Dragon Age Fan Fiction

Glancing at the mail on her desk, Medb sighed. There was so much of it. On top of the pile was a letter from Abelas. She grabbed it to take along to Cullen’s office to read after their date.

Medb couldn’t wait and started reading the letter on her way out of the atrium. She was so engrossed by it that she didn’t see the other person on the walkway, bumping into them. When a very familiar voice swore, Medb turned back, surprised.

“You should watch where you’re going. This walkway could easily kill someone if they’re pushed off,” Cullen was on his knees picking up the papers that had flown out of his hands. When he stood Cullen looked at the person who bumped into him. Tears pricked her eyes as he asked, “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“You’re angry,” She felt the tears overflowing even though she didn’t want them to. He had every right to be upset. Medb quickly wiped them away, “I’m sorry I bumped into you.”

“I’m not-“ He growled in frustration, “You’re the fifth person to bump into me on this walkway today. I was already annoyed before our ill timed meeting.” Cullen half smiled, moving closer to her, “I should’ve looked to see who bumped into me before snapping.”

“And I should’ve been paying attention to where I was going instead of reading a letter from my father.” She stared at his lips. A year had passed since they started this relationship and Medb still couldn’t get over how his lips tempted her into kissing Cullen by merely looking at them.

She gasped in pleased surprise as those lips met hers for a soul searing kiss. As the kiss went on, she melted into Cullen. Medb wrapped her arms around his neck, the letter from her father… forgotten. When the kiss ended, she was breathless, “Mythal, your kisses…”

“Makes you want to seek out privacy so we can do more than kiss?” Cullen interrupted. At her nod, he continued, “I feel the same.”

They walked back to his office arm in arm. Once the door was closed and after kissing some more, he asked, “What’s in the letter that had you so enthralled?”

“My father’s looking for a way to pull the anchor out of my hand,” She paced as she read on, “And he claims that Mythal is alive. He wants to come visit.”

“Nothing about being bound to her?” Cullen reached out for her.

“I don’t think he knows I drank from the well,” Medb smiled and rested her head on his chest. She listened to the gentle thrum of his heartbeat for a few minutes, “I’ll ask when I write back to him.”

He kissed the top of her head, “The Herald’s Rest for our date?”

Medb nodded and teasingly smirked at him, “I’d like that.”

Cullen growled softly. Her giggle was quickly silenced by a kiss. He reluctantly pulled away, “I think the Singquisition is doing a show tonight.”

“I’ve never been here for their entertainment,” Medb smiled as her hand was firmly tucked around Cullen’s arm.

“You sing better than they do,” Cullen grinned as they left his office.

“I’m not the best singer in all of Thedas.” She felt her cheeks warming.

“I beg to differ,” He murmured, leading her down the stairs.

“You’re in love with me. I highly doubt your opinion isn’t influenced by such.” Medb glanced away from him.

Cullen made her stop and look at him, “Your singing was one of the things about you that I first fell in love with.”

“I have no formal training.” She searched his eyes. He was deadly serious.

“It’s still beautiful and not just because I’m in love with you,” Cullen kissed her before they continued to make their way to the Herald’s Rest.

“Inquisitor!” A panting scout ran up to them, “Something’s happened with the Eluvian!”

Medb looked wistfully at the Herald’s Rest. She wanted to whine ‘But it’s date night.’ Instead, she sighed and looked ruefully at her lover, “An Inquisitor’s work is never done.”

She was surprised that Cullen pulled her closer instead of releasing her. He quietly said, “I’m coming with you.”

They ran to the small room housing Morrigan’s Eluvian. As soon as they entered Leliana explained that Kieran went through it and Morrigan went in after him. She finished with, “I’ve never seen her so frightened.”

Medb took hold of Cullen’s hand and walked through the Eluvian. She took a couple steps in and was shocked by him relinquishing her hand. Then she heard him groan. Turning to him, she asked, “Cullen, what’s wrong?”

He mumbled through his hands, “I’ll be fine in a minute. You go on ahead.”

She was torn. Medb needed to find out what happened with Kieran and Morrigan, but Cullen’s whole body was shaking, “Ma Vehnan, I-“

“Go, Inquisitor. I’ll wait for you here.” Cullen interrupted, still refusing to look at her.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” She promised and started searching for Morrigan and her son. Medb saw Morrigan first. Morrigan was confused by being in the Fade and begged for Medb’s help in finding Kieran.

Not taking long to find Kieran, Medb quietly gasped when she saw who he was with. She instinctively whispered, “Mythal. Wait… no.”

“Mother, do not harm him.” Morrigan stepped forward. She readied her magic.

“I don’t think she will,” Medb murmured, staring at the boy and his grandmother.

“You don’t know her like I do, Inquisitor.” Morrigan scoffed, “Please, take me instead. Leave my son alone.”

“You’re Flemeth,” Medb nearly whispered. She cleared her throat, “You saved my life when I was nothing more than a toddler.”

“You remember that, Da’len?” Flemeth raised an eyebrow.

“My mother told me the story many times.” She smiled, “She won’t hurt Kieran, Morrigan.”

“She intends to steal his body just like she intended to steal mine,” Morrigan argued.

“You were never in any danger from me, Girl. It is not forced on the unwilling,” Flemeth smiled at the boy, “Are you ready?”

Kieran nodded, “I won’t have nightmares anymore?”

Medb’s heart broke hearing Kieran say he had to endure nightmares. Flemeth pulled out of him what looked to be a small orb. Kieran smiled, “I feel lighter.”

As mother and son reunited, Flemeth stared at Medb, “You have a question for me.”

“I have a ton of questions for you,” Medb felt giddy, “First, I wanted to thank you for saving me all those years ago.”

“You were needed,” Flemeth half smiled, “Mythal’s spirit residing in me doesn’t surprise you?”

