody difficult.’ She breaks out of her stupor and begins pulling the outermost layers of her own clothing off, gloves, scarf, and coat all falling to the floor, leaving her in a simple blouse and her trousers as she toes her boots off as well.

The clatter of armor catches her attention and she is met with the sight of Cullen in a simple white shirt and his trousers. She bites her lip as she eyes him hungrily, reaching forward to grab him by his trousers and pull him towards her. He blushes with the sudden closeness but he captures her lips again as he shifts them to their previous position. The kiss was heated and passionate, her impatient hands playing with the hem of his shirt before simply tearing it off of him. Her eyes were bright and a satisfied smirk played her lips. She reached forward and brushed her fingers over his abs and he let out a harsh breath, shuddering at the feeling. She rolled her hips up against his experimentally and he automatically mirrored her movement.

He groaned, "What are you doing to me?"

"Cullen, I love you, but please stop talking." Guinevere whispered, leaning up until her lips brushed the shell of his ear.

His eyes darkened like black clouds rolling in for a hurricane, pupils covering their normal whisky color, "Say it again."

"I love you." She declared, tracing his cheekbone.

The next instant, Cullen was pinning her down with a bruising kiss. Guinevere grinned. They really couldn't deny each other anything. He let out a groan as she tugged him closer and wrapped her legs around his waist. He pushed her body back down in annoyance, unwrapping her legs from his waist. "What are you doing?" Guinevere pouted as he sat up.

Cullen didn't answer her as he stared at her hard, "Are you sure you want this?"

"Yes! I want you, you want me, we want each other." Guinevere told him frustratedly, the storm inside her boiling with desperate need for him, need to love him.

"Consent is key, Guinevere." Cullen replied firmly yet gently, warming her heart even more as he stroked her cheek. He opened his mouth to say something else but Guinevere shut it with her own mouth, hot and needy. Her hands were wrapped in his curls and his were planted on either side of her head, holding himself up as he didn't want to hurt hers. One knee was propped between her thighs, which she took the opportunity to roll her hips against for some much needed friction.

Cullen met her onyx eyes darkly. She smirked and dropped her hands from his soft curls to her collar, moving to unbutton her shirt. "Let me." Cullen told her, his voice low. He didn't break away from her gaze as he carefully unbuttoned her shirt and unlaced her trousers. He kept his eyes on hers as he helped her out of the sleeves, pulled her trousers down her legs, and tossed the two articles of clothing onto the floor. Then he took a moment to appreciate Guinevere baring her soul and body to him, accepting him entirely despite who he was.

Guinevere shivered from the way he stared at every inch of her bronze body in the purple light of the twilight sky that peeked through the windows. She flushed as he finally met her gaze again, his eyes completely dark from pure lust and desire. She couldn't help herself as she sat up and wrapped her arm around his neck to kiss him again, standing them up and moving until Cullen's back slammed against the wall.

She pulled away for a breath of air and Cullen took that moment to say, "You're so beautiful."

"What a cliché." She replied before kissing him again. His hands drifted up her back, untying her breast band as she played with the laces on his trousers before simply unlacing them with deft fingers. When she pulled away for air once again, he stepped out of the trousers that now laid around his ankles, nudging them to the side with his foot before turning his gaze back to Guinevere as she angled her shoulders to allow her breast band to fall, tossing it to the side.

Cullen was stunned once again by her beauty, only tearing his eyes away as she moved closer to him and began placing heated kisses to every scar on his body. She showed each scar so much love until he forgot that they were there. She stopped at the waistband of his boxer briefs, looking up at him with an unasked question for permission. At this point, he was too far gone in his lust to deny her and nodded rather enthusiastically. She couldn't help but smirk as she removed his final article of clothing, blessing her with the sight of his arousal for her. She looked at it in consideration but he reached down and took her chin between his fingers, leading her lips back up to his, mumbling against her lips, "There will be time for that later. Let me make you feel good first." She couldn't help but kiss him after that.

He lifted her up and pressed her against the wall, her legs wrapped around his waist as he kissed her. He pulled them away from the wall and over to the desk, laying her down on it gently. Her eyes were closed but she felt his hands move from her hips down to her thigh.

She rolled her hips eagerly which he grinned at against her lips. His hand moved back to the waistband of her small clothes, slowly pulling them down her legs after she had nodded to his unasked question. His hands parted her thighs until one leg was thrown over his waist. She gasped as his hand traced over her sensually, exploring the area quite thoroughly. Then his fingers delved into her curiously yet expertly stroking the sensitive area. She couldn't stop the moan that bubbled out. Her arms were around his neck and her eyes were shut as he kissed down her throat, continuing his downward path.

"I need you." She told him breathily as his thumb began to move in circles, her hips automatically rolling in response to the intense pleasure she felt. She whined when his hand stopped and he pulled away slightly to take in her entirely bare beauty.

