Sahlin sat opposite Cullen on the dock. The weather was warm and she was thankful for the respite. Adamant had taken its toll on her and she hasn’t quite realized it until they were nearly to the lake. She couldn’t believe he’d actually told Leliana to send reports all the way out there if something happened. Somehow, though, she knew that Leliana would hold onto the reports until they got back — everyone knew Cullen could use a little time off.
Sahlin felt the wind blow through her hair and ruffle her scarf against her chin. The air smelled clean and floral. She looked up to see Cullen nearly asleep and petals raining down all around him, courtesy of the tree on the shore. One full flower landed neatly on his temple and stuck. The dark purple petals were a stark contrast against his blonde hair.
This memory is what Sahlin carries with her to the final battle against The Elder One. She holds it tightly, remembering that she must win if she wants that peace again. She must win. Whatever happens...
[A short fic about Ryn dealing with some anxiety after Trespasser. CW for anxiety attack/ panic attack.]
Easing into the hot bath, Ryn feels like she is burning. She bites her lip to focus the pain elsewhere. As she sinks into the tub, the pain subsiding, she closes her eyes and listens. The practice yard is quiet where there used to be the near-constant ringing of swords. The murmur of guests in the hall is also gone. All she can hear is the bubbles in her water popping and her breath. In. Out. In. Out.
Minutes have passed and Ryn comes back to herself. She needs to wash if she has any hope of making it to the small dinner tonight. She drops deep into the tub, knees surfacing so her head can be covered. Coming up, she reaches to push her hair back but...her left hand misses her head. She’s jarred by the elbow of her left arm slamming into her temple. Then it all comes back. Solas. Her thoughts swirl around the name. Solas. Why? Solas. He lied to me. He lied to all of us. He’s gone. He’s going to destroy the world. I could have stopped him. The scene flashes before her eyes. She’d had a chance. She could have drawn her blade and ended it there. Her eyes are burning. Her arm is burning but not. It’s not there, it can’t burn. The pain persists.
———————————————————————————————
“Hot, flashing, burning. WHY? He had to take it. I trusted him. OH.” Cole spurts out before running toward the gate. He makes for the steps next to the gate then disappears before reappearing on the battlements. “She needs you, Commander,” Cole says flatly as he pushes the door open.
A tall man with blonde hair, more wavy than curly, stands behind a desk. He jumps at the intrusion and makes to draw his sword but stops himself. “Makers Breath, Cole, how many times have we talked about knocking before opening a door?” His right hand reaches for the nape of his neck as he lets out a sigh.
“Cullen, she needs you. Ryn isn’t doing well. Burning, pain, why? He’s gone. He lied. What if HE leaves, too? I failed them, they should all leave. I deserve this.” Cole points toward a door in front of the desk. “Go,” he urges.
It only takes a moment before Cullen realizes what’s happening. “Thank you, Cole.” He’s nearly out the door before he says it. He’s running now.
———————————————————————————————
Cullen’s legs are burning. Maker, I am in poor shape. He nearly trips over himself as he enters the large rotunda. Damn him. He slows to a fast walk as he gets to the hall—no need to cause panic to those here. Fortunately, there are only a few people sitting around the fire talking quietly. None seem to give much notice to the Commander as he moves through.
Stopping at the door, he steels himself. I must be strong. Maker, give me strength. He leans his head on the door. That is my wife. I have to protect her. What if I don’t know how? Standing straight, he breathes in, pushing the door open and moves towards the steps. He takes them three at a time. At the top of the stairs, he slows his pace and eases the last door open. In the middle of the room, a large tub sits full of water and a woman. Ryn.
———————————————————————————————
She hears him open the door and step in, closing the door quietly behind him. She isn’t able to greet him, though. She feels empty. Nothing left to give, not even attention. She sits, watching the bubbles swirl in her water. She lets them drift and imagines each of her thoughts as a bubble, swirling in the water.