She shrugged helplessly, “My mother always said she still walked among us. I held on to that.”

“How is Deandra?”

“She died a few years ago,” Medb fought tears and cleared her throat, “How do I defeat Corypheus? The Well’s knowledge keeps saying something about a dragon. I usually have to kill dragons.”

“Focus on that and you’ll have your answer, Da’len,” Flemeth left.

Medb followed Kieran and Morrigan through the Fade to the Eluvian. Focusing on Flemeth’s advice, Medb wasn’t paying attention. She smiled as she got her answer. Her smile quickly faded upon seeing Cullen crumpled to the ground.

She rushed over to him and helped him up, “Come Ma Vehnan, we’re going home now.”

As soon as they were through the Eluvian Cullen collapsed again. Medb had him rest his head on her lap and sang softly to him. She cried after he fell asleep. Never again would she put him in a position where he’d be hurt.

Cullen groaned as he shifted. He could feel the cold floor seeping into his legs and back. His head was cradled and warm. Soft elvhen humming broken by sobs filtered into his ears. He rasped, “The Fade.”

“We’re not there anymore, Ma Vehnan. We’re back in Tarasyl’an Te’las,” Medb stroked his hair, “You’re safe now.”

“What… happened?” Cullen struggled to sit up.

“You tell me,” Medb’s petite body trembled. “I came back to you on the ground, barely conscious.”

“The need for lyrium was so strong,” He rubbed his hands over his face. They were shaking, “I felt like I was back in the Circle tower.”

“Reliving your torture,” She moved closer to him. Taking his hands in hers, Medb rasped, “If I ever need to go into the Fade again, I go in without you.”

Cullen opened his eyes. His head was pounding, “Let’s not make any decisions in the immediate aftermath of whatever that was.”

Medb nodded. He could tell by the set to her jaw, she wasn’t going to let it go. Cullen was relieved that she heeded his advice by asking, “Do you think you can walk?”

He slowly stood, “I doubt I could make it to my office.”

“We’re not going there. Leliana cancelled your meetings for the next few days.” She wrapped an arm around his waist.

There was no way he’d put any of his weight on her. He was still trembling, but Cullen felt steady on his feet, “How long was I out?”

“A couple hours,” Medb opened the door to the garden.

Thankfully, night was fully upon them. As they made their way through the garden, he rasped, “You missed the Singquisition again.”

“I’m sure I’ll get to see them soon,” She refused to let him open the door to the great hall.

He was going to make sure of it. His head was still pounding. At least the trembling was easing, “Did you find Kieran?”

“I did,” Medb told him all that he missed in the Fade.

“I don’t the like the sound of the woman I love needing to tame a dragon,” Cullen looked up at the flights of stairs and softly groaned. He felt her arm tighten around him, “I’m feeling a bit better. These stairs are rough on the best days.”

“I know,” She took a step forward and waited for him. “On the bright side, I don’t have to kill yet another dragon.”

“Only until it turns on you,” He muttered as they walked up the long flights of stairs, “There is no other way to defeat Corypheus?”

“His dragon is the key to his… immortality? Taking over dead bodies? With the dragon dead, he won’t be able to body hop,” Medb explained.

“And you learned all of this from Morrigan’s mother who also has the soul of one of your gods in her? And the Well’s knowledge?” Cullen wanted to be certain he understood.

“Yep,” Medb led him to the bed and had him sit. She knelt to pull off his boots.

He grabbed her hands, “Stop. I can manage.”

She got up and paced. Her usually deep voice was raspy as Medb rapidly muttered in Elvhen. Cullen only picked up a word or two despite his endeavoring to learn Medb’s language. Medb calmed enough to speak in the common language and stared at him, “I’m sorry you were hurt by coming with me. Had I known… Why didn’t I know?”

“Sweetheart, come here.” Cullen held out his arms, “No one knew the Fade would affect me like that. Don’t blame yourself for something I didn’t know about me.”

Medb sat on his lap as tears filled her eyes, “I was so scared when I saw you…” She couldn’t continue because she was sobbing too hard.

“Shhh,” He stroked her thick brown hair, “You had every right to be frightened. There’s no reason for you to feel guilty.”

“I left you alone!” She cry yelled.

“I told you to,” Cullen’s voice was calm and firm. “It’s unhealthy to take on guilt for actions you have no control over.”

“I could’ve stayed with you,” Medb mumbled into his soaked shirt.

“If you had stayed with me, you wouldn’t have found Kieran. A child should never be lost in the Fade.” He pressed his lips to her hair, “Nor would you know that taming a dragon is the next step to defeating Corypheus. Don’t blame yourself for my ordering you to find the boy.”

“But…” She half heartedly argued.

“No buts, Medb. I knew what I was doing and I knew what you needed to do,” He kissed her and moved her off of his lap. He took his boots off and then stood. Cullen slowly undressed, kissing Medb in between losing articles of clothing.

When he was naked Cullen had Medb lay on the bed and slowly undressed her. Cullen kissed each newly exposed body part until Medb was completely naked. She seductively wriggled under him. He placed a hand on her not flat belly and murmured, “Maker, you’re a lovely sight.”

“Cullen,” She groaned, impatient.

He bent down and lightly nipped at her collar bone. Her nails sank into his shoulders as he laved the valley between her breasts. Cullen grunted as he hardened more. Maker, just looking at her could make him hard. With Medb so quickly on the precipice of intense passion, he wanted to lose control.

Medb’s legs wrapped around his waist and he teased her before entering her. Cullen held on until she had climaxed twice. Then sought his own release. Breathing heavily, he smiled at her, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” She murmured seductively and thrusted against him, starting everything over again.

