[sandbox]

[bringspeopletogether]

Skyhold gets quieter and quieter as the days move on. It's not a complete stand-down; there's cleanup to do, stragglers to round up, the same sort of business Alistair remembers from the months after the Blight. The Thaw, as Wardens call it. Thedas is thawing again, but the fortress only grows colder for it.

He won't lie: he'd feel warmer if Kieran and Morrigan were still there.

When Cullen suggests a vacation, Alistair lights up, only to deflate slightly when he realizes they'll be "vacationing" in Orlais. There's business to attend in Val Royeaux -- not the sort of business that'll keep Cullen occupied from sunup to sundown, but enough to require an in-person visit for a week or so. On the one hand: Orlais. On the other: he can't argue that time away from Skyhold, especially in Cullen's company, will help.

...So will the cheese, probably.

(Look, as Alistair has said many a time, he is a very predictable man.)

They room at a small place in the university quarter that's downright plain for Val Royeaux. Libraries for Cullen, a cafe around the corner for both of them, limited contact with people trilling about whatever stupid, petty scandal's hit the court this week -- it could be far worse. Alistair takes to writing his letters at the cafe, usually accompanied by some flaky pastry or another.

Today, they're cheese-filled. It's hard to descend too far into a personal funk when you've got a cheese-filled pastry.

Comments

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair's own smile grows.

He goes back to running his hand through Cullen's hair, slow and gentle. Eventually he presses a soft kiss to Cullen's forehead.

[howtoactfereldan]

Whispered:

"That was good, right?"

[bringspeopletogether]

"Oh yes." It comes out on a long, contented sigh. "Very."

He squeezes Cullen a little.

"And for you?"

[howtoactfereldan]

A small smile. "I enjoyed it."

Most of it, he doesn't say.

"It was... intense, wasn't it."

[bringspeopletogether]

A lazy mm of agreement.

Then, curious: "Is that -- something you'd like to do more often?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"I -- "

Cullen sighs, soft.

"We should -- talk about it. Not now. And not without a bottle of something strong for me. I'm..."

Then, frustrated with himself: "Maker's breath. I can't -- words."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Don't worry about it," he murmurs against Cullen's hair. "As you said -- later. With something strong on hand. No need for words now."

He's -- not worried, precisely. Even concerned is a little too strong a word. But Alistair wants to be absolutely certain he has the right of all this, whenever Cullen is ready.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen gets closer. It's absolutely not snuggling.

"That's a relief." Mumbled. "Thank you."

[bringspeopletogether]

Of course not. Maker forbid.

"You're quite welcome." Soft. "And thank you for all this."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen laughs, then. "You think we could close our eyes and somehow transport ourselves to the springs beneath Skyhold?"

[bringspeopletogether]

"It's worth a try." Solemn. "Ready? On the count of three. One, two, three -- "

Alistair makes a great show of squeezing his eyes shut. A moment later, he peeks one eye open.

"Did it work?"

[howtoactfereldan]

Dry: "Yes -- can't you tell?"

[bringspeopletogether]

Doubtfully, Alistair says, "I don't see any water. I suppose it's turned invisible?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"I'm sure that's it."

[bringspeopletogether]

Satisfied, "I thought so."





Then, more sheepish, "Probably ought to get cleaned up soon despite the disappointing lack of hot springs, though."

[howtoactfereldan]

"'Soon' isn't 'right away,' I notice." He winds his arms tighter around Alistair.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair laughs, low. "Very astute of you, Commander."

He kisses Cullen's hair again.

[howtoactfereldan]

A small, content sigh.

"Could I draw you a bath?" he murmurs. "When you're ready?"

[bringspeopletogether]

His smile warms.

"That sounds perfect," he says. "Yes. I'd like that very much."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Tell me when."

Cullen closes his eyes.

"And if I'm asleep, promise you'll wake me." Pause. "I have every intention of spending tomorrow sleep-deprived and miserable, Theirin. If you'd care to join me."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Hmmm."

Slowly, he runs his hand up and down Cullen's back.

Gravely, "It sounds like a very dangerous plan. I could never let you undertake it alone."

[howtoactfereldan]

"One of the many reasons I love you." Peacefully. "While I'm at it, I might note that we don't have to return to Skyhold tomorrow. If we have matters occupying us further, we could delay another day or two."

[bringspeopletogether]

His eyebrows creep higher. Half-laughing, "Is that a promise?"

The best way to spend time in Orlais: holing up inside with the man you love and completely ignoring all of Orlais.

[howtoactfereldan]

"We might like to send out for supplies," Cullen returns, grave. "But yes. It's a promise."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair sighs, happily, and snuggles closer.

"You're the best."