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Description
Title: Forgiven not Forgotten Chapter 1
Author: Coo-ci
Game: Dragon Age inquisition
Characters/Pairing: F!Trevelyan x Cullen Rutherford
Disclaimer: All recognizable content belongs to Bioware

The morning air was cold; the dew from the evening lay as a frozen crust on the tents outside Heaven. Cullen had just sent the recruits to find something to eat after their morning run. At the break of dawn the workout began, first a morning run and later weapon and combat training. Not all who had joined the inquisition to fight was in shape for any battle, therefor was the morning run invented. Not to expose any one as the lesser, all the recruits had to participate, including the Commander who stood as the good example. It worked as fine motivation for the newcomers, and it helped the Cullen clear his head when the nightmares were at its worst. Taking a moment to rest before joining the rest of the officers, Cullen leaned against the wooden palisade, listening to the calm before the rest of Heaven woke up. With a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp morning air enjoying the moment of silence, a silence unexpectedly interrupted when the sound of metal on metal filled the encampment. Somewhere in the noise, he picked up Cassandra’s voice.
“Use that shield! It should protect you, not the other way around!” Cassandra shouted, to whom Cullen did not know, since Cassandra was not training the recruits until later that day. As he turned the corner, he found the unfortunate soul, the Seekers student, was no one less than Astrid Trevelyan, on the ground soak in mud and wet snow, moaning from the last impact from her teacher.
”You are sure on that Cass? Maybe I'm not the Herald of Andraste but the herald of the weak and defenceless shields; they need protection from wicked people like you.” Laying on the ground Astrid sighed, equally in defeat and sarcasm. Cassandra only made a grunt in response.
“Just a question Cass. Since you have beaten me in combat, does my title pass on to you then?” she raised a pointing finger at Cassandra and shouted “Hah, tag you're it!!!”
“You don't get away that easy.” Cassandra chuckled. She almost smiled.
The two warriors had evolved a fond friendship during their travels in the Hinterlands, though Cassandras strict attitude did not reveal their friendship, it was there.
As Cullen approached, Astrid rose to her feet, before brushing off the worst dirt. Never before had he seen her in such a mess, normally she was clean first, well dressed and carried herself with a decent demeanour. The common man’s perfect image for the Herald of Andraste. However, this morning she wore a once white linen shirt, which soaked in mud and dried up snow was a dirty grey, as it stuck to her body, showing of her figure. The long honey blond hair all tangled, clinging her sweaty forehead, not in its usually bun or ponytail. More or less the only thing to identify her by was the eyes, still shining emerald green though her smeared face.
Astrid shook her head “It's no use Cass, I have two left feet and I'm tired wrestling with the mud. Can’t you just find someone else to be your figurehead, before I hurt myself any further?” Astrid sat her shield down and leaned against it. Cullen could see she was already exhausted, and wondered how long they had been out here. Considering the bruises on Astrid and her shield, he guessed no less than an hour if he knew the Seeker, and she was not the sort of teacher who would go easy on any student of hers. A grunt slipped from Cassandra, it clearly annoyed her that they had not had any progress yet. Which was why he had to interferer before Cassandra could do anything rash. “Excuse my interference but is there a kind problem?” he asked.
Astrid sighed “I had no real combat experience before the inquisition, back home it was mostly for eksercits, nobody there was attempting to kill me.” she glared at Cassandra with the hint of a smile” So I asked Cassandra to be my sparring partner.”
”It would help a great deal if followed my instructions.” Cassandra cut off.
”Well Cassandra you know, teaching does not imply knocking your student in the head with a book nor a shield, you have to instruct and direct them”. Cullen chuckled.
Astrid glanced at him, a smile started to form on her lips, though it did not reach her eyes.
“The Heralds offence and swordplay is fine, it’s her defence that gets her injured. However she broke two ribs at Therinfal Redoubt, because of her weak defence.” Cassandra grunted annoyed. ”Well what do you suggest then Commander, because I'm running out of ideas.”
Cullen knitted his brows, arms crossed in front of him. The situation annoyed him, he should been informed about the Heralds injury, as well should the other advisors. Then they could have initiated some proper training with at professional, or at least someone who knew how to reflect good tutoring.
”Good, take positions.”
Astrid had mentioned doing eksercits, which properly had been for the chantry considering her family’s affiliation, gave Cullen a possible clue to where the flaw in her defence was. Both women lined up ready to follow his instructions, Cassandra like a brick wall determined not to yield. Astrid was far more textbook, and any honour guard-captain would be proud in presenting her as his first. Cullen walk up behind her, and adjusted the posture of her shoulder and hind leg, she followed his directions without objections.
“Cassandra, are you ready?” Cullen called out she nodded in response.
“Commander? Are you sure you shouldn't move back a bit, or we’ll both be in the mud in a second” Astrid inquired in a precarious voice. Cullen did not answer; he stayed behind the Herald and signalled to Cassandra come at them. The adrenalin started pumping, preparing himself for what was about to happen.
“Now Herald, when she hits us, push your shield forward and then up. “ He said with a low voice only for Astrid to hear, and placed his right hand on her lower back ready to support her on the upcoming impact.
As Cassandra hit them, Cullen nudged Astrid forward; all the while she followed his instructions pushing the shield forward fending of the attack, send Cassandra of stumbling backwards. Astrid did not move, taken aback that she had not ended up on the ground, she let out a cry of joy. Cullen could not help himself smile at her reaction to their little victory.
Then a sudden wind caught her hair sending it flying backwards. It didn't hit him, but he found himself embraced by her scent, a mixture of steel, leather, her lavender fragrance and a light hint of sweat. Cullen felt captivated all his senses energized and suddenly he was aware, just how close he stood near Astrid, his hand still on her low back. He felt the heat rushing to his head, instantly moving to get some distance between them. Astrid had not noticed. She seemed more focused awaiting Cassandras response. Standing there for a moment Cullen began to study Astrid unconsciously. Her body was muscular but still had a very feminine shape, completed with a slight waist and curved hips. Not like some of the younger girls they had recruited, which Cullen sometimes fear would break in two if they were send into combat. Astrid had the body of woman, which Cullen had not noted before, and now he could not get the image of her in her transparent shirt out of his head. Meanwhile Cassandra had recovered from her stumbling. Cullen raised his hand to scratch his neck. He suddenly felt nervous and out of place.
“Well. “ He cough trying to clear his throat “That seemed to work.”
“Indeed” Cassandra confirmed validating Cullen’s effort had managed what she could not.
“Don't let it go to your heads. I cannot possibly have the Commander following me around as my personal support beam. ”Astrid reminded with a teas.
Cassandra chuckled, while Cullen did not know what to make of himself.
“You just have to get better.” He stuttered as reply
Astrid squinted puzzled at him, not expecting the rather harsh respond. Makers breath why should this suddenly be so difficult, as he felt the blushing spreading across his face.
“Ehm... I did not …. I meant you wouldn't need me..” Cullen sighed, “Your problem is your compositor is not preparing for a real impact, so you lose balance. It’s a common problem for people who have served as honour guards.” thank the Maker he managed to end the sentences, not harassing the Herald any further. “It will be easy to teach you how to avoid it.”
A smile once again spread across her face, and her eyes got their usual light back. That little glimpse in the corner of her eyes had caught his and would not let go. For a moment he just stood there glancing at Astrid, not noticing the awkward silence he was causing, not until one of his captain suddenly emerged next to him, asking him why Cullen didn't show up to plan the recruits training. Distracted Cullen glance away for Astrid, who could stop giggling obviously award of his awkward staring.
“I'll be with you in a minute.”
Still smiling she walked up to the Commander gaining his attention once more
“I'm very thankful for your help, if you could spare some time later I would appreciate it.” Her smile turned sly. ”And my bruises would too, very much in fact.”
Cullen had never before noticed how natural beautiful she was with her feminine jawline and elegant cheekbones. When she smiled, wrinkling the old scar she had, right above the right brow down to her cheek, she was absolutely breath taking. He pulled himself together. “I'll gladly help you, but I think the Herald has been beaten up enough for today, and you should reconsider your sparring partner” he added,” I find Blackwall didactics might work better than the lady Cassandras.”
Cullen then turn on his heels and hurried away, “I’ll see both of you later at the war-table” he muttered, walking away at bit to abrupt, but he couldn't stand one more moment of embarrassment. As he walked away, he heard Astrid laugh.
“Andraste preserve me Cass, I'll be walk funny all day after that beating.” Then both women start laughing. He had to get back and focus on his duties, which for the first time in his time as commander caused him difficulties, as his thoughts kept wandering back to the private lesson he had interrupted.