Medb ran into Cullen’s office calling for him. It was empty. Could he..? She ran to her rooms, slightly worried. It’s too late in the day for him to still be in bed unless… but her chambers were empty too.

She knew he wasn’t playing chess with Dorian. Their mutual best friend just had to see her tame a dragon. Where was he? Medb decided to look for Cassandra. Did they have a lyrium withdrawal meeting?

Cassandra smiled upon seeing her, “Inquisitor, you were successful?”

“I was. Do you know where Cullen is?” Medb glanced at the sparring ring. He wasn’t there, or training the soldiers, or in the stables.

“I believe I saw him walking the gardens while waiting for your return,” Cassandra went back to slashing the wooden dummies.

“Thank you,” She called as she rushed to the gardens. Medb growled in frustration. The garden wasn’t that large. With how tall he was Cullen wasn’t exactly easy to miss. He wasn’t there.

“Can I help you, Inquisitor?” Mother Giselle asked.

Medb’s forehead crinkled, “Where is the Chantry you set up?” Mother Giselle pointed to a door that was ajar. If he wasn’t in there, Medb would need Leliana’s help.

As she approached the door she heard his ravishing voice praying. Medb shouldn’t be thinking those thoughts near a sacred place. Yet, she couldn’t help it and didn’t want to. She leaned against the door frame, waiting for Cullen to finish. When he stopped, she asked, “Who are you praying for?”

“For those we’ve lost and those I’m afraid to lose,” Cullen stood and reached out to her, “You were successful?”

Medb nodded and took hold of his hands. Her excitement for not having to kill a dragon forgotten as her lover prayed, “Who are you afraid of losing?”

Cullen sighed, “I’d pray to your Gods if I thought they’d listen to me.” He pulled her closer to him, “Andraste preserve me, I must send you into Corypheus’ path again.”

“Ma Vehnan, the only way you’ll lose me-“

“Allow me this,” Cullen cut her off. Embracing her in a tight hug, he rasped, “You will come back. To think anything else… I can’t.”

“I have luck on my side,” She held him tight, thinking of the coin Cullen gave her, sitting directly above her heart.

“That’s less comforting than I hoped.” He kissed her, desperately, passionately.

“Cullen,” she groaned against his lips, desire pooling low in her. Medb pulled slightly away, “I don’t think Mother Giselle would like us making love in her chantry.”

He softly chuckled, “I think not.” Cullen released everything except her hand, “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” Medb followed, wondering what had over taken her lover.

“We’re going to get ready for tonight.” He led her through the keep and up into her chambers.

“Do you want to tell me what these plans are?” Medb saw a mischievous twinkle in his brown eyes. That twinkle meant she wasn’t going to be told anything.

Cullen shook his head, “You’ll find out soon. I do have one request, no armor.”

“Should I make myself presentable enough to meet royalty?” Medb raised an eyebrow. He usually wasn’t cryptic. There were quite a few times that Medb agreed with Josephine’s assessment that Cullen was very blunt. This wasn’t one of those times.

“Royalty is Josephine’s purview,” Cullen kissed her, “I just want to see the gorgeous woman I love without armor tonight.”

There was a knock on the door and Cullen grinned, “That’s your bath.”

“My bath?” What was he up to? He looked like a cat that got into the cream.

“With your past history of killing dragons…” He trailed off.

“You made a plan for me to clean the gore off before tonight,” Medb correctly guessed as he opened the door to let the tub and servants in.

He kissed her. As he left Cullen said, “Meet me outside the Herald’s Rest in two hours.”

She watched the servants fill the tub with steaming water and thanked them as they left. Medb was bemused by Cullen going from solemn and afraid to almost giddy with nervous excitement so fast. After she undressed Medb sank into the warm water. Moaning in relief as her tight back relaxed, Medb briefly closed her eyes.

Cullen left her enough time to ease the tension in her back without needing to rush to do other things. That didn’t explain what they were doing tonight. She was intensely curious to find out what he had planned. Ever since she’d been hurt, surprises scared her. Medb trusted Cullen more than anyone and she took comfort in that.

As she finished washing, she made a mental note to have a bath for two next time. Even if it meant kissing him until he refused to leave. In fact, Medb almost hoped that would be the case. Medb dressed in a flowy purple dress. She let her hair air dry and put on make-up.

Medb made her way down to the main hall. She was stopped by Dorian, “Don’t you look fetching. Having a thing with a strapping Templar?”

“Do you know what he has planned?” Medb asked as Dorian walked her out.

“Planned? Can’t say as I do,” Dorian winked at her, “I’m sure it’ll be lovely though.” He waggled his fingers at her as he left.

Dorian knew something, she was sure of it. Medb walked the rest of the way to the Herald’s Rest alone. She smiled as she saw Cullen in a formal blue jacket. He definitely had something planned. Taking his arm, she murmured, “This is new.”

“It’s what was given to me when I asked for my other jacket to be let out a little,” Cullen grumbled.

“The blue suits you better.” She kissed his cheek, “Now, can I find out what we’re doing?”

“We’re having dinner,” He smiled, leading Medb into the Herald’s Rest. Instead of finding a quiet corner upstairs Cullen directed her to a table directly in front of where Maryden usually sang.

Medb tilted her head, confused, “Cullen?”

“Patience, Sweetheart.” Cullen sat across from her.

Food and drink were brought out to them. Medb ate quietly, wondering what her lover was up to. As they got dessert, the Singquisition stood in front of them. Medb laughed, “Was this your plan?”

“In part,” Cullen grinned and moved to sit beside her. He murmured, “This is a bit later than I hoped. Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart.”

Anniversary? That’s right! When Kieran went into the Fade would’ve been their first anniversary as a couple. She needed to remember where she put her gift.

She leaned back against him as the Singquisition sang Twinkling Lucia of The Heavens. His arms wrapped around her and she sighed, content. Medb wanted to stretch this moment into forever.