"Patience, love." He told her with a smirk that both irritated and stoked the flame of arousal within her core. He pressed gentle kisses to each of the scars that covered her shoulder with the same amount of love as she had to his, making her shiver before he made his way down her body with even more kisses and his tongue.

She swore the moment his tongue moved over her most sensitive spot, only spurring him on. He could do wonders with his tongue that sent her mind reeling into a muddled mess. She moaned and cried out in ways she had never expected as her moment of pure ecstasy crashed through her, leaving her panting and gasping, a light sheen of sweat began to cover her body.

He pulled back just enough that she could truly take in his beauty. Cullen was beautiful, all muscles and power, a lethal weapon, a deadly storm created for destruction and Guinevere the powerful star of his world that commanded him.

Guinevere squirmed slightly as he merely brushed his hand over her breast, wanting to continue pleasuring her, “Please.” She breathed.

“As you wish.” Cullen told her softly as he lined himself up and hissed as he slowly slid into her, “Maker…”

She couldn’t help but gasp at the sensation. It has been years since she has had sex, and she was basking in the feeling of it, especially because it was with the man she loved. He leaned down to distract her, slanting his mouth over his hers and beginning to roll his hips in slow circles. She cried out as he sped the rhythm up after a few minutes, her own hips began moving as well. They met furiously, opposing swirls of hot and cold crashing into each other, a passionate, unstoppable hurricane of everything in the universe.

Guinevere was a mess of panting and cursing and calling out his name, her name falling from his lips just the same as the pressure began to build tenfold. Nails digging into skin, moving harder and faster as heat began to build and pleasure began to skyrocket, electricity raced over his skin from where her hands were but it didn’t hurt. She barely managed to gain control of her magic before she called his name, peeking in a moment of pure euphoria as Cullen joined her after a few more thrusts.

It was as they apexed, her nails dug into his back and his fingers gripped her hips tightly, desperate to keep a tight hold as they move through their high and simmer into a gorgeously placed afterglow. She practically collapsed against the desk, breathing heavily from the exertion, the physical pleasurable toll leaving her breathless, her heart pounding.

It took her several minutes of laying there with Cullen on top of her and trying to remember how to make her body work before she could sit up more fully, pulling Cullen with her. It took them both even longer to find the will to attempt the ladder up to his bed, but somehow they both made it, collapsing onto the bed with small laughs.

He adjusted them so she rested beneath the blanket as she cuddled into his chest, playing with her hair gently. "I love you, Cullen Rutherford." Guinevere breathed out as she met his heavy gaze.

Cullen grinned at her words. "I love you, Guinevere Trevelyan." He whispered her name, he loved every part of her, even the parts she hated.

Sleep was welcomed even if it didn’t last long. She was awoken by a twinge in her mark that made her grasp her hand and grimace. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, it woke her right up, no matter how tired. She looked over at Cullen, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek before slipping from his bed to go down the ladder. She gathered her clothes as quick as she could, even if she took amusement in the mess that they had made of his office before returning up the ladder.

She could feel a pleasant pain fairly high on her neck as she dressed and she had never been more grateful that she wore a scarf regularly. As much as her and Cullen’s relationship wasn’t much of a secret, she didn’t want to broadcast all they got up to. Maker forbid if Dorian ever found out, she would never hear the end of it. The never ending innuendos would be enough for her to zap him so hard he went flying off the library balcony.

She was finishing lacing her boots, her gloves sitting beside her, when he began to stir. Her eyes turned to him with worry as he panted and whimpered in his sleep, squirming. She rests a gentle hand on his abdomen before removing it in slight surprise when he jerks awake. He pants for air as his eyes race over the surroundings, seeming to remind himself where he was currently and that he wasn’t where his nightmares were. His eyes ran over Guinevere quickly, reminding himself that he was completely safe before falling back against his pillow and closing his eyes.

“Bad dream?” She inquired gently.

“They always are. Without lyrium, they’re worse.” He opened his eyes to look at her after his admission, seeing the worry in her eyes as she looked at him. He props himself up on one elbow as he presses a gentle hand to her cheek, thumb running along her cheek bone, “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

She reached out, running a gentle hand along his cheek and down his chest, telling him, “You can let me worry about you a little.”

“Alright.” He concedes before letting his hand fall as she rests her forehead against his, both with their eyes closed as he speaks softly, “You are… I have never felt anything like this.”

“I love you.” Guinevere admits softly, pulling back ever so slightly and meeting his beautiful whisky colored eyes, “You know that, right?”

“I love you, too.” Cullen responds and then she is leaning over and kissing him, and he melts into it, chaste as it may be. She smiles softly as she pulls away, running a hand down his chest before she whispers a short goodbye and slips from the bed. He can’t but help but let out a small lovestruck sigh as he falls back on his pillow and watches her leave.

