the commander and the inquisitor

[makerguideme]

Even if he hadn’t seen the movement at the corner of his eye, Cullen knows the Inquisitor was coming. He can see it in the quickly straightening spines of his recruits and the way their eyes go wide. It’s the same sort of awe he’s seen in the soldiers before, especially now that they have escaped Haven and are settling here in Skyhold. These two before him are new, fresh faces who joined up with them the moment they could. They’re still used to seeing her as more than a mere mortal. He still finds himself a bit awed sometimes as well, but Cullen still smothers the urge to smirk at their nervousness.

“That will be all,” he says with a curt nod of his head, dismissing them from his desk and leaving their reports on his table. He watches their forms stiffly turn and make their way to the door the Inquisitor doesn’t occupy.

“Inquisitor.” He likes to think he’s not as curt with her as he is with the others, but he can already imagine the look of resigned disapproval Josephine would give. Thank the Maker they’re in his office and not in the War Room, then. “Something I can help you with?”

Comments

[athim]

The gardens. Isetriel finds herself rather flattered that he takes her away from the battlements. While she enjoys each and every part of Skyhold and what it has to offer, there is a calm serenity to be found where they arrive. She happily follows, listening intently and hardly letting that smile leave her. Truthfully, Isetriel feels most comfortable in Cullen's company. He is a calculated man, serious even when it isn't necessary, but kind and gentle. Knowing that a man who had once been a Templar, who held hatred and fear for Mages has given not only a Mage, but an Elf a chance at closeness? It suggests much for his character.

While she isn't completely aware of how he had been once, she's met enough Templars to know that he is a rarity and something to be treasured.

"On top?" She snickers, "I think I rather like that."

They find at least some privacy at the gazebo, where Isetriel leans against the wall. Her little jab is quickly glossed over when she realizes what it really implies, not that she regrets saying it. Cullen is a very attractive man, and surprisingly the most fun to flirt with.

"Do you ever truly take time for yourself, Commander? You have siblings, I'm sure they would like to see or hear from you. I appreciate all you do, but you are still a human being in need of rest."

[makerguideme]

If only he had been privy to her thoughts. He would have flushed or paled, depending on the moment. For he didn't think himself anything remotely like a rarity. Treasures were not synonymous with his name. But he doesn't, and instead the mild nervousness that plagues his gait is only due to being unused to the woman at his side. And at small talk in general.

His walk falters into a stumble as she remarks enjoying things (people? him?) on top.

He clears his throat and doesn't meet her eyes. His hand rakes through his hair but he doesn't frown. He simply can't meet her gaze.

At leas the subject returns to more neutral ground and he sighs as he leads her to the bench. The gardens are empty and quiet, for once, and he waits for her to take a seat before sitting beside her. "I rest as much as I absolutely need. It's well enough." He never was much a deep sleeper, and the lack of lyrium ensures that more and more each day. "My sisters... Well, I'll write to them soon enough. What about you? Any family that we should be sending for?"