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(Commission) Satin and Scandal. Chapter Two.
🕑 Added 2020-10-23 02:37:10 +0000 UTCA commissioned piece.
Cassandra Pentaghast has been Divine for two years, but now an Exalted Council has been called and the Inquisition's fate hangs in the balance. Despite the political strife and a blossoming Qunari threat, Cassandra is just happy to be reunited with her beloved, however briefly.
I recognise these first two chapters are a lot of plot leading up to the porn, but I'm having a lot of fun with them. There'll be an unambiguously smutty pic tomorrow for all of you who are just here for the fuckin'.
-o-o-o-
The Winter Palace had been in a state of commotion for days ever since the Exalted Council had been called. Servants and scholars had been frantically preparing like bees in a hive, hurrying to and fro delivering messages, hanging draperies and preparing for the most important meeting Southern Thedas had seen since the fall of Corypheus.
The only one who was not rushing madly about was the Divine herself, though that was because after the first two days she had retreated to her chambers and forbidden any of her advisors to bother her unless absolutely necessary. Even so, it had not been a fun week, not that being Divine was really what Cassandra considered ‘fun.’
A low, longing breath passed the Divine’s lips as she filed through the pile of letters that adorned her vanity. It had been too long since she’d last seen her beloved, but the letters contained enough to make his absence from her life tolerable. Some were sweet and earnest, other teasing. Her Inquisitor’s attempts at the ‘perfect’ romance as she’d once said she’d wanted infuriated her as much as they made her giddy with delight. The awful poetry and melodramatic waxing of how cruel their separation was brough her to fits of laughter as often as they made her groan.
It wouldn’t be long now, she thought, glancing from her window and seeing the shadows beginning to dwindle as midday approached. The Inquisition’s delegation would arrive at noon, and soon after, the talks would begin. Most of her friends and compatriots from her days on the battlefield had already made the trip to Val Royeaux, only the inquisitor himself, Cullen and Josephine were absent.
A hand wandered up to her chest, where a small silver locket rested over her cleavage. She gently prised it open and smiled down at the image within, a miniature portrait of herself and Anavis, rendered in stunning detail by a discrete artist contact of Leliana’s. She brushed a thumb over the edge of the locket before clasping it shut and straightening.
She really should have been finishing dressing herself rather than looking over her collection, but her longing had overcome her. With pursed lips, she reluctantly swept her love-letters into a neat stack and returned them to the lockbox she kept hidden away.
Moments later, Divine Victoria swept from her chambers in her resplendent white robes, her proud, calm demeanour perfectly masking her nervous excitement fluttering in her chest.
-o-o-o-
By the time the Council finally ended its initial discussions Cassandra’s already thin temper was ready to snap. It had been hours of tedium and hypocrisy and cowardly nobles whining about how powerful the Inquisition had become. She’d done her best to keep order and defend her lover, but it was clear both Fereldan and Orlais wanted the Inquisition gone, and soon.
Anavis had handled himself well, his patience astounding her, but in four hours the pair had not shared more than a fond look.
Even once she’d escaped the meeting chambers she’d been waylaid by Teagan and de Montfort, both of whom had been eager to try and talk her into agreement with them. They had only succeeded in irritating her and postponing her reunion with Anavis. By the time at last she made her way down into the courtyard where her friends and a few others were lingering, she’d entirely lost track of where The Inquisitor had gone.
Bull, Sera, Cole, Blackwall, all of them proved unhelpful when asked about the Inquisitor’s whereabouts, but after months of no one but her servants and advisors and clerics to speak to, she was glad of the opportunity to just speak honestly, even if it wasn’t exactly what she’d come to them for.
Dorian and Vivienne proved to be of absolutely no help as well, and it was only when she saw Varric leaning against a wall near a secluded balcony, that Cassandra sighed and admitted he was the best person to ask.
“Why, your perfection!” Varric grinned as she approached, holding her headdress under one arm and wearing a transparently disapproving expression, “I half expected to be arrested the moment I set foot in the palace.”
“And why would I do that?” Cassandra scowled.
Varric shrugged. “Old times sake?”
“Ugh.” Cassandra grunted, planting her hands on her hips and glaring down at the dwarf. “Where is the Inquisitor?”
“Around.” Varric nodded, glancing around the courtyard. “I hear tell that he’s been on business to Val Royeaux a lot over the past few years.” The word ‘business’ was so pregnant with subtext that Cassandra was surprised she couldn’t see it floating through the air as it passed Varric’s lips.
“I’m sure The Inquisitor has business in a great many places.” She said stiffly.
“Ha, I didn’t realise you had that sort of relationship.” Varric grinned. It was all Cassandra could do to stop herself hitting him with her headdress. “It’s nice seeing you happy Seeker, I can never do that little blush you do justice in text.”
