A Cullen Romance

Chapter 1: The Ball

Orlais, another place the Inquisition traveled to in order to gather support, but nothing new there. The Inquisitor (Vayla Lavellan/Trevelyan) was dressed in her long, elegant, dark blue gown with silver trim. A truly expensive dress that had been sent by her dearest brother Orym Trevelyan of the noble family in Ostwick. Her hair was left down with amazing curls that reached at least the middle of her back. To finish it off she wore a black laced mask that made her dark green eyes pop out and sparkle within the light.

Arriving at the entrance of the Winter Palace, she met up with Joséphine. Her body was dressed within a longer version of her usual attire. Joséphine stepped towards the entrance with her arrival. "Inquisitor, it is good you are finally here. Now we must discuss our situation" she glanced about to make sure they were alone as her Antivan accent faded. Vayla pushed her dark red curls behind her pointed elf ears, "Very well Ambassador, but must we be so formal with one another? It is uncomfortable..." Joséphine nodded to her question, "We must be formal in the Winter Palace to gain court's approval. Which leads to our next discussion." Vayla nodded as Joséphine explained the plan and how to gain court approval and what will happen if they are thrown out. "Peachy, just sodding peachy. It is all up to me... let's just do this before I change my mind" Vayla spoke softly with a lowered head. So much pressure, how can one person deal with all of it at once?

Vayla walked in, hips swaying behind her as they met up with their beautiful spymaster Leliana and the commander, Cullen Rutherford. He didn't appear to be happy there for when she took a glance up at his honey brown eyes she saw sorrow.They discussed a plan then off they scattered except the lonely elf and the ex-templar. Cullen rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Yes they had shared a kiss or two but he still didn't know how to speak to her. Especially not with this large audience. So he too scattered off to a cleared spot to stay undercover. Vayla sighed softly at his walking away, but later she would go and ask for a dance.

***

About an hour later she headed to find Cullen to see what he might have found out at his end. Stepping closer she did not like what she seen, he was surrounded by women and a man. Her brow raised in concern as she slowly moved closer to hear what they were speaking about.

Cullen jumped slightly as his eyes widened in shock "D-Did you just grab my bottom?" The women giggled with a Rosy blush "I couldn't help myself Commander, such a handsome man like yourself is not just to look at." Vayla felt sadness run through her body but knew he only didn't do anything to keep the court happy. Still she wanted to speak with him, alone and not with these Orlesian Whores. Her arms crossed as she refused to make eye contact, "Cullen we need to speak...alone." Cullen sighed softly with relief and sorrow. Needing to speak alone never ended well but he was so happy to get away from his admirers. "Of course Inquisitor" he bowed as he gestured the way to a quiet room. Leading the way, Cullen followed as he watched her hind quarters sway in her beautiful gown.

Getting inside, Cullen closed the door and Vayla didn't wait to speak "Who was that women Cullen?" Her jealousy clearly getting the better of her. Cullen rubbed the back of his neck like he usually did "I don't know, they have yet to leave me be." Vayla's voice cracked as her eyes became a watery gloss of tears. "You were allowing them to grab you Cullen! Flirting I wouldn't have been so bad but..."and before she could finish Cullen took a few quick steps toward her and pulled her in for a kiss. "Mmmmmm" she tried to speak but just allowed herself to kiss him back deeply as her arms wrapped around him.

Ending the kiss Cullen brushed a stray from Vayla's eyes. A grin upon his face that would not leave as long as she was in his sight. "I didn't wish for this, I only want you" Cullen spoke in a whisper as he laid his forehead against hers. Vayla sighed knowing she just embarrassed herself. "I know Cullen,it is just I have never had anything that makes me happy besides my brother, everyone always takes it from me and I always think that I am not good enough because I am an elf" she confessed slowly as she turned her head from him. "Val" he reached back to her chin and turned her to face him once again "You being an elf doesn't matter. I am in love with you for who you are not what you are. Now let us return before we are caught shall we?" Vayla smiled, he had never called her anything besides Inquisitor. It was a nice change for once. He took her hand into his and linked their fingers as they walked out of the room. Both having smiles on their faces.

He took her to the railing and turned to face her masked eyes. Even though they were surrounded it was like they were the only two there, the only ones who mattered. He brought up her hand and aligned their fingers together, his gaze never leaving her forest green eyes that twinkled with her smile. "You are so beautiful" he smiled slightly knowing that his admirers would be watching. "You are such a flatterer Cullen" Vayla giggled at his words but enjoyed hearing them from his lips. Vayla began to think, she wished for a dance but he probably wasn't interested. "Cullen?" She asked in a shy voice like a child meeting someone new. "I was wondering if maybe you would save me a dance." Cullen was very quick to reply "No thank you." Vayla lowered her head slightly embarrassed "Oh..." "Oh, maker's breath! I have answered that question so many times tonight that I am answering automatically...I am sorry, I don't dance. Being a Templar we were never allowed to attend balls and such" he tried to save himself from his quick response. Cullen, it's fine... I was just looking forward to spending more time with you while you are not caught up in all your paperwork" Vayla whispered but glanced back up. Sorrow still deep within.

***

Another hour passed and back to work but they eventually discovered everything and exposed Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons to all of Orlais. When she did so the Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons attempted to dash off but was surrounded by guards and Vayla's fellow companions. They took her away and Vayla left to the balcony. The sun setting in the east was so beautiful...might as well enjoy it alone. Morrigan came out and spoke with her but she didn't really pay attention to what she said, Cullen right after Morrigan walked out directly beside her. "Are you alright? Everyone inside has been looking for you. We are safe for now. This might sound crazy but I worried for you tonight" Cullen spoke softly with a sigh. "I am fine Cullen. For once everything went according to plan. Now that is one less thing to stress out about" she smiled as she closed her eyes, feeling the gentle breeze through her hair. Cullen took a step back and bowed as he spoke with a grin "I might not get another chance to ask this so may I have this dance?" He held out his hand to Vayla in hopes that she would accept his offer. Turning to face him she took his hand "Of course Cullen. It would be my pleasure but I thought you don't dance?" With her words their bodies began to move in a sway. "For you, I will try" he chuckled as he pulled her closer by the waist. Both allowing their bodies to carry them to the tone of the orchestra.