The Singquisition finished with “I Shall Prevail.” Medb eyes stung with tears as Cullen whispered, “You will prevail.”

“I want to,” She whispered.

“You will,” Cullen stood, still supporting her. He pulled Medb to her feet, “I have one more thing I want to do tonight.”

Medb followed him into the garden’s stone pavilion. She gasped as he pulled her into a tight hug and rasped, “I don’t want this night to end.”

She laughed softly, “Neither do I.”

“Good.” He kissed her, “After you defeat Corypheus, let’s get married.”

“Ma Vehnan, I’m not certain I can,” Medb pulled away. Here was everything she dreamed of since they first kissed. If she doesn’t succeed…

“You can. You will,” and a bit brokenly, “You must. As much as I’d like to say you must only for me… without his sound defeat, everyone is lost.”

“No pressure,” Medb sarcastically cracked. She wrapped her arms around herself.

“Sorry.” Cullen blushed.

Oh no, how was she going to say no now? Did she even want to say no? Medb sighed and tried to explain, “I want to defeat him. I really do. But if I can’t… Cullen, I don’t want to hurt you that way.”

“Whether we get engaged or not,” Cullen brokenly smiled, “Losing you would dest… devastate me.” He took hold of her hands with his, “I want to grow old with you. I will follow you past the ends of Thedas if you wish.”

“I wouldn’t make you cross the Waking Sea,” She smiled a little.

“Thank you.” He kissed her, “We could build our home in the Arbor Wilds if you wish. I want to be by your side for everything. I want to have a family, a life with you. Only you. I love you, Medb Lavellan of the Arbor Wilds.”

“I love you, too, Cullen Stanton Rutherford.” She beamed and then sobered, “You’re sure you want to do this?”

“I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t certain,” He stared into her eyes, “You aren’t certain.”

“It’s not you or our love that I doubt. I’m scared. I’m scared of not succeeding,” Medb stared up into his eyes and cupped his cheek. Tears filled hers, “I’m terrified of hurting the man I love most in this broken world.”

Cullen kissed her palm and whispered, “If there wasn’t a coming battle with Corypheus, what would you say?”

“Yes. Absolutely, yes,” Her tears overflowed.

“Then just for tonight, let’s pretend Corypheus was completely defeated in the Arbor Wilds and no longer poses a threat.” Cullen got down on one knee, “Medb Lavellan, Sweetheart, will you marry me?”

Medb nodded, her throat too choked by tears for words. Cullen stared up at her, “I missed that.”

“Yes, Cullen.” Medb cleared her throat, “I will marry you, Ma Vehnan.”

After he put a band of gold with a simple engraving on her ring finger, he kissed her tears away. Medb rasped, “I will love you, forever.”

Cullen held Medb tight and continued to kiss her. They were engaged. He couldn’t believe it. Medb said yes. Was he dreaming? Her lips pressed against his. She deepened the kiss. If this was a dream Cullen didn’t want to wake up.

They continued to kiss in the pavilion for several minutes. Medb breathlessly broke off the kissing, “I hear someone coming. Do we announce our engagement now?”

“What would you like to do?” He caressed her back. Maker, Cullen didn’t want to stop touching her.

“Shout it from the rooftops,” She giggled. Sobering, she glanced to where they both could hear voices now. Those voices were talking about the war. Medb sighed, “We should wait until if–”

“When,” Cullen interrupted her. To think anything else had him trembling like he was at the worst point in a lyrium withdrawal attack.

“Corypheus is defeated,” Medb stared into his eyes. She seductively smiled, “That doesn’t mean we can’t have a private engagement party.”

“Where you lead, I will follow, Sweetheart,” Before he let Medb go, Cullen kissed her with barely restrained passion.

Medb held onto his hand as they left the garden. It was her left hand. Cullen felt the band in between their entwined fingers. A weight lifted off of him. This felt right. More right than most everything in his life.

They made it to the stairs up to her… their quarters. Now that they were engaged, Cullen hoped it’d be easier for him to accept Medb’s quarters as belonging to them both. As soon as the door closed behind them, Medb leapt into his arms, kissing him. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her fingers threaded through Cullen’s hair.

His arms banded around Medb’s waist, holding her up. Medb’s legs went around his waist as she seductively murmured, “Make love to me, Ma Vehnan.”

“As soon as I get you up these stairs,” Cullen nipped at her ear lobe before returning to kissing Medb’s lips.

“No,” She rolled her hips, “Now.”

“Sweetheart, I don’t think laying on the stairs would be good for either one of us,” Cullen mumbled against her neck, kissing where he could feel her pulse.

She slightly pulled back from him. Reaching down, she hiked her dress above her hips. Medb pulled it off over her head as she asked, “Who said anything about laying on the stairs? So long as I can access somewhere to support my back, I don’t care where we make love.”

Cullen briefly wondered how much it would cost to put tapestries along the stairwell’s walls. Medb impatiently rolled her hips again. His chuckle was throaty before he kissed Medb with every ounce of passion he had.

After he undid the belt to his breeches, Cullen placed his hands against the wall. His hands stayed between Medb’s back and the wall. There was no way he was going to let the wall scratch her beautiful bronze skin.

Her hands found their way under his shirt. She lightly dragged her nails up his sides and then caressed his back. Medb’s sultry voice was low with her desire, “I want to feel you inside me, Ma Vehnan.”

“Patience, Sweetheart,” Cullen kissed her, silencing her impatient whimper.

Maker, his brand new fiancée knew exactly how to torment him. She used her feet to caress his thighs and bum. Cullen wasn’t going to let her win. He kissed her neck, her collar bone, and left a little love mark right in the hollow where Medb’s shoulder joined.

