Category : Stories

Sub Category : Romance

   Dragon age Fan Fiction 

    He'd asked her to accompany him alone, a romantic gesture. Ellana thought as they walked the worn path outside of Skyhold's massive front gates. Solas had been a mystery for some time. She enjoyed his company and while they rarely agreed she felt there could be a future. Though she'd flirted with Cullen more than once and she liked him, being and Elven mage she thought he'd never be with her. He was a Templar, a knight once in service to their Divine, he stood against magic, against people like her. She had little fear of him, although her wits told her to be cautious. When Solas had kissed her in the fade, she felt at ease, as if it were something more. 

    “The Veil is thin here, can you feel it on your skin tingling?” Solas turned to her and asked, a solemn look in his eyes. Yet she thought she saw, affection or something like it. “I was trying to determine some way to show you what you mean to me.” He continued as he gently touched her cheek and then let his hand fall down again. 

    “I’m listening, and I can offer a few Suggestions” Ellana playfully responded smiling coyly. 

    “I shall bear that in mind” he smiled “For now the best gift I can offer is …. The Truth. You are unique, in all Thedas, I never expected to find someone who could draw my attention from the fade. You have become important to me. More important than I could have imagined” He spoke with an intense gaze upon her face. 

    “As you are to me” 
    “Then what I must tell you… The Truth, your face, the vallaslin. In my journeys in the fade. I have seen things. I have discovered what those marks mean” his voice smooth and confident. 
    “They honor the elven gods”  Ellana responded shyly. 
    “No, They are slave markings, or at least they were in the time of ancient Arlathan.” Solas revealed, seeing the questioning look in her violet eyes. 
    
    “My clan’s keeper said they honor the God’s, these are their symbols” her voice quivering more than she thought it would. 
    “Yes that is right, a noble would mark his slaves to honor the God’s he worshipped. After Arlathan fell, the Dalish forgot.”
    “So this is what, just one more thing the Dalish got wrong?” she asked tears threatening to start falling. 
    “I’m sorry” 
    “We try to preserve our culture, and this is what we keep? Relics of a time when we were no better than Tevinter?” She asked not looking at him. 
    “Don’t say that, for all they got wrong, The Dalish did one thing right, they made you.” he smiled saying as he lifted her face to look at him”I didn’t tell you this to hurt you, if you like, I know a spell…. I can remove the Vallaslin.”
“These marks have been apart of me for so long. I don’t know if… “ she trailed off unsure. 
“I am so sorry for causing you pain, It was selfish of me. I look at you and I see what you truly are…   and you deserve better than what those cruel marks represent” 
“Then cast your spell. Take the Vallaslin away.” her voice echoing her feelings.
“sit “ Solas motioned her over to a bench in the clearing. Closing her eyes she could feel the magic from his fingers and a veil colored light tingled over her face. She felt his fingertips brush her dark brown hair as his hands came to rest upon his lap. He looked in her eyes intently, full of emotion and thought. “Ar Lasa Mala Revas. You are free. He told her, as they stood up. They looked at one another. “You are to beautiful.” he finally said in a husky whisper, as he leaned into her and kissed her. Breaking their kiss abruptly a sorrowful look foming upon his stern features “And I am sorry, I distracted you from your duty. It will never happen again.” He affirmed putting space between the two of them. 
“Solas” her voice cracked as she tried understanding what he was saying. 
“Please Vhenan?” came a plea from him. 
“Tell me you don’t care?” Ellana demanded.
“I can’t do that” he whispered in response. 
“Tell me I was some casual Dalliance so I can call you a cold hearted son of a bitch and move on!” her voice rising as he pushed him in the chest shoving him backwards. 
“I’m sorry” he whispered again as he turned and started walking away. 
She watched him walk away from her, her chest heaving, tears falling. Confused and unable to move she just stood there. She’d not noticed the Inquisition guard leaving just after Solas. All she did was stand there and cry in that clearing just outside of Skyhold.  



Chapter Two:

“Ser” A scout that had accompanied Ellana and Solas out of Skyhold came marching into his office as if there were an impending attack”It’s the inquisitor Ser” she continued breathlessly as if she’d run the whole way. 

