시작의 새벽/Dawn of Beginning

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"Lady Laurelette, Calpernia's venatori have been digging up Elven ruins. Tracking them might land us to her. If this crystal was placed in her lair, I cannot over state the value of what we might learn."

"It is only right to use Calpernia's tools against her. Send a message to the Inquisitor to tell her of our plans in a code." The American instructed which the young dwarf agreed readily.

"If there is a rift between Calpernia and Corypheus, we must exploit it." It was like what she said wasn't heard.

"I'll have the crystal ready soon. Let me find the quicksilver." The two women watched as she rummaged through her things: looking for a particular item. It took quite a while for the work area was quite messy. She didn't know how Dagna was able to find anything. As the dwarf took longer than she thought, Sirena took it as her que to leave. From the looks of it, Leliana also got the hint.

Leaving the dwarf to it, Sirena and the spymaster left the croft which was below the main part of the keep. Every now and again, the young woman heard the different gossip that was going around. One of them was about the Inquisitor and the other about her relationship with a certain someone, which reminded her that she wanted to talk to her boyfriend. Did they even use that term: boyfriend and girlfriend in the time period she was in? All the historical novels she read never said so. It was always courting, betrothals, marriages, and someone getting their head chopped off. But that didn't explain how Thedas worked when it came to relationship statuses which made the American girl a bit baffled.

Taking the shortcut route, the outlander made her way through Solas's chamber with all the pictures painted on the walls that held the story of Evelyn Trevelyan. Some parts of the walls were bare due to the story having not been completed quite yet. Once she made it out to the stone bridge, her eyes looked up at the blue sky while getting some deep breaths in. Her slow and leisure pace finally made it to the Commander's office. If she went in, would she be disturbing him? Or would he welcome her with his warm smile? While chewing on her lip, she walked into the dim lit room. Before she was able to make her way to him, he turned his head away from his book and looked over at her with a smile.

"I hoped you'd stop by." Sirena watched as he came to her while she met him half way.

"Really?" Her question only made him chuckle as he hesitated putting his arms around her small waist. It was obvious that Cullen was not used to showing affection which she found endearing.

"Of course, why wouldn't I? Though, I know we're both busy people, but I do like spending time with you. In fact, I look forward to it." The commander took a step back to get a better look at the woman whom he had chosen to be with. "Was there anything you came here specifically for?" That was her opening to have the conversation that she wanted to have with him.

"Yes, and before I start, I was wondering if you have some time to spare?" She glanced down at the stone floor beneath her feet before looking up at him through her lashes.

"Is there something on your mind?" Sirena watched as he leaned against his book case, ready to listen to whatever she had to say. Though, the young woman couldn't help but let her smile slowly show.

"A couple of days ago when you kissed me on the battlements: how long have you been wanting to do that?" Even though that wasn't the original question she wanted to ask; her curiosity got the better of her.

"Longer than I should admit." She heard him laugh. Was it from embarrassment or something else? Should she mention her "noble" title even though she didn't feel like she was one? Sirena considered herself only as an American girl. It was clear that the young woman hadn't thought out her questions clearly.

"Um, I know it's no secret that you don't like the nobility class. I'm happy that my relation to Evelyn didn't scare you off." That was a good start for the conversation, wasn't it?

"I actually hadn't considered... I have no title outside the Inquisition. I hope that doesn't... I mean, doesn't it... bother you?" It was adorable to see him get nervous. Her blue-green eyes watched as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"No, it doesn't bother me at all."

"That's a... relief. If I seem unsure, it's because it's been a long time since I've wanted anyone in my life. I... wasn't expecting to find that here. Or you for that matter."

"The Commander of the Inquisition and the cousin of the Inquisitor; people will and may have already been talking." A soft sigh had escaped from his lips like he was exhausted.

"You wouldn't believe how quickly gossip spreads through the barracks."

"Does it bother you?"

"I would rather my – or our- private affairs remain that way." People chatting about them did bother him, she was glad to find that out. After a couple of seconds, another thing crossed her mind. Sirena had been avoiding Cassandra and if gossip was spreading then it meant she could no longer keep away from a confrontation. "But if there were nothing here for people to talk about, I would regret it more." A blush rose to her cheeks. It was comforting that he didn't mind. In fact, it was a relief.

"I'm glad you don't mind it. I was actually worried that you would."

"If being with you causes the talk then it is worth it." The outlander lowered her gaze bashfully. The man knew how to charm his way into her heart even while being awkward.

"Well, I will leave you to it." As she was about to turn around to leave, she felt her hand get grabbed before getting pulled into his chest. His lips were then planted onto hers in a soft and gentle kiss. When he pulled away, she couldn't help but bite her lower lip.

"I couldn't let you leave without a kiss." Sirena nodded her head with a smile. She then turned to leave the office. It was time to confront Cassandra.