𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓌𝓃 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒

indie semi-selective cullen rutherford mun and muse are both 21+ established march 2016 written by robin

[araltuar]

“It’s too early,” her voice melded easily around the false Kirkwall accent she used around Cullen. “Why can’t we just stay in bed today?”

[fromhonnleath-blog]

“The thought is very tempting, I must admit.” Cullen replied, unaware of the fake accent as he pulled his socks on. "Unfortunately, I’ve been summoned by the City Guard. It’s a curious case. A Chantry Mother was found dead in a room locked from the inside. I’ll be sure to give you the details over lunch this afternoon?” He asked with a wink and a smile as he pulled on pants and a shirt.

[fromhonnleath-blog]

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : I’m not saying you were wrong, but there were better ways to handle it~

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : Like, for example, politely taking the man outside to deal with him. Not destroying the bar.

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : People need those to function.

[araltuar]

[ Text :: Nerd Commander ] oh mythal’s ass [ Text :: Nerd Commander ] do you wanna come over for fnaf or not [ Text :: Nerd Commander ] cause if not, then i’m drinking alone

[fromhonnleath-blog]

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : I’ll be over soon.

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : If only so I don’t get drunk texts later of, “Cullen help! The bear keeps scaring me!”

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : Though now, I must admit I’m torn. Because your drunk texts do tend to be adorable~

[araltuar]

[ Text :: Nerd Commander ] okay, so the last one may have given me a concussion [ Text :: Nerd Commander ] but the ferelden dude was trying to swing at dorian! [ Text :: Nerd Commander ] i couldn’t very well let him get away with that!

[fromhonnleath-blog]

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : I’m not saying you were wrong, but there were better ways to handle it~

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : Like, for example, politely taking the man outside to deal with him. Not destroying the bar.

[TEXT :: ELLANA] : People need those to function.

[araltuar]

She shrugged slightly, a smile growing on her face. She’d probably make crowns for others, if she were being honest, but as close as she felt with some of her companions, they didn’t come before Cullen in her mind. She wasn’t honest to herself about the reason why, but t least admitting that he was important to her was a victory in her books. Or, at least, that’s what she kept telling herself so she didn’t feel so bad about the distraction.

“Sera is a wonderful friend. Cole deserves one just as much as anyone here, if not more. And Solas is…Solas.” Ellana’s face almost contorted at the male elf’s name, but she recovered quickly. “However, I thought that the first one I made would be perfect for you. Leliana even shared that the two of you enjoy Andraste’s Grace. So it only made sense, as she didn’t wish to have it for herself.” Ellana had already been sharing most of the flowers she came across with her spymaster. It seemed to be enough.

[fromhonnleath-blog]

He nodded, smiling in spite of himself. His pulse went a bit faster at the thought of being Ellana’s first choice. She even asked Leliana about it, Maker’s breath!

“Well, it would be disrespectful to continue trying to refuse such a wonderful gift.” He replied, putting it on his head. “How do I look?”

[araltuar]

Ellana skipped into Cullen’s office, her sneakers sliding slightly on the freshly polished floor. Well, shouldn’t do that again, she thought as she regained her balance. “Hey! I, uh.” She fidgeted with the item behind her back slightly. “I recently found something while we were traveling. A weird…helmet of sorts. It’s a little strange, honestly.” Her face contorted just slightly. “But also really cool! So…while I can’t recreate it, I figured I’d make you this.”

She presented the flower crown that had been behind her, woven almost exactly the way she’d learn to weave pieces of rope and leather while with her clan. Made with various daisies and a few forget-me-nots that had popped up while they’d been traveling.  It wasn’t going to stay alive for more than a week, but she was hoping that the few pieces of Andraste’s Grace would make up for it. Though she wasn’t sure if it would work well in her favor.

[fromhonnleath-blog]

Cullen couldn’t help snickering slightly at Ellana’s near slip. Maker, she is adorable. He’d probably believe that until the day he died, at this rate. His expression changed when she handed him the flower crown. It was an odd gift, no doubt, but it smelled nice. And the multitude of different colored flowers were pleasant to look at. Wait, is that Andraste’s Grace? He smiled. It had definitely been made for him, having his favorite type of flower. 

“With respect, Inquisitor, I appreciate the gift. The craftsmanship is phenomenal. But I can’t help but wonder why you’re giving it to me. Wouldn’t this be better appreciated by Solas, or Sera? Or Cole?” Actually, aside from Cassandra, or Varric, he couldn’t think of anyone who would have less ability to truly appreciate what the gift meant. He couldn’t help but feel unworthy.

