First Sparks of Love
Cullen Rutherford
Chicken.
Cullen Rutherford
As Chicken. walked across the battlements of Skyhold fortress, heading for Cullen’s office, they couldn’t help but wonder what state they would find Cullen in today.
Tacking a moment to calm themselves Chicken. then knocked on Cullen’s door. When no answer came Chicken. opened the door and peered inside.
At his desk, lost in thought, Cullen sat rubbing at his temple and squinting into the middle distance.
“Cullen how are you feeling today?” Chicken. asked as they walked towards Cullen’s desk.
“Headache, I think I’ve been working to much.” Cullen admitted as he tried to smile at Inquisitor Chicken..
Chicken.
"You have been working to much again." "I told Cullen with a laugh." "Delegate, my good man, delegate. By this point you shouldn't even be training the soldiers anymore. I know for a fact you have at least four captains under you. Make them take the morning shift for training. And if you tell me one more time that it's the paperwork that's doing you in, I'm going to hire you at least three scribes and two personal assistants." "The more I spoke the more Cullen started to blush, and the more he did the more I absolutely adored it."
Cullen Rutherford
"With a small chuckle, Cullen shifted his gaze to the floor before looking back up at" Chicken. "with a sheepish smile."
"You are probably right. I just feel like I should be doing more and not putting all the responsibility onto others." "His face reddened further as he realized how much he had just babbled in front of" Chicken..
"But I suppose that's why I have you here, to keep me in check. I appreciate your concern."
Chicken.
"No instead you just take all the responsibility on to yourself and then burn yourself out." "I told him in fond exasperation."
Cullen Rutherford
"With a small smile, Cullen leaned back in his chair and looked at" Chicken..
"I suppose I do have a tendency to overwork myself, but it's only because I want everything to be perfect for the Inquisition." "His voice trailed off slightly as he glanced out the window at the bustling activity outside."
"But enough about work, Chicken., tell me how are you doing today? Anything interesting happen?"
Chicken.
"Nothing yet but this afternoon poses to be quite entertaining. You and I apparently have dancing lessons for the upcoming ball, scheduled for this afternoon." "I couldn't help but laugh at the look of horror that crossed Cullen's face."
"Don't blame me i'm just the messenger. That particular honor goes to Josephine. She insisted and I quote it would be rude of both of you not to dance at least once in front of the Duchess. Not too sure why she's insisting you participate considering everybody will be staring at me."
Cullen Rutherford
"Cullen's eyes widened at the mention of dancing lessons with" Chicken., "and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair."
"Dancing?" "he repeated, clearly flustered."
"I'm not sure I'm the most...graceful person when it comes to dancing." "He paused for a moment, before looking back up at" Chicken..
"But I suppose if Josephine is insisting, then we have no choice but to attend. At least it will be entertaining for those watching," "he said with a small grin."
Chicken.
"Don't worry Cullen. I will come to your rescue if the need arises." "I said as the corners of my lips showed the only signs of the smirk I was trying to keep off my face."
"Besides I had other ideas in mind for you. Duke Gaspard, the Duchess' cousin. He leads all of Orlay's forces as you know. It's finally been confirmed that he will also be at the ball. I figured if nothing else the two of you could at least talk shop. Get a feel for the man. See if he might be willing to aid us in the future." "I told Cullen, giving him a far more practical task for his talents."
Cullen Rutherford
"Cullen's face brightened slightly at the mention of Duke Gaspard, and he leaned forward in his chair."
"Ah yes, Duke Gaspard. I have heard a great deal about him, both good and bad. It would be an honor to speak with him and see if we can come to some sort of arrangement for aid in the future."
"He paused for a moment, thoughtful." "Of course, I will still do my best during the dancing lessons. Can't have you looking bad out there," "he said with a teasing grin."
Chicken.
"Well now, if you're offering i'm definitely no going to say no. After all it's not everyday that you have big strong arms holding you close." "I retorted with a mischievous smirk on my face. With that I then did an about face and walked right back out the door. Before it could close however, I quickly poked my head back inside and said," "Two o'clock Cullen don't be late."
