The Mage That He Would Forever Hold Dear (CullenxInquisitor Fanfic)

-6- When War Comes Knocking

The sun was slowly making its way behind the mountain peaks as everyone in Haven buzzed around like bee's, everyone seemingly having their own goal at the moment. Tables were set up outside the chantry with candles, platters of food that could survive the cold and various little creations that the folk had made by hand. Faith sat in her small cabin watching out the window as everyone did their part in setting up for the big party tonight, a bodacious toast to their victory if you will. She had always hated eyes on her, and now that was becoming the norm. Everyone in Haven knew her by name and she currently wasn't in the mood to be flocked to by the small village of people.

Getting up she paced towards the wooden door that she had purposely locked just in case one of the servers took it upon themselves to try and put a dress or something on her. As soon as his hand had made contact with the cold metal a knock had startled her, with a tight chest and an annoyed expression she opened the door hesitantly. To her surprise when she opened the door there was no one there, only eyes from passing folk that were shocked to see her finally coming out of the cabin. At her feet lay a wax sealed piece of paper that had been folded to be put into an envelope.

Picking up the paper she brushed a few strands of her messy hair behind her ear, her stormy eyes examining the wax seal trying to figure out who it could have been from. Shutting the door Faith paced to her bed, sitting down slowly on the edge of the stiff bed and running her fingertips along the edge of the paper. There was a familiar scent looming within the parchments fibres, the old looking paper laying stiffly in her grasp. Slowly she peaked away the wax, the paper making a crisp scraping sound as she opened it with the side of her finger.

'My Dearest Faith, something has happened. I don't know if you will receive this in time or not but I might be off to the fade by the time it reaches you. I am being hunted. The others were killed only a few hours ago and I have been on the run ever since, I am planning on going to the old hide out to wait out my attackers. Do not come looking for me, as I fear they will add you to their list of apostates that must be taken care of.'

Feeling her hands quiver softly she read the scribbled text slowly, anger and fear filling her as she knew she was in no position to take it upon herself and dispose of the hunters. There was no name to signify who had written this but she knew. It was Clarence. They had survived together along with the few other mages that had joined them when they had fled the tower, making a new home for themselves in a thick forest a few miles away from where Faith sat now.

It took all she had not to storm out of the cabin, mount and storm towards the hide out. She knew he could handle himself but with the others gone... she wasn't sure if he was unharmed or not or if they had already done something to disable him. The squeak of her door opening made her jump as she sipped the paper under her sheets, her eyes flicking up to the figure that had walked in. Her racing heart was slightly calmed as she met glinting amber eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to barge in like that. You weren't answering and I wasn't sure if you went out or not." Cullen chuckled nervously scratching the back of his head lowering his gaze for a moment. For once he wasn't in his plated armour, he was in a thick tunic and pants, casual shoes adorning his feet.

"T-That's alright." Faith stuttered trying to relax and hide her concern for her dear friend. Pacing awkwardly forwards Cullen watched her concerned, his thumb hooking into the loop at the side of his waist.

"Are you okay?" Giving him a confused look Faith shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, sorry. I mean with all the attention, with the rift closed and all." Relaxing she let out a small huff of breath before laughing softly.

"It's going to take some getting use to but yeah, yeah I think I'll survive." She smiled resting her palm on her forehead as she shook her head softly. "And how about you, Commander." Looking up to him from between her fingers she watched as he blushed heavily before turning so his side faced her.