Fandom: Dragon Age
Rating: E for everyone
Word: 802 AO3
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All Souls Day wasn’t a celebration for Cullen. It hadn’t been for years, not since he was a small boy. Now it was a somber day. Not spent glossing over the pyre of the Most Blessed Andraste, as he was told it should be by the Revered Mothers in the Order. No, it was more. It was for the loss that he felt bitterly this year. Buried deep inside and left unspoken for too long. Ten years ago, the Blight ravaged the land, stripping away life wherever it landed, and his home was no different.
It wasn’t right away that he received the letters. He was in solitary prayer in Kirkwall when the messenger brought it to him. “Mother and Father perished in the Blight. In the Darkspawn attack at Honnleath. The Hero of Fereldan arrived too late. She saved what few villagers stayed at old Wilhelm’s. I would send further word, but I do not wish to upset you, dearest brother. There wasn’t anything you could have done. They attacked at nightfall, taking the women, and burning what they could not run through. Please, we are thinking of you deeply. Myself, Branson and Rosalie made it out and are staying in South Reach. Write me as soon as you are able.” Signed Mia Rutherford.
He’d kept that letter, through everything. This All Souls Day he touched the worn edges of the parchment before placing it back in his desk. Blowing out the candles he quietly walked towards the gardens. His mother loved flowers, he remembered that fondly. She’d come into the kitchen with mud upon her cheek and his father would carefully dab at it with rag before whisking her in a twirl, a tune upon his lips. There was magic in those few memories and he cherished them like gems.
Night was already beginning to fall over the keep and the lamps had all been lit. Scant few people mulled about as soon as the lamp lighters finished their work. He knew that he was now alone. Alone with his thoughts and the sweet smell of flowers in the garden. Something caught his eye as he strolled the pathway. It was a simple flower, white pedals with an orangish center. He’d remembered seeing that flower before, his father would bring them into the house for his mother. Pausing he caught the edge of a purple cloak. “Leliana?” He squinted to see the shape as it stepped into the light. “What are you…”
“I tend the Andraste’s Grace when I have a moment. The Inquisitor had them brought in just a few days ago and I think they are taking to Skyhold quite nicely.” Leliana had a single flower between her fingertips. Cullen smiled, “they were my mother’s favorite.”
“My mother’s as well.” Leliana’s smile grew as she nodded towards the bush. “She’s waiting for you. Blessed All Souls Day, Commander.” Bowing her head, Leliana calmly strolled back towards the main hall.
She was set to meet him there, after nightfall and he could see the lantern in her outstretched hand. Cupping a flower, he bent to smell it. “I thought you had forgotten that story.” He sighed rubbing the petal gently between his fingers. It was soft, like velvet and ever so delicate. Something his mother had said to him one day when he went to pluck one for her. “Careful Cullen. Andraste’s Grace is a beautiful flower, but it is fragile and easy to tear or kill. You need to be kind to it and respect it’s space.”
“Of course, how could I forget? It was important to you.” She smiled allowing him to wrap his arm about her waist. “Blessed All Souls Day Cullen.” Pressing a kiss to his cheek she rested her head against his shoulder. “Mother Gisele will be starting her sermon in a few moments.”
“I know,” Cullen carefully plucked a single flower and placed it behind her ear. “Thank you.” Looping his arm about hers, he walked with her towards the small chapel in the back of the garden. “My mother used to wear one in her hair, just like that when father brought home a fresh bundle. She loved how they smelt, fresh and bright, not like the usual muddy air.”
“Fereldan has a quaint wet dog scent,” she chuckled back before catching a whiff of the flower. “It is a beautiful smell.”
“Home. Some would say,” squeezing her hand in his, he paused outside the closed door. “Ten years is a long time. I only hope I’ve lived up to their expectations.”
“I’m sure you’ve doubled it, Commander.” She paused again to wipe at the tear edging his eye. “Come, we have many to remember.”
“Sadly, we do,” drawing in a deep breath he straightened his back and pulled wide the door.