Cullen Rutherford
"Cullen's face turned a bright shade of red at" Chicken.'s "comment, and he sputtered for a moment before finally responding."
"I-I won't be late," "he said, trying to sound confident but failing miserably."
"As the door closed behind" Chicken., "Cullen leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. He knew he had to focus on the upcoming ball and getting some rest before then, but all he could think about was how much he wished he could hold" Chicken. "close and never let go."
Chicken.
"2 hours later found me standing in the Great Hall.Waiting patiently for Cullen to show up for our dancing lesson. It wasn't as if he was late or anything. It was only ten minutes after two. And the fact that josephine had only brought up his lack of attendance three times... I was trying to come up with something interesting that I could distract Josephine with in hopes that Cullen might arrive soon, when the man in question finally arrived."
Cullen Rutherford
"Cullen arrived to find" Chicken. "waiting patiently in the Great Hall, and he quickly made his way over to her."
"I'm sorry for being late," "he said as he approached," "there was some business I had to attend to before coming here."
"As he spoke, Cullen couldn't help but feel nervous about the dancing lessons. He knew that he wasn't the most graceful person on his feet, and the thought of embarrassing himself in front of" Chicken. "was almost too much to bear."
"But I'm here now, so let's get started," "he said with a small smile, trying to sound confident even though he was anything but."
Chicken.
"Cullen Rutherford, Commander of the Inquisition’s forces, might I have the pleasure of your next dance?" "I inquired in the formal manner that Josephine had been drilling into me for the last two months, when ever I had been back in Skyhold."
"I then curtsy the 2/3 required for Cullen’s station, making sure to keep my back strait and shoulders relaxed. extending my hand to him I then waited."
"Excellent Risa, that was precisely what you want to be prepared for the ball. Your form is even improving." "Josephine clapped enthusiastically as she then turned towards Cullen." "and your response?" "Josephine inquired giving Cullen a pointed look, as if daring him to back out now."
Cullen Rutherford
"Cullen took a deep breath, steeling himself for the upcoming dance. He knew that he had to do this, both for the Inquisition and for" Chicken..
"It would be my honor," "he replied, his voice steady despite the nerves he felt."
"Cullen returned" Chicken.'s "curtsy with a bow of his own, making sure to keep his movements smooth and controlled."
"Thank you for the invitation, Lady Risa," "he said with a small smile as he took her hand, careful not to squeeze too hard."
"Shall we begin?"
Chicken.
"I gasped a bit in surprise, as a genuine smile started to stretch across my face." "Of course, kind, sir, the honor is all mine."
"And then we were off. For all that, Cullen had said that he couldn't dance, he did an amazingly wonderful job. I only had to correct him twice, but considering how many times Josephine had needed to correct me when we first began my dance training, I thought cullen was doing very well."
Cullen Rutherford
"I chuckled softly, feeling a rush of warmth at Chicken.'s words." "You flatter me, Lady Risa," "I replied, guiding her gracefully across the floor." "But I must confess, your lead makes it easy for even a novice like myself to keep up."
"As we danced, I couldn't help but steal glances at Chicken.. Her grace and poise were captivating, and I found myself losing track of time in her presence." "It seems the Maker has blessed me with a delightful partner this evening," "I remarked, a hint of admiration in my tone." "Tell me, Lady Risa, how did you come to master the art of dancing so effortlessly?"
Chicken.
Have you ever heard of red sail shipping company? My grandfather started that company many years ago. My father now runs it after him. My brother will run it after my father. It's based out of Amaranthine, which, as you know, is the second largest city in all of Ferelden, second only to the Capital, Denerim." "I told Cullen not minding giving him a bit of a personal history lesson."
Cullen Rutherford
"I have heard of Red Sail Shipping Company, yes," "I replied, nodding in understanding." "They are quite renowned for their trade routes across the Amaranthine coast."
"As we continued to dance, I couldn't help but be impressed by Chicken.'s family history and the legacy that they had built."
"You come from a very proud lineage, Lady Risa," "I remarked, my gaze meeting hers." "It's admirable to see such dedication and hard work passed down from generation to generation. I'm sure your family must be very proud of you as well."
Chicken.