He pushed his erection against Medb, smiling at her gasp. Medb’s hands left his back and she pulled up the shift she was still wearing. As she prepared to take it off, Cullen stopped her, “Not yet. I want something to take off of you when we reach our bed.”

“Then we should make haste.” Medb licked the spot behind his ear, “I desire to see my fiancé naked.”

Cullen entered her, timing his thrusts to Medb’s. She climaxed right before he did. He bent down to gather her dress, and carried Medb up the stairs.

Make haste they didn’t. Cullen made love to his fiancée at every landing they came to, including against the door to their chambers. Only then did he release her. Hand in hand they climbed the final flight of stairs.

Medb lifted his shirt off of him and laved his chest and belly. Cullen’s fingers combed through her luxurious hair as his breeches fell from his waist. She paused, “How…?”

“My belt is the only thing that holds them up,” Cullen reached for her.

She evaded him and pulled down his underclothes. Cullen used his feet to get his boots off. His clothes pooled around his ankles. He didn’t care. Medb’s deep pools of blue stared at him, taking him in like she was seeing him naked for the first time. In a way, she was. They were engaged.

Her fingers trembled as she touched his erection. She took a single finger, caressing him from the tip to his groin. Cullen groaned from the sweet torture, “Medb…”

A confident smirk played at her too kissable lips as that same finger caressed the muscular ridges of his abdomen. Medb pulled away, turning her back to him. She started to take off her shift.

Cullen stepped out of his discarded clothes, following Medb’s silk shift as it climbed higher with his eyes. Medb paused right before baring her scars. He waited, knowing how hard it was for her. Like a bandage, she ripped the shift off and threw it away.

Medb stood with her back to him. Like she did, Cullen took his time gazing lovingly at his fiancée. He paused at her scars, “My fiancée is an extraordinarily beautiful woman.”

She turned to face him with tears running down her cheeks. He walked the few steps over to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he murmured, “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“Tears of happiness, Ma Vehnan,” She kissed him passionately.

He lifted her in his arms and carried Medb to their bed. Cullen kissed her everywhere before entering her. Right before Medb was going to cry out from climaxing, Cullen kissed her, quieting their cries of passion.

The first time Medb tried to roll to get him on his back, Cullen didn’t let her. He made love to her again. She pushed on his chest harder the second time and he let his fiancée win. Just before Medb lowered herself onto him, she rasped, “Should I stop taking my preventative now that we’re engaged?”

“Is that what you want to do?” Cullen’s hands rested on her hips as he looked up at his fiancée. Maker, he didn’t think he’d ever tire of calling Medb his fiancée. Well… until they got married and he could call her his wife.

“More than anything,” Medb slowly, seductively smiled as she settled around him, “Is that what you want?”

“Yes,” Cullen pumped into her. Closing his eyes, he thrusted into his fiancée, “Maker, yes.”

Medb leaned back meeting his thrust. She cried out, climaxing. Collapsing on him she hoarsely laughed, “I’m exhausted in the best way possible.”

Cullen wrapped his arms around her after they cleaned up and got back into bed. Kissing Medb, he murmured, “We’ll have a life together. Get married, have children. Or vice versa. I don’t care. So long as I have you, Sweetheart, I’m the happiest man in Thedas.”

He didn’t get a response. Cullen kissed the top of Medb’s head and closed his eyes. Rest sounded good.

During the night, Cullen woke trembling from a nightmare. Medb’s left hand rested on his chest. He took her hand in his. Cullen caressed the little gold band with his finger. It kept him tied to the present almost better than anything else. The only thing that beat it was the elven woman sleeping in his arms. His fiancée.

Medb rubbed her thumb over the ring Cullen gave her a couple days ago. Since their engagement they had stayed behind a locked door, privately celebrating the momentous occasion. Now, all she had to do was defeat Corypheus so they could stay behind a locked door for longer than a couple days.

Caressing his chest got her hand caught and kissed. Two can play at that game. She kissed where her head had previously lain, listening to Cullen’s heart beat. Medb squealed in delighted surprise as she was rolled to her back with Cullen on top of her.

Her fingers had made a mess of his hair. Medb made Cullen’s hair even messier by running her fingers through it as she wrapped her legs around his waist. She gasped as Cullen entered her. Thrusting against each other, they climaxed at the same time.

They were going to go for round two of love making when there was a persistent knock on the door. Cullen dropped his head on her shoulder and groaned. Tears pricked her eyes. She didn’t want this to end. Her tears were kissed away before Cullen called out, “We’ll be down in a few minutes.”

She started to pull away. Cullen stopped her, laving the length of her ear. He rasped, “We’re going to finish what we started.”

Their love making had a tinge of desperation to it. Medb clung to Cullen as he thrusted deep inside her. His kisses were more insistent. As they climaxed, they both cried out, not bothering to quiet the sounds.

Cullen reluctantly withdrew first. Medb followed him off the bed. After washing, they both quietly dressed, the war intruded on their idyl celebration. She made sure to hold his hand with her left one, “I can spend much of the day with you. I want to check on Kieran. Until Corypheus shows his face again, there isn’t much for me to do.”

He nodded and swallowed hard, “I don’t think I can be parted from you today. We’ll check on Kieran together.”

After leaving their quarters, Medb wistfully looked over her shoulder at the door. She hoped it wouldn’t be a long wait for another celebration like the one they just had. They joined her companions for breakfast.

Her fiancé sat on Medb’s left side. Neither one of them wanted to stop holding hands. Varric was the first to tease them, “Storm and Curly finally join us for a meal after disappearing for two days. Nightingale was getting ready to send out a search party.”

“That would’ve been unnecessary.” Cullen grumbled biting into a piece of bacon.

“My back needed a break,” Medb picked at her food with a fork. Her appetite gone.