——————————————————————————————
She sits in the tub, unmoving. Cullen steps toward her, watching her face. Expressionless. He feels an understanding to this. Remembering the Circle he was stationed at when the Blight hit and Kirkwall under Meredith’s reign, he begins trying to recall all he was told to do to ease the trauma. Realizing that most of the suggestions were to retrain more than soothe, he changes his course of thought. What do I want when the nightmares come? Suddenly, he remembers their first night together. He had a nightmare but when he woke to see her face, it eased the fear. Her head on his chest melted away what his mind couldn’t reason out.
Cullen unbuckles his sword belt and gently sets it on the bed, then he removes his shoes, socks, and shirt. He feels funny standing there only wearing his pants but he feels the need to make clear what his intentions are and are not. Walking toward the tub, he watches Ryn again, checking for any changes. There are none. He stands next to her, letting her know where he is. He waits a moment before placing his hands on her shoulders and gently pushing her forward.
He steps into the tub, quietly gasping at the temperature of the water. Maker, is this what Cole meant about ‘burning’? He eases himself into the water, sliding his legs past Ryn’s. Once he’s sat down, he pulls her to him and wraps his arms around her. He puts his face in her long black hair. It smells of elfroot and smoke. This was her first chance to really bathe since the Council of Heralds and the scents from the ordeal with the Qunari had held tight even through their trip back to Skyhold.
After several minutes, Cullen isn’t sure how many, Ryn finally starts to move. First, it’s a large breath. Then, it’s a stretching back. Finally, she leans into him, placing her head on his chest. He plants a slow, gentle kiss on the crown of her head. “It’s good to see you.”
Thank you @daisytje for tagging me, I’ve been trying to put this post together for days now!
In no particular order...
1. Cullen x Trevelyan, Dragon Age: Inquisition
2. Merlin x Morgana, Merlin
3. Geralt x Triss, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
4. Richard x Kahlan, Legend of the Seeker
5. Cousland x Alistair, Dragon Age: Origin
At this point in life I don’t watch much TV anymore, hence much of this list being game-related OTP’s. To be honest, the last television shows I followed with any regularity were Legend of the Seeker and Merlin (and how old are those shows now? Ouch.)
Dumping some Cullen Romance feels here, avert your eyes _______________________________ I think what I really appreciate about Romancing Cullen is that sex isn't the end all be all or "romance affirmation" like it is with so many other characters in the games. I romanced Alistair in DA:O and Anders in my first play through of DA2 (I plan on romancing Fenris next) With Anders, you had a little more than flirting and trying to push for that relationship, but the affirmation was sleeping together. I do appreciate that, don't get me wrong. But I think why I like Alistair's romance like I do Cullen's, Is because there's some lead up. Alistair giving Warden the rose? Blushy kisses and flirting? Come on. And how he eventually asks (if you let it play out that way) Sweet cinnamon roll... I'm getting off on a tangent. Anyway, there's just so much to Cullen's romancing before even remotely getting to the point where they sleep together (which I have not had the pleasure of doing yet) He and the Inquisitor help each other out in so many ways. I also enjoy that not everything has to be "romantic" to advance the romance. Cullen going along with the Inquisitor to infiltrate Corypheus's lyrium mines will be something that sticks with me. How they rely on each other in not just a romantic way, but a true friendship and partnership.
“...But when you feel the world wrapping round your neck
Feel my hand round yours
And when you feel the world wrapping round your neck
Don't succumb
But it's alright
Take it out on me.”
Broad-shouldered Beasts by Mumford and Sons
alisienna‘s Asha Trevelyan x Cullen (”where is my comb” version)
because we are all for curly!Cullen
ps drawing this commission hath slain me with feels
Cullen: There you are. Everyone's been looking for you. Things have calmed down for the moment... are you alright?
f!Inquisitor: I'm just worn out. Tonight has been... very long.
Cullen: For all of us. I'm glad it's over. I know it's foolish but I was worried for you tonight. I may never have another chance like this, so I just ask... May I have this dance, my lady?
f!Inquisitor: Of course. I thought you didn't dance.