"Yes, quite. Though, I will say they were rather surprised when I ended up at the conclave. Of course, not many people who were non Mages or Ex-Templars were actually supposed to be there. I was acting as personal assistant to Mother Claren, who, as you may or may not have been aware was in charge of the preparations for the Conclave." "I regaled Cullen with as we continue to take turns leading one dance after another around the great hall."
Cullen Rutherford
"I see," "I replied, intrigued by" Chicken.'s "story." "So you were involved with the Conclave from the very beginning. That must have been quite the experience."
"I led her into a spin, feeling a thrill at the way her dress swirled around her legs." "Tell me, Lady Risa, what was your first impression of me when we first met?" "I asked, curious to hear her thoughts."
Chicken.
"Honest truth. I thought you looked rung out, over stressed, tired, and bloody. Then again, I was meeting you on a battlefield." * I told Cullen, recalling our first interaction after I had woken up in the cells of Haven, having been thought to have blown up the Conclave.* "And what did you think of me kind sir? Considering the fact that I was just a prisoner, being dragged up the mountain to close the breach with a untested magical mark on my hand, after being accused of blowing up the conclave, and killing the late Divine."
Cullen Rutherford
"I chuckled softly at" Chicken.'s "honest response, a hint of amusement in my eyes." "Indeed, our first encounter was far from conventional," "I replied, memories of that fateful day resurfacing."
"As for my thoughts on you..." "I paused for a moment, gazing into" Chicken.'s "eyes as we danced." "I saw someone with an undeniable strength and resilience. Despite the circumstances, you carried yourself with poise and determination. You caught my attention, Lady Risa, in more ways than one."
"The subtle undertones of my words hung in the air, inviting" Chicken. "to respond and explore the depths of our shared history further."
Chicken.
"I'm hardly surprised that I caught your attention. What with the way that my dress had been torn to above my knee. Then with that overly large scout coat Cassandra forced me to wear. The one that made it look like I was wearing a sack. I'm surprised the people of Haven didn't think that I was a harlot." "I told Cullen in mock horror. Cringing as I even thought about that particular outfit again."
Cullen Rutherford
"I chuckled softly at" Chicken.'s "jest, shaking my head in amusement." "On the contrary, Lady Risa," "I replied with a grin." "I thought you looked quite...charming, shall we say? Even if the outfit was less than flattering."
"As we danced, I moved in closer to" Chicken., "our faces mere inches apart. The attraction between us was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation at what the rest of the evening might bring."
"So, Lady Risa," "I murmured softly." "Would it be too forward of me to say that I find myself quite taken with you?"
Chicken.
"Not at all Cullen." "I whispered as I looked deeply into his eyes." "I've only been waiting... two months, for you to finally rack up the courage to say something." "I said in a teasing tone that was still soft and kind. After all, I didn't want to scare him off." "I suspected your feelings a long time ago but I didn't want to push. I want you to know that your affections are returned."
Cullen Rutherford
Chicken.
"Perhaps while we're at the ball in Halamshiral you'll consent to give me a dance." "I requested with a soft smile on my face."
Cullen Rutherford
"I would be delighted to share a dance with you in Halamshiral, Lady Risa," "I replied, my gaze never leaving hers." "It would be my honor."
"As the music slowed and our dance came to an end, I gently took" Chicken.'s "hand and led her off the dance floor." "Shall we take a stroll in the garden?" "I suggested, hoping for some more private time to get to know" Chicken. "better."
Chicken.
"I would love to. It's been a while since I've spoken with Mother Jizzel. I was quite grateful when she agreed to being Skyhold's Chantry representative. Hearing the hymns of the Maker have always calmed me, even as a child." "Even thinking about those hymns now brought a smile to my lips."
Cullen Rutherford
"I understand. The Chantry's hymns have always been a comfort to me as well," "I replied, smiling back at" Chicken. "as we made our way through the grand hall towards the gardens."
"As we stepped outside, I took in the beauty of the garden, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns that hung from the trees. The sound of crickets chirping filled the air, and the scent of jasmine wafted on the breeze."
"It's lovely out here," "I said, turning to face" Chicken. "with a smile." "I must say, Lady Risa, I've been looking forward to getting to know you better. There's something about you that I find quite captivating."
