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

-16- A Chance To Summon

A soft wind blew through the cabin, the chill roaming through the small building and brushing over soft skin as it exited through a window. Faith shifted softly, trying to get comfortable once more. Her arm was wrapped delicately around Cullens waist as she laid to his side, her face burred in the pillow. His soft snores mixing with the ruffling soft the wind. Feeling her chilled skin, Faith opened her eyes slowly; her gaze trailing around the room before stopping in a snoring Cullen. She smiled to herself before shifting so she was cuddled more against him and resting her head on his shoulder, her hand playing with the small hairs on his chest. They both were naked, wrapping in a mess of blankets that kept them just warm enough to not be bothered by the cold winter day outside.

"Good morning." Came Cullens groggy voice as his eyes opened slightly, his hand reaching and setting on top of hers at the centre of his chest.

"Good morning." Faith chimed back, her stormy eyes relaxed but joyful as she looking over to him. "How was your sleep?" She sat up gently so she could see his whole face, his eyes following her as he yawned.

"It was the best I've ever had, and you?"

"All I could ever want." Faith smiled letting her eyes close for a few moments. "I could stay like this forever, here with you." She admitted, opening her eyes to see his expression change from half asleep to surprised and happy. "I-I love you Cullen." She breathed, taking her hand out from under his and gripping it gently atop his chest.

"I love you too." He smiled as he spoke softly, his other hand rising to cup her face and bring her closer as he kissed her. They stayed like that under the blankets for a few minutes, letting the sun fully rise before retrieving their clothing and getting ready to leave. The cold awaiting their arrival along with fresh snow fall that blanketed everything in sight.

As they trudged through the snow back towards the Hold, Cullen smiles to himself as he watched Faith in front of him. Her strides were strong and proud, her head always held high no matter what they were facing. She was one of the strongest women he had ever seen and wanted nothing more than to be with her through her journey in life, where ever it would take them. She caught his gaze as she glanced over her shoulder, smiling as she shook her head.

"Are you enjoying the view Commander?" She commented playfully.

"Of course Inquisitor." He chimed back feeling a blush rush over his cheeks. He kept his pace behind her in case someone tried to intercept them while they were headed back through the forest towards the Hold, his hands stuffed inside his pockets.

As they entered the Hold, it seemed like everyone had taken the day to sleep in, not many people walking around outside doing much work. Faith couldn't blame them, everyone needed a day off just to themselves after the events of Haven and all the hard work they had been doing around Sky Hold in order to get the place up and running again. Cullen caught up to her, pulling her close to give her a quick kiss that no one would have noticed; wishing her fair well before making his way towards his room to start his paperwork. She watched him leave with a small smile on her face then headed into the library, Dorian seated in the big comfy chair beside a window where he usually resided.

"Ah Inquisitor!" He smiled, setting the book down in his lap to meet her eyes. She gave him a small smile before letting her finger run along the spines of a few of the books that sat on the dusty shelf. Dorian watched her for a moment before chuckling. "What's got your panties tangled? Has Cullen done something?" Faith instantly froze, her finger landing on a book about Familiars and how to summon and control them.

"Why would you say that?" She hooked her finger on the top of the book to pull it out slightly so she would know which book to take, turning around to look at her smiling friend.

"You seem to be deep in thought, not to mention I can smell him all over you." Dorian took note that she had pulled a book out, his eyes not wavering from hers as he gently closed the book on his lap and crossed his legs.

"No nothing with Cullen, I just need I formation on Summoning and how to control a being far greater than myself. New spells I've been working on require a large amount of mana while maintaining a clear head, I don't want to take out half the Hold with a rouge entity." Letting her hand fall from the shelf she fixed a strand of hair that had fallen over her face, her stormy eyes examining the books that resided behind him.

"The one you picked out already is the best fit for that. I am willing to help you if you need more mana for the summoning, though I'm not sure Sky Hold would be the best place to summon such an entity without endangering the people here. Next time we are out I will accompany you and when we get the chance, I will help you summon it."

"Alright, thank you Dorian." Faith nodded, slipping the book from the shelf and holding it to her chest. "I'll let you know when the time is right. For now I'm going to read up on this and try to figure out how this is going to work. Thank you for your help." Dorian smiled waving her off as she headed towards her room, her feet heavy as she thought about Erebus inside her, the massive beast not trustworthy and frightening to think about if she let him loose.