Guinevere felt almost like she was drowning in work, running around the Exalted Plains, trying to aid the remaining Orleasion soldiers. It took just over a week to deal with that situation as well as helping the Dalish with their problems and Solas with his request. She had been exhausted when she returned, even though it was mid-day, and she had disappeared into her room for a short nap.

When she had awoken, she wandered down to the Main Hall only to get flagged down by Varric, “There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.” A slightly confused look passed over her face as he continued, “You’re just in time, Gwen. We almost had to start without you.”

“Well, we couldn’t have that, could we.” She jokes lightly. They chatted softly as they walked towards the tavern, Varric explaining his plans for the evening, and the chance to truly relax was something Guinevere jumped at.

As they walked into the tavern, Varric swiftly announced, “I found her, Ruffles! Deal her in!”

“I do hope I recall the rules. It’s been ages since I’ve played a game of Wicked Grace.” Josephine rambled, however Guinevere had a feeling that she was feigning ignorance, only to steal everything from them as the game continued.

“Grab a seat.” Varric instructs her, just as he takes the seat next to Cullen that she had been eyeing. There’s a knowing glint in his eyes that makes her clench her jaw slightly in irritation before her face softens into that dangerously crafted smile as she sits in between Josephine and Cassandra, “We’re ready to start.”

“We playing cards or what?” The Iron Bull challenges.

“Are three drakes better than a pair of swords? I can never remember.” Cassandra wonders aloud.

“Seeker, remember how I said, ‘Don’t show anyone your hand’? That rule includes announcing it to the table.” Varric chastises lightly.

“There’s a crown on his head, but a sword, too. His head didn’t want either.” Cole rambles softly.

Guinevere leans onto the table, peering around Josephine to tell him softly, “Cole, sweetheart, don’t talk to the face cards.” She then leans back in her chair, meeting Dorian’s eyes on accident as he raises a brow at how almost maternal she had sounded just then, leading her to mouth a chastising ‘shut up’ at him.

Her eyes then shift to Cullen, as they often do these days, and she quickly becomes aware of how restless he seems, speaking to Varric quickly, “You seem to have enough people. I have a thousand things to do.”

“Losing money can be both relaxing and habit forming. Give it a try.” Dorian suggests lightly.

“Curly, if any man in history ever needed a hobby, it’s you.” Varric adds.

Guinevere leans forward, resting her chin in her hand with a wicked smile, “Come on, darling, it’ll be fun.” Cullen didn’t quite like the look in her eyes but how could he deny her smile, dangerous as it may be.

“Dealer starts.” Josephine says before rambling, “I… believe… I’ll start at… Three coppers! Do you think that’s too daring? Maybe I’ll make it one… no! Boldness! Three it is!” She places her coins in the middle of the table, carefully avoiding the rather knowing look Guinevere was giving her.

“Seriously? Who starts at three coppers? Silver, or go home.” The Iron Bull criticized.

“Sounds good. I’m in.” Blackwall agreed, tossing a silver into the pile.

“Bolder the better, right? I’m in.” Dorian’s silver was added to the pile.

“Me too.” Varric dropped the coin in before meeting Guinevere’s eyes curiously, “Well, are you in, Gwen?”

Guinevere dropped her silver into the pile, feigning a slight hesitance, “Just remember that I’m still new to this game.” Josephine is quick to clock that Guinevere was taking a page out of her book and she shared a small look with the mage beside her.

Varric, unaware of the trap that was being laid before him, quickly assured her, “Don’t worry. You’ll pick it up in no time.”

“So shiny…” Cole muses as he looks at his coins, making Guinevere smile softly.

Two rounds of drinks and one game later, the table was enraptured by the story Cullen was telling, laughing along with the ridiculousness of it, “The poor recruit ran out into the dining hall in nothing but his knickers. And this… profound silence fell over the hall as seventy mages and thirty templars all turned to stare at once. Then a slow round of applause began. And spread until every soul was on they’re feet. A standing ovation.”

With laughter in her voice, Josephine inquires, “What did he do?”

“Saluted, turned on his heel, and marched out like he was in full armor.”

Everyone laughs at the story, some making comments of their disbelief, but what Guinevere quickly clocks is Dorian leaning his head on the Iron Bull’s arm as he laughs. She had been keeping an eye on the two of them ever since the three of them had returned from the Hissing Wastes and she couldn’t be happier to see their relationship blossom, even if it meant Dorian and Bull would occasionally come to her discreetly to pay for destroyed beds and curtains that she would have to replace.

“That’s how you know it’s true.” Varric tells them all, “I could never put that in a book, too unlikely.”

