A Templar's Desire (DA:I - Cullen X Lavellen)

3. Clean Up

He brought me to the side room with the tub, placed me on a stool next to it, and began filling it with the water tap. The water was cold by default, but I could heat it with a weak flame spell.

"I have some new soaps I got from Dorian that I would love to try," I exclaimed with a smile.

"Love, if Dorian caught me smelling like you, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

I left to get my soap and oils from my dresser. I didn't care if Dorian knew we bathed together. He was a close friend to both of us. And Dorian loved hearing about Cullen from behind the scenes. If we smelled the same, it would be a reason to sit for tea and gossip. Cullen had already slid into the cold water when I returned to the bath.

"What? I haven't warmed it yet!"

He laughed and explained, "In Ferelden, baths were always cold. I have grown used to it. You needn't worry about me."

Given my mana levels, I placed my hands into the water and warmed it to the best of my abilities. It was warm, but I preferred a hot bath. Dorian gave me the soaps of various types and purposes, explaining each thoroughly. I poured the liquid soap into the tub. It was an elderflower extract soap to soothe the skin. I left the other soaps on the stool and joined Cullen in the water.

"This should help with your wounds and scars if you have any. It's–"

"Elderflower. I'm familiar."

Of course, he was familiar with elderflower. It's known for its healing properties and helps with lyrium withdrawal. He hasn't taken lyrium in months, so the pain must be getting to him. I felt foolish explaining it to him. I'm such an idiot sometimes...

"Sorry, I'm sure you knew that. But the other soaps are exciting!"

He pulled me closer and spun me around so I could sit on his lap in the bath. His arms encompassed me like a bird in a cage. But I didn't crave freedom. I wanted to remain here eternally.

"About what I said... The marrying thing. I... I was serious. It wasn't a heat-of-the-moment sort of boast. I love you. And I want to be with you until I return to the Maker's side," he said softly and lovingly. I knew he meant his words when he declared them in bed. The way he would watch me and worry for me confirmed his feelings. However, the fact that I was not only an elf but also a mage and that he chose to remain showed me his true heart.

"I know. And I meant what I said. I will. But I want elven vows. And my Keeper... I was the First. But after the war, my Clan didn't... Survive. They were wiped out by fearful humans and the city elves they stayed with. So I suppose I am now Keeper of Clan Lavellen. But I can't see over my own wedding."

I felt him squeeze me as I said this. He kissed my neck and slid his hand down to hold my stomach.

"I am sorry, Lalin. Could Keeper Hawen see over it? I know he's not of your Clan, but he could–" He stopped himself. I gripped his hands as tears rolled down my cheeks. The droplets gave away my grief as they hit the water.

"Ma Sa'lath, I just want you. That's all. If we need a goat to see over our wedding, I don't care. Keeper, no Keeper, Mother, no Mother. I want you."

Cullen rubbed the soapy water onto my skin and over my breasts. He held his hands above my heart as I felt his face pushed into the back of my neck. His joy revealed itself with tear droplets rolling down my back.

"My Heart, we could have anyone in the world see over it. Varric, for all I care. I refuse to be naked around him again, though."

We laughed at the thought of Varric seeing over our wedding but demanding Cullen to be naked. I turned around to face him. Our faces were damp with tears: joy and sorrow. I inched closer to him and straddled him. I pressed my chest against his. So warm.

"We should finish this bath unless we want to become prunes," I whispered to him.