[fromhonnleath-blog]

[ x ]

[araltuar]

[ Text :: Nerd Commander ] my ideas are GREAT i dunno what you’re talking about

[fromhonnleath-blog]

[Text :: Ellana] Mmm hmm. Like the time you drunkenly called a Fereldan a dog fucker and started a bar fight? Or how about when you had Bull pick you up on his shoulder and you banged your head against three signs?

[fromhonnleath-blog]

[ x ]

[Text :: Ellana] The question is, do I really want to subject myself to more of your bad ideas?

[araltuar]

Well. That certainly wasn’t anything close to what Ellana was imagining as a conversation point. However, she couldn’t blame him for being concerned. She rightly was as well, but with the lesser experience of the two, it was easier for her to make mistakes that someone with even a limited amount of expertise would see as a fatal flaw.

“If they’re willing to stay loyal to our cause, I see no harm in recruiting others as well.” In fact, she’d been heavily considering it since coming back from Redcliffe. It was something she knew she’d have to speak over with all three of her advisers, not just Cullen.

His next inquiry took her a bit off-guard, and she moved her weight from foot to foot as she tried to phrase her answer in the most flattering way possible.

“I like to believe I do, but between you and I? There are still moments where I have to take Bull or Cassandra aside and make sure I understand the plans we’re putting into place. If only because all of the planning I’ve had to do for my clan hasn’t been nearly as complex as leading an army that could outweigh nearly all of the Dalish.”

[fromhonnleath-blog]

Cullen grinned. 

“Perhaps I might be of assistance in that regard. Have you ever played chess?” It’s only to help her learn more about tactics and strategy. He told himself. Not because I want to see her face and hear her voice more every day. He wasn’t sure he could believe that, but he would be damned before he made any unwanted advances toward Ellana Lavellan, the Herald of Andraste. Maker, even her name is attractive. It’s completely unfair.

“It’s not completely the same as a real battlefield, but I think it’s a fair simulation that will help broaden your strategic thinking.”

[fromhonnleath-blog]

His heart fluttered slightly at her smile. 

Maker’s Breath, man, you have a job to do.

He stood at attention, sticking to his templar instincts.

“Harrit has been making good use of the obsidian mine you found in the Hinterlands. The recruits are looking forward to sharper swords and stronger shields. The morale boost has been sorely needed. Thank you, Herald..” He bowed his head once and looked directly into her eyes.

[araltuar]

Always work with this man. Not that she could really blame hin, but it wouldn’t hurt for him to dump the pauldrons at some point. That was probably something better left in her mind.

               “It’s the very least we can do.”

It was. And a part of her wished to do more.

               “Anything else to look out for?”                Like perhaps a drink to share…

[fromhonnleath-blog]

Cullen’s mind went to practical options. Good camp locations, resources, new recruits, pretty much anyone or anything that doesn’t want to stick something in you.  He felt his face flush slightly as his imagination pounced on the euphemism. He cleared his throat quietly to calm his nerves. 

“Pretty much anything, at this point. I know we’re working on an alliance with the Rebel mages, but if anyone, templar or mage, wants to sign on, I hope you’ll give them a chance. Experience is something sorely lacking in our current forces.”

An odd thought popped into his head. And his mouth moved before his mind could restrain his tongue.

“Herald, as I understand, you’re spearheading the Inquisition’s efforts in the surrounding countryside along with Cassandra. Directing your companions and many of the soldiers that have been dispatched into the area. Would you say you have a good grasp of tactics and battle strategy?”

He smiled, trying his best to appear warm in the face of a potentially offensive question.

Certainly not the most offensive thing I’ve ever said.  A little voice spoke to him, drudging up memories of a tormented templar in Kinloch Hold who’d advocated for the deaths of dozens of his charges. He silenced the little voice with a thought, focusing on Ellana’s reaction.

[araltuar]

“Anything new, Commander?” A small, playful smirk formed on her lips.

[fromhonnleath-blog]

His heart fluttered slightly at her smile. 

Maker’s Breath, man, you have a job to do.

He stood at attention, sticking to his templar instincts.

“Harrit has been making good use of the obsidian mine you found in the Hinterlands. The recruits are looking forward to sharper swords and stronger shields. The morale boost has been sorely needed. Thank you, Herald..” He bowed his head once and looked directly into her eyes.

[fromhonnleath-blog]

                  Though all before me is shadow,                                       yet shall the Maker be my guide.

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