“I think it’s our professional storyteller’s turn to tell one.” Guinevere suggests, clearly hoping to put him on the spot.

It didn’t work, he seemed all to prepared for the suggestion as he nonchalantly replied, “Well, if you insist, Gwen, I think I can manage that.” Varric feigned thought for a moment before continuing, “Did I ever tell you about the time we broke into Chateau Haine? It started, as most capers do, with a trap…” Guinevere listened to Varric’s story with great interest. She had quite liked Hawke during the short time they knew each other and she was working hard to try and rescue her from the Fade so might as well learn more about her in the process, “And then Hawke looks up and says, ‘Looks like the duke… has fallen from grace.’”

Guinevere laughs at the line, but her attention is quickly caught by Cullen letting out the cutest laugh as the others chuckle. She can’t wipe the smile from her face even as Josephine muses, “That’s how Duke Prosper died? You know, that’s almost perfect for him.” She then looks down at the state of the game before announcing, “And, the dealer takes everything. I win again.”

“Deal again.” Cullen challenges, “I’ve figured out your tells, Lady Ambassador.”

“Commander!” Josephine feigns a scandalized voice, “Everyone knows a lady has no tells.”

“Then let’s see if your good fortune lasts one more hand.”

Guinevere levels him with a warning look as she tells him, “Be careful what you wish for, Commander. Josie is quite right.”

Cullen, probably due to the alcohol rushing through him, smirks and quips, “I don’t know, Inquisitor, you’re quite… vocal with your tells.”

There are a few muffled snorts of amusement and some that are more blatant– Iron Bull and Dorian took far too much joy in her embarrassment– as Guinevere straightened and a blush ran along her cheeks. Josephine took one look at her friend before telling her softly, “Thank you, Gwen. Do you wish me to deal you in?” Their eyes meet and an unspoken agreement is quickly formed that Josephine was going to rig this game in Guinevere’s favor if only to tease Cullen in return for that little quip.

“Yes, please do.” Guinevere’s following smile was dangerous and sharp, and Cullen thinks he’s never been more scared of her then in that moment.

Two more rounds of drinks and one game later, Cullen is seated at the table completely naked while Josephine and Guinevere share smug grins as his armor and clothing sits at their feet. Meanwhile, Cullen is glaring them down before shifting his gaze to Varric, who looks like he’s planning on writing this into his next book. “Don’t say a word, dwarf.” Cullen warns sharply.

Varric takes one look at the two girls in front of him as he laughs and glances at Cullen, “I tried to warn you, curly.”

“Never bet against a Trevelyan, Commander.” Guinevere tells him, eyes glinting as she looks at him.

“More like, never bet against the friend of the dealer.” Blackwall voices, looking at the two nobles with knowing looks.

“Now, Warden Blackwall, are you accusing the Inquisitor and I of cheating?” Josephine feigns an offended tone even as she smiles.

“Of course not, Lady Josephine.” Blackwall replies, tone lightly flirty. Guinevere quickly glances between the two and files that into the list of unexpected relationships, she may have to inquire after them later, ever the nosy one.

Cullen looks between the girls in front of him before grumbling, “‘It’ll be fun,’ she said.”

Guinevere looks him up and down, eyes glinting hungrily, “This is fun, darling.”

Cassandra glances at Guinevere and quickly tries to excuse herself, not really wanting to see how far the Inquisitor goes with her blatant flirting, “I’m leaving. I don’t want to witness our commander’s walk of shame back to his office.”

“Well, I do!” Dorian admits, glancing at the man beside him.

Guinevere hums and gives him another once over, “So do I.”

“Guinevere.” Cullen chastises sharply, even as a blush ran over his cheeks, making her beam at him with sharp eyes.

“It comes off. I didn’t know it came off…” Cole muses in genuine surprise.

One by one, the others stand up from the table, with the exception of Guinevere and the Iron Bull, and leave the tavern, except for Varric who moves to stand by the fire. Varric has his back to Cullen and the Iron Bull is too focused on finishing off everyone’s drinks, leaving Guinevere the only one actively looking at Cullen. He gives her a pleading look, begging her to turn away before he stands. She sighs and stands, turning her back to him. He waits a moment, seemingly worried that she’ll turn around again the second he stands up. Finally, he stands and just as he begins to run towards the door, he sees Guinevere peak over her shoulder at him, eyes darkening as he continued to run and she blatantly stared at his ass until he had fully left the room. With Cullen gone, she approaches Varric, who she knew wanted to speak to her, “I’m glad you decided to join us tonight. It’s too easy to mistake you for the Inquisitor.”

“I enjoyed this, it allowed me to be just Gwen.” Guinevere admits.