“What it is? “ Cullen jumped from his wooden seat from behind his desk. Blood rushing to his already throbbing head. Balancing himself on his desk he looked at the scout “What’s happened?” 
“Ser, that Solas” She heaved catching her breath” he left her alone in the clearing down by the end of the path. I didn’t hear everything but she’s only standing there crying” The Scout finally finished her report. 
“What?!?” he boomed. His heart raced, he’d liked her from the start. Though when she chose Solas he was hurt he’d resigned himself to remaining close to her. Grabbing his sword and shield he marched for the stables. “Show me where!” he commanded as they rode down the path leaving the Skyhold gates. As they rode his anger rose higher and higher, He knew he didn’t trust Solas, but his mind kept him questioning if it were due to his being a mage or jealousy at their closeness or if it were that Solas had ill intentions, but Cullen set his jaw and resolved to find out one way or another. 

A short distance from the small alcove he stopped his horse and dismounted leaving his shield on the saddle he took his sword and sheathed it. “Show me where now!” he barked not meaning to sound that way. 
“In there Ser” The scouts shaking hand pointed to a clearing surrounded by trees. 
“Wait here, Stay on guard and for makers sake keep this to yourself!” he ordered as he tried to calm himself before walking towards Ellana. “You hear me, not a word?” 
“Yes Ser!” the young recruit saluted and stood at attention. 

Walking closer towards what sounded like a lake he could hear her crying, her breathing erratic. I’m going to kill Solas, Cullen Thought to himself. “Inquisitor?” he called out softening his voice as not to startle her. “Ellana?” He rarely used her first name, it wasn’t proper. Though somehow proper didn’t seem to matter in this situation. He could see her sitting on the snow near the lake her head in her hands, shivering from the cold. Frost forming on the tips of her chestnut hair “ Here” he whispered as he covered her small frame with his Cloak. Kneeling down to her level, looking her in the eyes, he could see she’d been crying for a while. Her tears streaking down her face. “Are you alright?” he asked her unsure of what he should do or say. 
“They needn’t bother you Cullen” she whimpered through tears.”I’m sorry” 
“Tis no bother. I’m here for you, talk to me please?” his voice pleading just as much as his amber eyes. “Did he hurt you?” he asked wiping a tear from her cheek, as he helped her stand up. “Come let’s get you back to Skyhold” 
Just as he had been about to wrap an arm around her shoulders to aid her to his horse, she turned to him, flung her arms around his neck, clinging to him, sobbing into his neck. He could only attribute his reaction to instinct, as he embraced her. Letting her cry softly against him. They stood there him holding her as she sobbed for some time. He being torn between not wanting to let her go and knowing he needed to get her back to the castle where she could be warm. 
Finally she looked up at him through tears “I don’t understand.” 
At that he’d decided sweeping an arm around her waist, he turned her picking her up he placed her on his horse. Carefully he mounted the horse behind her. Her legs dangling both to one side as he used his arms to keep her steady on the horse.”Come let’s go home, we’ll sneak you into your quarters the back way and I’ll have a talk with Solas” his jaw began clenching and unclenching as he guided the horse back towards Skyhold. 
He’d been able to sneak Ellana into the main building and up to her chambers with relative ease. Carrying her up the stairs he finally set her down on the sette next to the railing. She laid down curling up her knees to her chest as he covered her with a blanket he found on a nearby chest. “I’ll come by in a while with some food and check on you” he spoke softly turning towards the stairs to leave the room. He had a destination in mind, wanted answers and despite his abilities found himself having a hard time keeping his cool. 
“Cullen?” he heard her voice cracking as she asked after him
“Yes, My lady?” he’d responded trying to even his voice out. 
“Thank you” she sniffled 
He smiled as he descended the remaining stairs, exiting her quarters through the main hall he began a steady stern march towards the atrium where Solas usually could be found, his hand in a fist the closer he came. Ignoring all the people who greeted him along his path he reached his destination rather quickly. His muscular frame entering the doorway as his amber eyes blazed at the elf that stood before him.  Without a word, without a warning he flung his right fist forward, connecting with Solas’s jaw knocking the elven mage into the nearby desk. Crashing candles, inkwells and books could be heard as the room echoed their sound. As he lunged forward again he snatched Solas up by his linen shirt lifting him off the ground to eye level “You’d better have a damned good reason elf” he commanded, his anger lacing each syllable as he stared into the elf. “What in the Maker’s name did you do?” Cullen bellowed throwing Solas with relative ease into the nearest wall. 
As Cullen began coming towards him again Solas cast an energy barrage at him, however instinct and anger fueled Cullen’s response as he muted the magic with ease. “I will not speak of it” Solas attempted to respond stuttering as he did so. 
“Yes you will!” His voice boomed through the room, Cullen no longer caring who heard.” I’ll have the truth now!” Again he stood over Solas his body conveying the power he’d trained to learn for years, every bit of Templar and every bit of a man angered. “You hurt her! Then left her alone!” His voice reaching it’s limit as he towered over Solas, demanding answers.
“It’s private” Solas had begun 