“Why so glum? You two were missed,” Dorian tilted his head noticing that they were holding hands. He smiled and said nothing.

Breakfast finished quietly. They were all waiting for the coming and final storm. Cullen and Medb stood and left the hall. She wanted to avoid Solas so they went the long way to her fiancé’s office.

Once there, Cullen had a litany of meetings. Her back started to ache. She arched it to stretch it out. Cullen paused and whispered, “Sit in the chair behind my desk.”

Medb was going to protest. The intensity of his stare and her throbbing back convinced her otherwise. Pressing her back against the solid back of the chair, Medb softly exhaled in relief. After the pain in her back slowly dissipated, Medb looked over the papers on Cullen’s desk.

Most of them were reports on new recruits, dismissals of people who wanted to go home. One was about the Arbor Wilds. She picked up that one and read it. The soldiers there were helping her clan rebuild the buildings that were destroyed and planted new trees to make up for the felling of the trees during the battle.

She put the report down and closed her eyes. Her clan was mostly unharmed in that battle. And she met her father. Medb should be happy. But all she could think about was desiring a future, a family with Cullen. Could that future come true? Would she be able to defeat Corypheus when he showed again? If he showed again? What if he didn’t? How would that change things? Were they meant to stay in this holding pattern forever? Mythal, she hoped Corypheus would show and that she’d be able to completely defeat him.

Playing with her new ring, Medb slowly exhaled. She jumped as someone touched her knees. Cullen whispered, “Sweetheart, do you need your salve?”

Shaking her head, Medb covered his hands with hers. Opening her eyes, she noticed they were alone, “My back is better now that I’m sitting.”

“Are you certain?” He cupped her cheek with his hand.

“Yes.” Now she was worried, “Why?”

Cullen used his thumb to smooth away a tear, “You were crying.”

Medb turned into his hand and kissed his palm. She then wrapped her arms around Cullen’s neck, “I read a report about home. Then my thoughts turned to how incredibly much I want a future with you.”

“We’ll have that future,” He promised with a kiss.

Mythal, how she wanted to be as certain as her fiancé was. The knock that lunch was served saved her from responding. Cullen sat lunch on the table. Medb joined him. Once again, the meal was quiet.

There was an expectant, nervous heaviness that had followed them since that knock this morning. Medb wanted Corypheus to show so the war could finally end. She also didn’t want him to show because all she knew how to be was an elf with a screwed up back. How was she supposed to take on a Tevinter Magister from the dawn of time one on one? Would it come to that? Could she win against something that powerful?

Shaking herself of her fears and hopes for the future, Medb waited for Cullen to be almost done eating. She left her seat and wriggled in between him and the table. Sitting on his lap, she kissed him, deeply.

He wrapped his arms around Medb and returned her kiss. Medb shifted so she straddled him. Clothes were haphazardly thrown off and they made love until there was a knock on two of the three doors that led to Cullen’s office.

They quickly dressed and Cullen let in the servants that came to take the lunch tray away. There was another meeting and another. As the third meeting dragged on, Medb kissed Cullen’s cheek, “I’m going to go see Kieran and Morrigan.”

“Hold a moment.” He held her hand, not letting her go as Cullen dismissed the meeting. Cullen looked down at her, “I told you I’d go with you.”

“Your meeting seemed important.” Medb mumbled as they left her fiancé’s office. Should she admit that she ended up bored out of her mind? The last person Cullen met with droned on about how the methods of fighting had changed and for the worse.

“It wasn’t,” Cullen bent down and whispered in her ear, “Winston has never fought in a single battle. I humor him because his entire family died during the Blight.”

“Oh, Ma Vehnan,” Medb’s heart squeezed at the kindness of her fiancé. She threw her arms around him and kissed him.

Cullen held onto her waist. When their kiss ended, he rasped, “We do much more of that, I’m taking you back to my office and locking the doors.”

“We can’t do that,” She brazenly kissed him again before walking down the stairs, “I have plans for us.”

“Oh?” Cullen made her stop by embracing her waist.

Medb pulled out of his embrace, but she didn’t let go of his hand, “Since you surprised me, it’s only right that I surprise you.”

“Is this some sort of competition?” He was wary.

“Not like you and Bull, or you and Leliana, or you and Cassandra, or you and Krem, or you and Dorian, or-” Her smile got wider the more she went on. The blush that bloomed on his cheeks when she teased him… it almost rivaled the blush she got when she teased him in romantic ways. Medb couldn’t wait for tonight.

“You’ve made your point, Inquisitor,” Cullen interrupted, signaling defeat.

She kissed him before they went up the stairs to the keep. Sera came down towards them, “Can’t you two keep the kissy-wissies to the bedroom?”

Her left hand pulled a bit of Cullen’s shirt out of his belt. Medb kept her hand there as she seductively smiled at her fiancé, “I can’t help it. The Commander’s lips are too kissable.”

“Inquisitor!” She wasn’t sure if Cullen’s exasperated shout was because of her hand being against his bare back or because of what she said. Maybe both? It ultimately didn’t matter. Her fiancé’s blush was worth it. This secret engagement was going to be fun.

Sera made gagging noises as she walked away. Medb couldn’t hold her chuckle in, whispering to herself, “I still got it.”

“I didn’t catch that,” He raised a suspicious eyebrow at her.

“Hm?” It took her a second to process what he said as Cullen’s cheeks were still tinged pink, “Going through a checklist.” She was partially honest.

There was no protest or pulling away to remove her hand. Medb left it right where it was. She smirked as Cullen’s hand found its way under her shirt. He made Medb gasp as he lightly massaged her back, “Rude.”

His arrogant smile said it all. Shaking her head, Medb wondered how many ways she could torment her fiancé before they fell into an exhausted sleep. It was something to be pondered later as Kieran ran up to them.