“See? That’s what I mean. It’s easy to forget you’re not just an icon or symbol, like those statues of Andraste holding bowls of fire. At least it is for me.” Varric let the thought go before grinning at her and asking, “You up for another game when this is all over, Gwen?”

“Every time I play, I increase the odds of winding up like Cullen.” She jokes lightly.

“You’re never more alive than when you’re about to lose your pants, my friend.” He tells her before offering her a knowing look as he adds, “However, if you keep being friends with Ruffles, you should be safe.”

Guinevere feigns ignorance, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you don’t, Gwen.”

She beams at him before speaking rather quickly, “Lovely chatting with you, Varric, but I want to beat Cullen back to his office.” She begins gathering the pile of Cullen’s armor and clothes into her arms.

Varric, quickly catching on to her meaning lets out a quick laugh before telling her, “Have fun, Gwen.”

“Trust me, I will.” She replies as she looks at Varric with a smirk before beginning to make her way up the stairs.

“Hey,” He calls after her, “While you’re at it, pull that stick out of his ass, why don’t you.”

Guinevere looks back at him as she responds, “Why pull it out when it could be used for pleasure instead?”

The Iron Bull guffaws, “I knew there was a reason I liked you, boss.”

Varric grins at her too, asking only half-jokingly, “You don’t mind if I use that in my next chapter of Swords & Shields, do you?”

“Go for it, Varric, just make sure to put me in the dedications.” She replies as she heads up the stairs before peaking back down , “Oh, and Bull?” He looks at her in acknowledgement as she grins, “Maybe you should try that trick on Dorian.”

The sound of the Iron Bull’s laughter followed her out of the tavern.

She wouldn’t say she ran to Cullen’s office, but her walking was brisk and it seemed to surprise the patrolling soldiers enough to know not to ask any questions. She almost slammed the door behind her in her haste before setting his clothing and armor on his desk that she quickly leaned against, attempting to slow her breathing and appear nonchalant. She didn’t want him to think she was desperate, she had a reputation to uphold after all.

With a thought, she reaches behind her and grabs his cloak, fur collar and all, settling it over her shoulders. It smelled like him, she realized and smiled softly at.

She barely had to wait a minute before Cullen was rushing into the front door of his office and slamming the door behind him, hands holding it shut as he panted for air. The way he stood gave Guinevere an excellent view of his ass that she took far too much advantage of. So much so, she couldn’t help but comment, “Nice arse.”

He stood up straight and spun around to face her, his hands covering his groin as he did so, exclaiming in surprise, “Guinevere!” Her name came out in distinct syllables as his mind raced to process that she was standing before him.

“Cullen.” She greeted with a coy smile.

“What–” His voice cracks slightly before he clears his throat and tries again, “What are you doing here?”

Her eyes darken as she eyes him, “What do you think I’m doing here?”

“Answering questions with questions isn’t actually an answer, you know.” All he gets in response is a hum. He takes a moment to actually take in her appearance and notes the cloak, “And, that's mine.”

“That it is, but don't you think it looks good on me?”

“I–”

“No, you're right, this should be the only thing I’m wearing.” Cullen blushes at the image but it was a pleasant thought to be sure, “Well we can fix that.” She has a wicked smirk on her face as she makes her way towards the ladder, hips swaying as she walked. He couldn’t help but watch her, making covering his groin more difficult as arousal filled him with each sly smile and dark look she gave him before she climbed the ladder. His eyes noted the pile of clothes and armor on his desk, but he suddenly had no desire to put it back on as he followed her into his room.

He met her eyes as she leaned against the wall to his right, smiling as she removed her gloves in a silent beckon for him to come closer. Guinevere smirked. She knew how to make him go crazy. She leaned forward and locked lips with him, making him gasp slightly against her mouth. She slyly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, letting him know that he better make good on her thoughts.

Cullen pushed forward, moaning softly and pinning her to the wall with his body. She felt her hands roam his skin, all muscle and power, a true warrior’s body. Cullen was definitely strong and he only reaffirmed her mental assessment as he gripped onto her hips and lifted her up higher on the wall and made her wrap her legs around him. Her fingers tangled in his hair as she kissed him roughly, all tongue and teeth, but causing him to moan slightly nonetheless.

Cullen moved them back to the bed and settled himself with Guinevere in his lap and him sitting back against the bedposts. His hands began to wander along her body, trying to control themselves from simply tearing through the fabric dividing them. In her own desire and need, she quickly forced herself away from his lips and touched her nose to his, staring deep into his eyes as she began to undo every bit of clothing and strip them off of herself before tossing them who knew where. Thankful, he was already bare for her, so that was one less outfit in the way.

Guinevere’s desire to taste every part of him was persistent as she kissed and licked and bit her way down his body. She eyed him hungrily, after all he had promised that there would be time for this later and it was now later. Cullen watched her with wide eyes as she met his gaze, silently asking if this was okay. He offered her a slight nod that made her grin in that way he loved.