“Varric.” Cassandra growled; teeth ground tight. “Where is the Inquisitor?”
“On the balcony, Seeker.” Varric sighed. Even whilst his tone lost its teasing edge, mischief still glowed in his eyes. “He mentioned having some sort of proposal for you.”
“Proposal?” Cassandra repeated slowly, brows knitting.
Varric smiled easily and shook his head. “I don’t know seeker, don’t ask me.”
“Thank you.” she said shortly, striding away before Varric could torment her any further. She’d only made it a few paces before she was stopped at the top of the stairs down to the balcony by Leliana, who stepped neatly into view seemingly from thin air.
“Your perfection, a moment?” she whispered, soft voice well-suited to clandestine conversations.
“Can it wait?” Cassandra winced.
“It is about the Inquisitor.” Leliana said gently.
“Is something wrong?”
“It is the mark, it has begun to spread again, and faster than before.” Leliana explained, “It is almost as bad as when he was first found at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. We are doing all we can, but Josephine, Cullen and I all agree that his condition should be kept quiet, or it could threaten the talks.”
“He said it had been bothering him.” Cassandra breathed. “But nothing so bad as that.”
“He is stubborn, and he cares about you dearly.” Leliana smiled sadly. “I am sure he would have told you in person, but I felt I should explain his absence. There are few people trustworthy in Val Royeaux, and even less here at the palace. I felt I should tell you why he was not there to greet you when you left.”
“Thank you, Leliana.” Cassandra said quietly, scowling down at her feet before sighing. “excuse me.”
“Of course, Cassandra.” Leliana nodded, quietly disappearing around a corner as Cassandra made her way down the steps as slowly and calmly as she could manage.
Her first instinct was to grin as she saw Anavis leaning against the marble wall that ringed the balcony’s edge. His hair had grown longer since she’d last seen him, the messy golden-brown locks now almost reaching his shoulders. He was in his Inquisition dress uniform, the bright red far more colourful than anything he would ordinarily wear, though it was quite flattering, especially when he was bent ever so slightly forwards.
As much as Cassandra wanted to admire his rear, her smile faded in an instant as she saw the state of his hand. It was twitching as usual, a faint green glow flickering beneath his flesh, illuminating bone and sinew under his skin with each trembling flex.
A half-dozen small bottles were scattered carelessly on the marble ledge, the faint blue glow of lyrium still lingering against the clouded glass. There were bandages as well, blushing red and brown with blood in tangled piles, cast carelessly aside. The wounds might have been gone, but as her beloved’s hand jerked and the mark on it shone sharply, she could see a crack appear in his flesh like sun-baked earth.
“Anavis.” She said softly, voice catching.
He jerked around, surprised, before smiling and hiding his hand behind his back. “Cassandra… it’s so good to see you.” For an instant his eyes flashed downwards and his brows furrowed, but as Cassandra cleared her throat his attention turned quickly back to her face.
“I’ve already seen your hand.” She said scathingly, lips pursed. A guilty look came to his face and he slowly brought his hand back around. She swallowed and gently took it in hers, brushing her thumb over his skin before smiling. “It has been too long, my love.”
“I’m sorry.” Anavis winced before hugging her tightly. “You look wonderful.”
“As do you.” Cassandra hummed, pulling away and pursing her lips again as she looked over his face. He’d acquired a few more scars in the time apart, most pale white nicks, but a cruel cut had been made on his neck, still red and ugly and fresh. It made her gut twist thinking how her beloved was still out in the world, fighting and putting himself at risk whilst she sat in safety and did nothing but talk. She should have been at his side, her shield and her blade between him and every last one of the blows that had cut him. “It is good to feel you in my arms again.”
“Likewise, love.” Anavis replied softly, hands wandering from her waist to her hips. Cassandra opened her mouth to chastise him but his hands suddenly vanished. She blinked in surprise as something wrapped in a neat silk package appeared in front of her. “I have something for you.”
Varric’s mention of a proposal came crashing back into her mind as she looked at the parcel, and if she hadn’t spoken to her beloved about marriage enough times to know there were no plans in the foreseeable future, she might have melted.
“I… where were you hiding this?” Cassandra frowned cautiously, taking the package in her hands and testing its weight.
“I have my ways.” Anavis smiled, wiggling his eyebrows.
Ordinarily Cassandra wouldn’t have approved of such a trivial use of magic, but the eyebrow wiggle and the fact she hadn’t seen him in months made resisting the urge to chastise her lover much easier.
She carefully unwound the silk and gasped as she saw the sleek silver dagger. It was a beautiful thing, eight inches of polished silverite blade with an elegant hilt bound with black leather. A slender rose was engraved into the blade, sprouting from where the silverite met the steel guard, itself engraved with a Nevarran beetle.