Kieran hugged her, “It’s good to see you Medb.”

“It’s good to see you too.” Medb furtively handed the boy some candy, “No ill effects from a surprise trip into the Fade?”

“I feel better than ever. The nightmares haven’t come back either,” Kieran smiled.

“I’m glad,” Medb almost lost her hand warmer as Cullen bent down to pick up a ball.

Cullen nodded at the group of kids Kieran ran to join. He threw the ball so Kieran would catch it. Then he frowned at her, “Spoiling the boy?”

“Look who’s talking,” Medb stared, daring him.

“Thank you for checking on Kieran’s well being,” Morrigan stood beside them, nearest to Medb. She raised an eyebrow at Medb, “A little less candy would be good.”

“This is the first time I’ve brought Kieran candy,” Medb shook her head. Why was she being accused of spoiling one child? She spoils all of them.

Morrigan held out an entire box of hard candy, “This was delivered from the Inquisitor’s quarters three days ago.”

Medb looked closely at the box and then at Morrigan, “I don’t know how. I’ve never seen it before. I only get hard candy when I’m ill or when I’ve sang too much. The ones with honey are good for soothing my throat.”

There was a cough from the other side of Medb. Both women looked at Cullen, “The box was delivered to the Inquisitor’s quarters by mistake. I sent them to someone I knew would appreciate them. The note did say that Kieran was supposed to share them with his friends.”

Stepping slightly back, Medb had to cover her mouth with her free hand to hide her chuckle. She knew her fiancé had a mischievous bone or two in that gorgeous body of his. Medb didn’t think she’d see it come out like this, though.

The look Morrigan gave said she didn’t suspect Cullen at all. Was Medb seeing a grudging respect for Cullen on Morrigan’s face? Cullen turned to face Morrigan, “I have some questions for you about your Eluvian.”

And just as quickly that respect was replaced with a guarded expression. Morrigan crossed her arms, “Ask them.”

“How many people have the key to your Eluvian? We know you and Kieran do. Who else?” Cullen stopped massaging Medb’s back, but didn’t remove his hand.

Morrigan glared, “Only I have the key to the Eluvian. I still haven’t figured out how my son was able to get through.”

“Did you leave it unlocked?” Cullen asked.

“Nay.”

“Maybe it wasn’t Kieran that opened it?” Medb gently suggested, shrugging. She honestly wondered if Flemeth had the power to open it. The playful energy of a few minutes ago was gone.

“That’s more worrying, Inquisitor,” Cullen raised an eyebrow at Morrigan, “Who can come through the Eluvian? Demons? Corypheus?”

“If Corypheus could come through my Eluvian, do you not think he already would have?” Morrigan scoffed and walked away, tossing over her shoulder, “If you close your eyes and wish hard enough mayhap a fleet of griffons would come through and be yours to command.”

Cullen growled and pulled away to pace. Medb bit her lip to keep from smiling. She knew her fiancé was being over protective. He turned to face her, “Is it so wrong to make certain that mirror… Eluvian is safe to be around others? Morrigan’s own son walked into the Fade through it!”

Medb walked over to him. She placed her hands on his chest, “Ma Vehnan, I promise you that I will never take you into the Fade again.”

“This isn’t about that, Medb,” He didn’t look her way at first. When he did, Cullen had tears in his eyes, “How do I protect you… the people in Skyhold when I don’t know what or who is on the other side of that thing?”

She searched his brown eyes, “If it hadn’t been for Morrigan’s Eluvian, would we have escaped Corypheus in my home?”

He sighed, and clasped her hands in his, “You’re right. I’ll stop worrying about it. At least someone is watching it… even if it is Morrigan.”

Gently kissing him, she murmured, “Commanding a fleet of griffons sounds fun.”

Spluttering, Cullen shook his head, “Only you would take a serious moment and joke about it.”

“Not only me. Varric does it too,” She kissed him again, “It’s one of the reasons you love me.”

“Mmm… debatable,” He returned her kiss to take the sting out of his teasing.

Medb pulled away from him, flouncing off, “If that’s how you feel, no surprises for you tonight.” She then ran back into the keep.

Cullen quickly caught up with her. Pinning her to a wall, he murmured, “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To get ready for dinner,” She teasingly tried to avoid him, “A rude person tried to undress me.”

“That rude person wants to completely undress you,” He rasped before passionately kissing her.

Pushing him away, she smirked, “He’s going to have to wait.” Slipping under Cullen’s arm Medb ran away again. This time she made it to their quarters.

She was pleased to see that the tub was filled with steaming hot water. Medb prepared the towels and soap, hiding hers and a gift for him so Cullen wouldn’t suspect her plans. Cullen came up the stairs just as she finished, “I didn’t order a bath.”

“I did.” Medb went over to him and caressed his abdomen, “It’s for you.”

“Will my fiancée be joining me?” He held on to her arm.

There was a knock on the door and a shout, “Inquisitor! You’re needed!”

“Unfortunately not,” She kissed him before he let go. Medb quickly turned away and went down the stairs before her smile gave her plans away.

Standing behind the door, Medb left it slightly ajar, waiting to hear Cullen get in the tub. He paced and muttered for a few minutes about not being able to wait until the war ended and they could finally have time to not be interrupted. She heard the sloshing of him getting in the tub, then he said, “This tub is big enough for both of us. Did they really have to pull her away?”

Medb continued to wait. Her back started aching and she shifted, needing more time. She could hear her fiancé just beginning to snore. Finally. Taking off her shoes, Medb silently walked up the stairs. Pulling her gift out from its hiding place she walked behind Cullen.

She ran her hand over Cullen’s arms and shoulders before standing in front of the tub. Holding the gift in her hand, Medb smiled, “Happy Anniversary, My Vehnan.”