Guinevere brushed a teasing thumb along his inner thigh. She moved expertly, her lips moving lower and lower, placing a teasing kiss on his inner thigh. Cullen was trying to leave his hands at his side, letting her do as she wished, but when he felt the first flick of her tongue, then his hands moved to grip raven locks. Cullen was lost in waves of pleasure as he felt lick after lick, suck after suck, followed by fingers stroking expertly. It took everything in him to grab her chin and pull her away, especially when she whimpered slightly at the loss. He guided her lips to his, gently kissing her as a show of gratitude. She moved to straddle his waist as she held him tightly, both of their hands roaming.

Every touch made her tremble and every kiss on her skin made her melt in his arms. He knew how to make her moan, how to make her crave him, how to make her shiver with ecstasy. However, she knew just as much. Every one of her touches were magic on his skin. She knew where everyone of his sweet spots were and more often than not exploited them, especially when he decided to do the same to her.

She shifted her core further down his body, hissing with pleasure as he filled her. Guinevere took far too much advantage of the sweet spot that was his hair, keeping a tight grip on it as her hips began to roll against his. He moaned violently at her grip, his hands traveling over her body, only stopping briefly to brush his thumb at that special spot between her legs. Her movements freeze as pure pleasure sparks through her.

His nails dug into her shoulders and back in pure ecstasy as she moved her hips carefully, pulling both of them higher and higher towards their limit. She was beautiful and brilliant, and pleasure wound its way tightly around him. Her skin surfaced with color as her fingers released his hair, falling to the side and clenching into a fist on his shoulders, her mouth parted as she released harsh breaths.

Keeping careful hold of her, he sat up and rolled until she was beneath him. He slid his hand down the length of one of her glorious legs and hooked his hand under her knee where the skin was soft and tantalizing. He pressed her legs apart further, her head falling back as he moved. He knew that he wasn’t going to last much longer, the tight knot of tension at the base of his spine threatening to set him on fire, and he kissed her.

As they both reached their euphoria, her arms came around him, grounding him, mouth kissing him through it. Their world shook and they couldn’t breathe, the pressure of the release wiping them out.

Lost in her pleasure, she could only cuddle into Cullen’s arms as he wrapped them around her and pulled her against his chest. His feather-like kisses peppered over her forehead, making her smile, “I love you, Guinevere.” He smiled softly as she barely coherently mumbles out an ‘I love you, too.’ before sleep takes her.

Cullen was disappointed to find that when he awoke, Guinevere had slipped herself from his arms and was almost fully dressed once again. His voice was light as he told her, “One of these times, I would like to wake to you just as naked as I am.”

She meets his eyes as a soft laugh falls from her lips, “It’s not my fault you like to sleep in.”

He glances up at the hole in his ceiling to see the sky still slightly tinged with the purple of sunrise, “It’s barely light out, I wouldn’t call that ‘sleeping in.’” He narrows his eyes at her slightly, “Should I be worried–”

Her mark lights up with a glow, causing her to hiss and shake out her hand. She meets his concerned eyes and smiles gently, “It’s fine. It just… happens sometimes.” She can tell from his gaze that he is pushing for what she is hiding. Moments pass and she concedes, “It always wakes me up when it does that.”

“Guinevere.”

“I’m fine.” She quickly assures.

“You should have told one of us.” He tries, “Maybe Solas could do something to stop it.”

“Cullen, it’s fine.” She emphasizes, “I’m fine.”

“Not if it is preventing you from getting sleep. The lack of sleep could be detrimental to your life when you're off risking it everyday. I can’t– I couldn’t–” His worry is palpable.

“I know.” She gently rests her hand on his arm, grounding him as she reassures him, “Just trust me when I say that I have it handled. I’ll be okay.”

“Alright.” He concedes before quickly adding, “You’ll tell me if it gets worse, right?”

“Of course.” She replies before eyeing him carefully. She traced the lines of his face, looking older with worry that smoothed slightly knowing she was there. She looked at the cute little scar above his lip, she always did like that scar. She then trailed down his bare chest, taking note of the slight spattering of freckles. Her eyes moved over the entirety of his bare body. He was so perfect to her. The thought was so sappy she quickly slipped into her joking tone, “This is such a serious conversation to be having while you’re naked.”

“Stop it.” He chastised.

Guinevere laughs and presses a short kiss to his lips, cupping his cheek gently. She smiled as she pulled back, inquiring softly, “Is there anything I should know before I leave?”

“Only that I am never playing cards again.” His voice is slightly bitter as he speaks, as if he left most of his pride in the tavern, “I don’t know how Varric talked me into that.”

“That’s too bad.” She flirts, “Watching you lose made me want to play cards more often.”