“Stop! Both of you!” Ellana yelled from the doorway still wrapped in Cullen’s fur Cloak. Her face still pink and wet from tears she’d cried.”Cullen, can I speak with you, alone” her voice softened as she gazed at the wonder of a human, a human Templar defending her. 
“Alone? Ah… sure” he responded as he shot one more glare at Solas. “I’ll finish this later” he growled turning and walking away from him.  
They’d walked silently back through the main hall, into the outer part of her chambers and didn’t speak until they reached her desk. Ellana turned towards him, her eyes not as somber, or sad as he’d seen them before. They held something else, something he couldn’t place at this moment. He still felt his anger simmering just beneath his practiced stance and easy smile. “Cullen, I’m so sorry that I angered you” she spoke as she looked at her feet, as if embarrassed by what had happened “I’m grateful you showed up though” her voice quivering as she kept her eyes on her own feet shuffling them slightly. 
A silence fell in the room before he spoke”Ellana, none of this is your fault, I don’t know what happened, but i’m sure you did nothing wrong” he began as he stepped closer to her, “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have acted the way I did. Eh I suppose I should make my apologies to Solas” his confidence wavering, making him stop mere inches from her. He couldn’t gage her reaction, he wasn’t sure if he’d angered her, or had he done something wrong. 
“Don’t bother, he doesn’t deserve one” her voice cut the tension as he heard a chuckle in her words. She lifted her face looking him in the eyes. Staring into violet eyes, he came to the realization that he indeed love her. “Can I ask you something Cullen?” She broke his thoughts 
“All you have to do is ask” smiling he relaxed his posture, enjoying finally the view of her wrapped in his cloak. How it enveloped her completely, how even though a raging fire burned five feet away she kept it snug around her, as if she enjoyed it. 
“Why did you…” she began “I mean why did you go after him?” 
Cullen could feel his heart pounding, his mouth went dry as he tried to find an answer that didn’t involve the inevitable because I love you. However his mouth over ran his mind and before he could stop himself he’d said it.”Because I love you, because I may not be who you want, but damn it I’ll be damned if anyone is going to hurt you” He froze his words hanging in the air between them. His face flushed as all he could think about was how he wanted to run from this room. 

“But… I’m a mage” he could hear her fear “I mean I’m an elf and a mage.” 
“What-ever I fear of magic, I see none of that in you” Cullen’s feet acted on their own as he slowly closed the distance between them, lifting her face to his he continued “I’ve always cared El, I just thought you wanted to be with someone, hun well someone like him.” he let out a sigh he hadn’t known he’d been holding in, he could smell her perfume, lilacs, see her lip quiver as her eyes searched for an answer from him. “I’ve messed this up haven’t I?” he asked turning away from her. “I’m not very good at this am I?” 

“I don’t think anyone really can be” Ellana broke the silence 
Finally turning to face her his mind questioning everything she did and said.
“I’m not wanting to get in between you and Solas” he began his nerves threatening to shatter what confidence he’d built up.”I just have to know, I mean.” he rubbed the back of his neck, signaling his nervousness.”Maker this sounded much better in my head” he exhaled “Forgive me, I shouldn’t have brought this up, given what happened earlier” he said as he excused himself to attempt to regain some sort of dignity back. Stepping towards the stairs he stopped briefly looking at her and said “Should you need anything you’ve only to ask Ellana” he deliberately used her first name. 
“Cullen, wait” she stopped him as he’d reached the third stair “I’m mixed up right now, but I do care for you.” she began as she walked towards where he now stood “It’s over between Solas and I, I chose him because” she trailed off, “well because I’m a mage, an elf and I didn’t think you cared” 
His heart felt like it had been beating a hundred miles a minute “Didn’t think I cared? I suppose that’s my doing. I have always cared.” his words lingering between them “I won’t rush you El, I’ll wait as long as you need.” he told her as he stepped closer to her.”I just need to know that there is a chance?” he questioned, feeling like forever passed before she answered him. 
Her smile beamed, where not long ago streaming tears formed a path. “Yes, of course there is a chance” came her reply as she flung her arms around his neck kissing him. He surprised even himself when he kissed her back, wrapping his arms around her waist as he held her close to him. Maker’s Breath, the one time I wish I’d worn something other than my armor. He thought as with his tongue he deepened the kiss, gently moving his between her lips. Suckling her bottom lip between his teeth gently before breaking it off, knowing himself he’d go further, he wanted to give her time. 