“I’m soaking wet, Sweetheart. Are you sure you want to give it to me now?” He opened his eyes, and started to get out of the tub. But, then he thought better of it.

“I’m relatively certain it can get wet,” Facing Cullen, she started undressing. Medb’s voice dropped to a sultry octave as she asked, “Is there room for one more, Commander?”

“Always,” He reached out for her. When Medb joined him in the tub, he chastised, “You didn’t have to wait until I fell asleep.”

“If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to surprise you.” She handed him the box.

Cullen opened it to reveal a bronze lion belt buckle. After putting it to the side, he kissed her, “Thank you.”

Medb wrapped her legs around him. Kissing him she rasped, “Make love to me, Commander of my heart.”

Cullen paced the entirety of Skyhold like a caged animal. As they were holding a war meeting the Breach was torn open again and off Medb and her companions went to fight the final battle. It had to be the final battle. Corypheus has nowhere else to go. He shouldn’t have left most of the Inquisition forces behind in the Arbor Wilds.

They had thwarted the darkspawn magister from the dawn of time at every turn. For better or worse, this was the end. She will succeed. Medb has to, or all will be lost.

He swore in Tevene, Elvhen, and his own language as the ruined Temple of Sacred Ashes rose into the sky. Cullen ran to the battlements as he prayed, to the Maker, to Andraste, to Mythal, and all the elven Gods and Goddesses he didn’t know the names of, “Protect her. Bring her back to me unharmed.”

The night of their secret engagement and the two weeks that followed intruded on his worries. He remembered how she wanted to stop taking the herb that prevented her from getting pregnant. What could he do but agree? Cullen would do anything for her. It was a good thing he had two younger siblings. Otherwise Cullen would worry that he had sent his pregnant fiancée to her potential death. Shaking himself of the horrifying thought, he turned his thoughts to the weeks following their secret engagement.

Medb made a game of hiding her engagement ring from her friends. Every time he asked if she wanted to take it off until they could officially announce it, she kissed him passionately and said, “Never.” Cullen wondered if she used it as an excuse to hide her hand in his, under his shirt, in the waist band of his pants… He smiled. She probably did.

Every stolen and spare moment was filled with making love. Almost as if they were making love for the last time, not knowing when Corypheus would show again. There were times Medb would surprise him, either half naked or in a poorly tied robe. Cullen could barely resist her fully clothed. His fiancée knew exactly what she was doing.

For those precious weeks Varric exaggerated the tales of why the Inquisitor and Commander weren’t seen for almost two days. He didn’t care. Cullen was engaged to the love of his life.

As intrusive memories go, he’d much prefer those to invade his dreams nightly. Shaking himself free from the pleasant memories, Cullen shouted for a spyglass. It was a long shot that he’d be able to see anything, but he had to try. Holding it up to his eye, Cullen thought he could see people moving around, but they were too tiny to say who. The magic arcing, he could see better. The two dragons fighting, he didn’t need a spyglass to see.

“Anything?” Leliana asked as she stood beside him. Josephine was on his other side, fidgeting nervously with her quill.

He grimaced as he handed her the spyglass, “Beyond the dragons… Mostly wishful thinking.”

“You did see something then?” Josephine’s voice held her hope.

“I saw one of Medb’s lightning spells, Dorian’s fireballs, and Corypheus’ magic racing back and forth,” Cullen’s hands squeezed the wall he was holding. He should’ve went with her. How was Medb holding up with all of that red lyrium? Does it look like blood magic to her?

Corypheus’ dragon went down. What felt like hours later, all three of them gasped as they saw a green light surge toward the Breach, closing it to a green line in the sky. Cullen laughed with relief, “She did it.” And then yelled, “She did it!”

He watched as the temple descended until it was out of view. Then he ran to the gates and paced. Cullen wanted to be the first one she saw. Cassandra had to pull him away as he incredulously asked, “You want to have a party right after she defeated Corypheus?”

“Everyone does. Remember Haven?” Cassandra smirked.

“I can’t meet her at the gate why?” He was very irritated.

“Because you’re one of her advisers.” Cassandra patiently explained.

“I’m also her fiancé, but that doesn’t seem to matter,” Cullen grumpily muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” Cassandra asked.

“Nothing,” He was going to announce it tonight so long as Medb was okay with it. Cullen scowled and crossed his arms as he stood beside Leliana and Josephine.

“Why so glum, Commander? We won.” Leliana teased.

“He was pacing at the gate, waiting for a certain someone,” Josephine smirked.

“Ha ha,” Cullen wasn’t laughing.

“Come now, the Inquisitor has appearances to uphold,” Leliana’s smile was a knife’s edge, “And so do you as the Commander of her Inquisition.”

“When do you leave to see if you become the Divine again?” Cullen growled.

“Oh, touchy,” Leliana chuckled.

Cullen perked up as the portcullis opened. He smiled as she walked through. She had a hitch in her step that meant her back was bothering her. But she looked otherwise unhurt and he wanted to run to her. Unfortunately, Josephine’s hand on his arm prevented him from doing so, “She’ll be here soon, Commander.”

He would’ve scowled, but then Medb laughed at something. Her laugh made his irritation melt away. Cullen never lost her in the crowd. Medb winced as she walked up the stairs and he wanted to carry her the rest of the way.

They all bowed when Medb stood in front of them. Cullen walked over to her and gently hugged her. He continued hugging her as he rubbed Medb’s back and rasped, “Maker, you’re a beautiful sight.”

“You think so?” Medb looked up at him.

“I know so,” Cullen kissed her. A wild cheer went up from the crowd and he blushed. He didn’t care. She won. His fiancée was back in his arms. And he’d never have to send her up against a would be god again.

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Dragon Age Fan Fiction

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