“I do not need help embarrassing myself in front of you.” His voice was steely as he responded.

“You were blushing. It was adorable.” She beamed at the memory.

“Maker’s breath.” He huffed, pouting slightly.

“Don’t pout, darling. Personally, I think you won the game in the end.” Guinevere ran a hand down his chest, nails digging in ever so slightly as a reminder.

“Your love is quite the prize, isn’t it?” Cullen responds, smiling softly. She hums in agreement before leaning down to capture his lips in a soft kiss. It turned out that getting dressed was for naught and if anyone inquired what took her so long to get to work, she was going to pull the hangover card. She’d rather be called a lightweight than deal with Dorian pushing her for details of her love life.

Her time with Cullen became strictly business after that morning, with the exception of a few stolen kisses. Between cleaning up more regions of Thedas, hunting down Samson, and making stronger moves against Corypheus, down time became slim. They were so close to the end, she could feel it brushing her finger tips. It offered her a second to breathe.

She wasn’t a very religious person, she had issues with some of the Chantry’s teachings but she couldn’t get behind believing in nothing, leaving her in an odd middle ground. After becoming the Herald, religion felt more oppressive, their faith was too much for her to handle so she had been avoiding the small chappal in Skyhold like her life depended on it. She first stepped into it when she swore she heard his soft voice on the other side of the door. She found him kneeling before the statue of Andraste, praying, “Though all before me is shadow, yet shall the Maker be my guide. I shall not be left to wander the drifting roads of the Beyond. For there is no darkness in the Maker's light and nothing that He has wrought shall be lost.”

“A prayer for you?” She inquired softly, making her presence known.

"For those we have lost, and those I am afraid to lose," Cullen replies. He glances up as she comes over, murmuring, "Guinevere."

He says her name with such reverence. As though he is thankful, blessed to be able to say it openly. Her name is a warm word when he says it, a loved word. She hopes he feels similarly when she calls to him.

She holds out her hands to pull him up to her height. He stands tall, taller than her, his hands and his gaze caught in hers. She isn't certain whose hands are trembling more: hers or his.

"You're afraid," she says.

He lets out a humorless laugh, more pained than anything else. "Of course I am. Corypheus possessed that Grey Warden at Mythal. Hawke killed him once and he came back. We don't know what Corypheus is capable of -all we know that it's only a matter of time before he retaliates.”

Guinevere reaches out to settle her palm against his cheek. He presses into the contact; she feels the soft pricks of his stubble against her skin, reassuring her of his presence.

"When the time comes," He says, quietly this time, “you will be thrown into his path again. Andraste preserve me, I must send you to him.”

“There’s nothing to worry about.” She assures him with a soft smile before placing a hand over her heart, where the necklace she had fashioned to hold the coin he had given her laid, “ I have luck on my side, remember?”

He chuckles gently as he admits, “That’s less comforting than I’d hoped.” He sighs. Cullen embraces her. There is a desperation in his hold, an urgency. But there is also comfort, a reminder of something Cole had told her once before: safe and solid, protecting and proud. Stronger when you hold him. Only now, she is stronger when he holds her. In this moment, his arms around her, an impenetrable shield, she could tear down both Corypheus and the heavens, “Guinevere, listen to me– Whatever happens, you will come back.”

“Is that an order, Commander?” She joked lightly, but he could feel the sorrow in her words through the way she held him so tightly.

“No. But as one of your advisors, I strongly recommend it.” He offers in return, making her smile against his chest.

She lets out a small laugh, “If you say so.”

“I mean it, Gwen.” His voice is intense and his grip on her tightens, “I– The thought of losing you… I can't.”

“I know.”

The end of the fight against Corypheus ended sooner than she ever thought possible. She and her Inner Circle entered Skyhold to the cheers of the many people who had taken up residence there. Guinevere made her way up the steps to meet her advisors, however her eyes locked onto Cullen quickly. The three of them bowed to her and she couldn’t fight the smile that was growing as the thought of everything finally being over started to set in.

Then she met Cullen’s eyes again, watched as he seemed to fight the urge for a moment before he moved quickly to embrace her, a hug she returned just as desperately. She wanted to melt into his arms and sleep for the next week, but she still had duties. She released him and moved to face the crowd, standing as a symbol of victory.

A short while later, after a brief conversation with Leliana about Solas, she found herself inside the keep, eyes zeroed in on Cullen and approaching him. “Am I imagining it, or do we have a moment to breathe?” He mused as she moved to stand in front of him.

“We have a moment.” She offers him that much, even as she tries to push away how much work she still had to do.

A soft chuckle falls as he nods in understanding, “I think you’re right.” He admits before continuing, “You brought us here. You are proof that the Inquisition made a difference. That we will continue to do so.”