Chapter 6

The whole way walking back to his office Cullen had a smile on his face, the scar on his lip only curving with his smirk. Walking into the atrium he stopped Solas, returning the stern look on his face, towering over him he growled “Come near her, hurt her in any way. You will answer to me. You hear me?” he’d meant every word, he already wanted to rip the mage limb to limb. “Don’t think I won’t know what you do when your away from here.” he left the veiled threat hanging in the air as he exited to the walkway that led to his own office. Cullen knew he’d honor Ellana’s wish for no more violence, though he still thought Solas deserved every bit he got. 

Cullen tried to busy himself the rest of the morning with reports and training. It wasn’t working too well, his mind going over what if’s and what would happen if she forgave Solas. While he had always been a confident, capable warrior and Templar, he’d not been good where love would be concerned. He’d had relationships, he’d flirted with Solana, the hero of Fereldon, who now commanded the Grey Wardens of Fereldon and been married to Alistair. Cullen could remember how’d he’d treated her after the tower events. It sickened him, the thoughts of what he’d asked the wardens to do. He’d spent the past decade trying to atone from that, attempting to make right what had gone terribly wrong. Now thinking back on his feelings for her, the ones he’d thought were true love. He knew it wasn’t. He’d told her and Alistair he’d been happy for them. Genuinely he had been, though he’d remained bitter for quite some time. 

Sitting behind his desk, reading endless reports of goings on in different regions. Cullen decided he had better get something to eat, before he completely forgot, again. Since taking himself off the Lyrium his body and his mind seem to conflict with his duties. The headaches, pain and night mares brought him back to that horrible day, that horrific tower. So eating and sleeping were things he’d forget on a regular basis. Heading towards the tavern, he welcomed the crisp winter afternoon air, he could see soldiers training. Skyhold had become a place many sought and few left. He’d get some training in with Rylen after lunch he told himself. 


    “Hi Commander” Fallissa the barmaid greeted him at the bar. “What can I get you?”
“I suppose some of that stew if you don’t mind.” He replied. Listening the hustle and bustle of the tavern behind him. Iron Bull sat in the back of the bar, with his Chargers of course, naturally surrounded by women. Varric for all his tales sat near the bard writing only maker knows what, he hoped nothing about him. Ellana sat near the side of the bar, cup of ale in her delicate hands, by herself. 
“Fallissa I’ll be at the Inquisitors table if you don’t mind?’ Cullen spoke not waiting for a reply and heading towards Ellana. 
“May I join you?” He’d asked stirring her from what seemed to be deep thought. 
“Please” She smiled back at him. “What brings you here?” 
“Decided I should get something to eat, you know before I forget, again” he smiled easily back at her. “Am I interrupting you?” 
“Oh no, I just didn’t sleep well last night” She made up an excuse. She certainly wasn’t going to tell him that she’d been up most of the night, worried and hoping that he was honest with how he felt, no she wasn’t going to admit to that anytime soon. “How are you feeling today?” she asked him, finding it impossible to look anywhere but his eyes. He had amber, honey golden eyes, they showed compassion, care and devotion. 
“I can endure. Small headache, Though I think i’ll train after lunch.” he spoke softly, as his lunch arrived.”I wanted to thank you for ensuring that our Templars have a training grounds. It means so much to them, and me.” 
“Well, what can I say I just can’t say no to you” she’d said it before she could stop herself, chastising herself she’d let too long pass to attempt a correction. 
“I shall keep that in mind Ellana” he answered a blush forming on his cheeks as he winked, a slight smirk forming, causing the scar on his lip to curve with it, the one she found irresistible. “Would you care to train?” he quipped back trying his best to tempt her. 
“I suppose I’ll have to say yes, I mean with my not being able to say no and all” she replied coyly. “I’ll have to change into something more suitable. I’ll meet you in the training grounds.” She finished as she got up from her seat and adding. “Cullen” with a smile and a wink. He watched her as she left the tavern,