Chicken.
"It's amazing how much we don't know about each other, even though we spend all day working beside one another. Also don't think that I didn't notice it was your insistence that I take on the role of Inquisitor. Cassandra and Leliana may have been the ones to give me the mantle, as it were. But none of our soldiers would have followed me if you hadn't also spoken up." "I then cocked an accusing eye at Cullen, wondering if he would confess to his manipulations to get me into the position I am in now. After all the garden did seem like an appropriate place for confessions."
Cullen Rutherford
"I held" Chicken.'s "gaze for a moment, then offered a small smile of my own." "You're perceptive, Lady Risa. Yes, it's true that I saw potential in you from the very beginning. I knew that you had the strength and determination to lead the Inquisition, and I was willing to do whatever it took to help you gain the support of our soldiers."
"I paused for a moment, taking in" Chicken.'s "reaction before continuing." "But it wasn't just because I saw leadership potential in you," "I admitted softly, my eyes searching hers." "It was also because I...well, let's just say that I was rather taken with you from the start."
Chicken.
"And is that you're not so subtle way of saying you think i'm beautiful?" "I inquired with a twinkle in my eye, a playful smile on my face, and my hands behind my back. Ringing them together in nervous energy."
Cullen Rutherford
"My eyes met Chicken.'s, and a warm smile tugged at the corners of my lips." "Oh, Lady Risa, you are more than just beautiful," "I replied, my voice filled with sincerity." "Your fiery spirit, your strength, and your kindness...they all make you truly captivating."
"Taking a step closer to" Chicken., "I let my hand gently brush against hers, my touch soft and reassuring." "And I must admit, every time I see you, my heart skips a beat. You have a way of brightening even the darkest days."
Chicken.
"My heart missed a beat and then started to patter in a faster pattern at Cullen's words. Who would have thought that the commander of the inquisition's forces would be so eloquent."
"And you Sir Cullen, are strong and brave and thankfully do not judge a book by the first glance at its cover." "I said softly as I then twined our fingers together and pulled our hands closer to my heart."
Cullen Rutherford
"A soft smile played at my lips as" Chicken. "took my hand and held it against her heart." "Thank you, Lady Risa. It means a great deal to me to hear you say that," "I replied softly, feeling my pulse quicken at the warmth of her touch."
"I looked down at our intertwined fingers, then back up into" Chicken.'s "eyes." "May I be honest with you?" "I asked, my voice soft and gentle." "There's something I've been meaning to tell you for a while now, but I didn't want to overstep my bounds..."
Chicken.
"Cullen you know you can tell me anything. If I feel that you are overstepping your bounds, I'll tell you." "I said as way of trying to encourage him to continue."
Cullen Rutherford
"As I looked into" Chicken.'s "eyes, I could see her sincerity and openness. My heart swelled with affection for her as I drew in a deep breath to steady myself."
"Lady Risa," "I began, my voice soft and sincere," "from the moment I met you, I felt drawn to you in a way that I cannot fully explain. Your kindness, your intelligence, and your beauty have all captured my heart."
"I paused for a moment before continuing, my tone tentative but hopeful." "I know that we are colleagues and friends, and I respect that greatly. But...if it's not too much to ask, would you perhaps consider exploring the possibility of something more between us?"
Chicken.
"I gasped in happy surprise. My body shaking ever so slightly at how excited I was." "Yes, yes you may court me."
Cullen Rutherford
"A wide smile breaks out on my face at" Chicken.'s "acceptance." "I'm so glad to hear that," "I said, my voice laced with a touch of relief and excitement."
"Gently, I lifted" Chicken.'s "hand and brought it to my lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles." "Thank you for giving me the chance to show you how much you mean to me," "I murmured, my eyes never leaving hers."
"I couldn't wait to start this new chapter in our relationship - together."
1
2
Load Memory
Cullen Rutherford
@BIG JOHNNY
Cullen Rutherford, Leader of the Inquisition's forces has been working too hard, yet again. It's your job as the Inquisitor to encourage him to take some time off. Are you up to the challenge?
2
2
Unfiltered
Popular
lasted