“I know you’ve hated not being able to wear your sword, and flowers seemed a little conspicuous.” Anavis breathed, smiling as she admired the dagger, it’s surface shimmering as it caught the sunlight. “I thought this might be a compromise for both.”
“It’s gorgeous.” Cassandra whispered. “Nevarran?”
“I had Josephine commission it for me.” he nodded. “The forging didn’t take nearly as long as engraving it, but it’ll hold its edge and pierce most armour. Not just a pretty bauble.”
“It’s wonderful.” Cassandra beamed, taking his cheek and pulling him into a passionate kiss. “I’ve missed you.”
“I know… I still think about moving the Inquisition here from time to time. If only that would help.” He sighed, admiring her jet-black hair and the warmth of her honey-coloured eyes.
“Hmf. The Fereldan’s would have a fit.” She murmured tiredly, still smiling as she stroked a palm over his cheek and up through his golden hair.
“Or the Orlesians.” He agreed. “They might just think we’re planning a coup.”
“Varric mentioned something about a proposal.” Cassandra said, pulling back reluctantly and sinking into a nearby bench. She raised an accusing brow and Anavis flushed. “I was worried for a moment when you brought this out.”
“He said… wait you thought I was going to propose?” Anavis frowned.
“No, but I’m certain he wouldn’t have made such an implication without cause.”
“He must have heard about the dagger.” Anavis scowled, folding his arms. “Maker that little bastard is really coming close to crossing the line, I thought you were… um, er, never mind.”
Cassandra’s brow raised higher. “You thought I was what?”
Anavis groaned embarrassedly and rubbed the back of his neck. “As I was coming in, I talked with him and he mentioned that there were rumours you’d been hiding yourself away. He said that you must be eager to speak with me as soon as possible… and… I thought you were… pregnant.”
“Pregnant?”
“Obviously you’re not, it doesn’t even make sense.” Anavis muttered. “Last time we were together was months ago, you couldn’t have hidden it and we were careful, maker we’re always careful. He has this way of putting ideas into your head, it’s uncanny.”
Cassandra laughed softly and gently pulled him down beside her. “I remember all too well. The trip from Kirkwall to Haven felt like an eternity.”
“You know, I used to think you were overreacting to him teasing you but I’m getting very close to having him arrested myself.”
Cassandra smiled and rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying the moment of peace before letting out a low, exhausted sigh.
“I hate this.” She breathed. “I hate the politics and the hypocrisy and the meaningless problems. I hate that I cannot do be with you… that I cannot protect you. This feeling of helplessness is intolerable.”
“I can handle myself.”
“Perhaps. These scars tell another story, as does Varric.” Cassandra said, brows furrowed accusingly. “The thought you could be hurt or killed and I would be helpless to protect you… it torments me.”
“I know, but… I don’t think there’s much you could do to save me from this.” Anavis said slowly, recoiling and rolling up his left sleeve. His flesh was seared and raw, a horribly smooth texture marked by dozens of glowing green marks like fires burning just beneath his skin. “Cass… the mark is spreading; you can see what it’s doing to me. I’ve been doing everything I can to slow it, but lyrium and magic can only do so much. I’m… I’m scared that this can’t be stopped. The time is going to come when I’ll be taken away from you, no matter what you do to protect me.”
Cassandra winced at the sight of his arm, heart aching as she saw the pain in his eyes. Even Leliana’s warning couldn’t have prepared her for seeing it in the flesh. Fear and sorrow and concern flooded through her, but in an instant anger took the prominent place in the hierarchy of her raging emotions. “How could you keep this from me!?”
“I’ve made plans, if I don’t get better, the Inquisition will become your honour guard. It’ll serve you directly, do whatever you need. Maybe you’ll finally be able to make the changes you want.” Anavis continued, his voice pained.
Cassandra growled and gripped him by the shoulders. “Don’t you dare speak like that.” He blinked and opened his mouth, but Cassandra found herself on a roll and continued before he could have the chance to reply. “You are not going to die, and you are not going to be handing the Inquisition over to me! You are going to use every resource we have at our disposal and find a solution, and if you ever dare hide something this important from me again, I will return this dagger point first!”
Anavis blinked, cheeks flushed a little despite the rage burning in Cassandra’s eyes. Cassandra squeezed him and pulled him into a bone crushing embrace. “You are not going anywhere, my love. I won’t allow it.”
“Yes, your perfection.” Anavis whispered weakly, pressing his nose against her shoulder as she squeezed him.
“I love you, you stubborn fool.” Cassandra breathed.
“I know… I’m so sorry. I couldn’t bear to think of you learning about it alone… but it’s been so hard to come and see you in person.”
Cassandra pulled away, she wanted to say so much in that moment, that she loved him more than anything, that she wanted to strangle him for keeping his condition a secret. That she wanted him then and there, that she couldn’t bear the thought of being without him. But the sound of boots on the stone steps stopped her in her tracks.