“That’s why we’re having this fancy party.” She reminds him, “Celebrate, Commander– you’ve earned it.”

“I should be thanking you, Guinevere.” He tells her, “You gave me a chance to… to prove myself. In your place, I’m not sure I would have done the same.” He seems to clench his hand at his side, preventing himself from reaching out to her despite how much he wants to, “I should let you… mingle. I’m sure everyone desires your attention. As much as I might want it for myself.”

Guinevere feigns a reluctant sigh, “If I must.”

“Enjoy yourself, love.” Cullen instructed her with an amused smile, “I’ll be right here if you need me.”

She looks at him expectantly, “Aren't you forgetting something?”

Cullen chuckles lightly, “Of course.” They step towards each other, slowly getting closer. Guinevere closes her eyes, lips pursing as she expects him to meet her in the middle. However, all she gets is a small breathy laugh as he teases her. She raises higher on her toes in another attempt to kiss him but he only teases her again. She gives him a sharp look, though she knew it was only fair after all of her own teasing, causing him to finally allow her to kiss him. It's a quick kiss that is quickly followed by a second one as Cullen’s arms wrap around her waist and she rests her hand on his elbows. They sway lightly as a series of soft kisses are shared until she pulls away slightly, lowering to be flat-footed again. “I love you.” Cullen tells her gently before booping her forehead, “Now go on, before I change my mind.”

Guinevere walks away, sending one last smile over her shoulder before she is walking towards Dorian and falling dramatically into his lap. She says something that makes him laugh before he unceremoniously dumps her from his lap. She yells at him, something about saving the world and this being the thanks she gets. In return, he replies something about Cullen being grateful enough for all of them. The two dissolved into raucous laughter that made Cullen smile. He liked seeing her this happy. He kept an eye on her even as he spoke to the people who approached him, smiling every time he saw her joy. When he noticed her trying to go to her room, he made his way across the hall in long strides until he was only a few feet from him. “You managed to slip away.” He said, making her turn to face him with a bright smile, “I thought I might claim more of your attention after all.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” She admits, eyes shining happily.

He chuckles lightly, “Good.” She takes his hand, slowly leading him through the door and up the stairs to her room. Cullen realizes then that he had never been in her room, something that he was happy to have rectified as he takes in the simplistic elegance of it.

His eyes move back to her as she removes her gloves, scarf, and jacket, before she turns to face him. He finds himself following suit in finding comfort, removing his heavy armor and gloves as she settles on her bed. He moves to lay beside her, shifting her so her head is resting on his arm before looking up and smiling softly. He looks over at her and begins peppering the side of her face with soft kisses, making her laugh and smile before she pushes him away with a small, "Stop it." He pulls away with a slight laugh and a bright smile.

She props herself up only to shift so the elbow she is leaning on is rested above Cullen's head, fingers playing with his hair before she grasps his jaw with her other hand. She looks at him, eyes tracing the lines of his face and thumb running over his jaw before she leans forward and kisses him. He leans up into her as he kisses back, an arm coming up to wrap around her waist as his other hand rests on her hip. Her lips pull away from his but she keeps their foreheads pressed together as she swings her leg over him, straddling his hips. He presses his lips to hers again as he sat them up, allowing her arms to shift so one was resting around his neck and her other let her fingers grip his hair. One of his arms moved from her hip to further up her back, allowing him to twist a dark lock around his finger.

Guinevere pulls back from Cullen's lips before allowing her own to travel down his jaw to his neck. Cullen lets out soft breaths as her lips move against his neck, bursts of pleasure running through him. He can't believe he's actually here and in this position, that Cullen loves him and is kissing him. His mind runs with these thoughts, causing him to be left in a daze. Cullen's lips trail up, placing a soft kiss behind his ear before whispering, "Come back to me, darling."

"What?" He breathes, breaking out of his daze as she pulls back to look at him.

"I lost you to your thoughts for a minute there."

"Sorry, love." He replied sheepishly.

"No, you're fine, darling." She told him, pecking his lips quickly before smirking at him, "You're thinking face is adorable."

He blushed at her words before refocusing as he stood up and she watched him move further into her room, voicing, “Battle’s over, there will be a new Divine… yet I don’t care about anything other than you being alive.”

“Cullen…” She breathed, standing and moving closer to him, his eyes holding hers as his hands rested on her waist.

“I don’t know what happens after this.” He says.

Guinevere knew there were many questions to be answered and tasks to fulfill in the coming days, but beyond that she didn’t know. She slipped from his arms, walking towards her balcony to take in the new dawn. Cullen comes up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and she leans back against his chest as she admits, “Neither do I.” A contents sigh leaves his mouth, as he rests his chin on her shoulder. Sure, there were many unknowns in the days to come, but at least they had each other as they stepped into the new light.