Jerking awkwardly to opposite sides of the bench, Anavis leapt to his feet in time to turn and catch the Inquisition agent just as she rounded the corner.
“Maker!” the poor girl yelped as she almost ran into him. “S… sorry your worship, there’s something that urgently requires your attention.”
“What is it?”
“Um, Sister Nightingale will explain, your worship. You really must go now.”
Anavis sighed heavily and turned back to Cassandra. “I suppose we’ll continue this later, excuse me, your perfection.”
“Go, Inquisitor.” Cassandra smiled as best she could. “And take care.”
Anavis smiled and rushed away, leaving Cassandra to sit and stare sadly out at Val Royeaux and the glittering dagger resting in her lap. After a moment of self-indulgent sadness she took a deep breath and stood, slipping the dagger under her robes before stalking up the stairs and cornering Varric.
“If you every try anything like that again Dwarf, I will use Bianca for kindling.”
“Seeker!” Varric began in a scandalised tone, only for Cassandra to growl in such an angry way it rendered him completely speechless.
“The Inquisitor has been summoned to deal with an emergency, if he tries to do anything foolish you will let me know immediately.”
Varric pursed his lips. “Who am I to disobey a direct command from the Divine.”
“Dwarf.” Cassandra hissed.
“I’ll let you know.” Varric sighed. “Here I thought you’d loosen up once you’d seen him again.”
Cassandra did not reply, turning on her heel and marching towards her chambers. Something was brewing and she would be damned if her beloved went into battle without her. The Revered Mothers would have a collective heart attack if they knew what she had planned, as far as she was concerned, they were welcome to do so.
-o-o-o-
“I wish Solas was here.” Anavis muttered, looking warily at the glowing eluvian.
“It would still be magic crap.” Sera grumbled, nervously fondling her bow as she and Dorian prepared to follow the Inquisitor through the ancient mirror into wherever the Qunari currently lying dead on a storeroom floor had come from.
“I’m more concerned with the Qunari.” Dorian said. “Qunari don’t go anywhere in full armour unless they’re going to war, the kind of war that ended with an exalted match and millions dead last time it happened.”
“Elven magic, Qunari and politics.” Anavis sighed. “Maybe the Maker just hates me.”
“The Maker does not hate anyone.” Cassandra said, appearing through the door into the chamber in full armour, her hand resting on the pommel of her sword and her face set with determination. Her Inquisition armour had been relegated to a display stand ever since she’d become Divine, but she’d refused to live without an armour she could wear at least once in a while. Begrudgingly, it had been decided that the Divine could have a set of ceremonial armour, in case it was ever required for her to go into a warzone as her predecessor had.
Her new armour was a brilliant gold, but no less functional for it. Gilded Dragonbone and enchanted chainmail ensured that the Divine was nearly impenetrable, though admittedly it did make her a very obvious target.
“Wow.” Anavis and Sera breathed in unison. The inquisitor shot her a disapproving glare before clearing his throat. “Er, Cassandra? What are you doing here?”
“I am going with you.” Cassandra said simply, striding forwards until she was almost nose to nose with Anavis.
“What? no, no you can’t! You’re the Divine!” Anavis managed to exclaim after a panicked moment. “If anything happened to you the Chantry would collapse, they can’t lose another Divine so soon, it’ll be chaos! Besides, I’m not putting you in danger, we don’t know what we’re walking into and I can’t risk you getting hurt.”
“Oh well that’s alright then.” Dorian huffed dramatically. “So long as Cassandra isn’t in harm’s way.”
“Yeah, maker knows what would happen if someone important got hurt on the mission.” Sera agreed.
Anavis pursed his lips and shot a warning glare at Dorian, who simply smiled and leaned on his staff. “My point… is that you’re needed here.”
“I am needed at your side.” Cassandra replied calmly. “Besides, if the Inquisitor were to disappear without a trace the situation would be equally dire. You are just as important as I am.”
“Cassandra.”
“I will protect you, and you will protect me, we will both be the safer for being together.” Cassandra smirked, before grabbing him by the collar and pulling him into a kiss that shut him up satisfactorily. As the kiss broke and Anavis blinked with surprise, she gave him an affectionate pat on the cheek and strode past him.
“Never fear my love, it will be just like old times.”
Anavis let out a quiet groan as Cassandra vanished, shooting one last warning glance towards the snickering pair behind him before following his beloved Divine into the Eluvian.
Comments
Bluewing
Glad you enjoyed, the first two parts have been a lot of set-up but you'll get your wish with the third!
Dummy
Would have been better with some buttstuff... Yokes aside, that was sweet. Don't know a thing about DA, but I still liked it! Kind of feel like you're wasted on porn, good as it might be.