Description
Title: Forgiven not Forgotten Chapter 1
Author: Coo-ci
Game: Dragon Age inquisition
Characters/Pairing: F!Trevelyan x Cullen Rutherford
Disclaimer: All recognizable content belongs to Bioware

The morning air was cold; the dew from the evening lay as a frozen crust on the tents outside Heaven. Cullen had just sent the recruits to find something to eat after their morning run. At the break of dawn the workout began, first a morning run and later weapon and combat training. Not all who had joined the inquisition to fight was in shape for any battle, therefor was the morning run invented. Not to expose any one as the lesser, all the recruits had to participate, including the Commander who stood as the good example. It worked as fine motivation for the newcomers, and it helped the Cullen clear his head when the nightmares were at its worst. Taking a moment to rest before joining the rest of the officers, Cullen leaned against the wooden palisade, listening to the calm before the rest of Heaven woke up. With a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp morning air enjoying the moment of silence, a silence unexpectedly interrupted when the sound of metal on metal filled the encampment. Somewhere in the noise, he picked up Cassandra’s voice.
“Use that shield! It should protect you, not the other way around!” Cassandra shouted, to whom Cullen did not know, since Cassandra was not training the recruits until later that day. As he turned the corner, he found the unfortunate soul, the Seekers student, was no one less than Astrid Trevelyan, on the ground soak in mud and wet snow, moaning from the last impact from her teacher.
”You are sure on that Cass? Maybe I'm not the Herald of Andraste but the herald of the weak and defenceless shields; they need protection from wicked people like you.” Laying on the ground Astrid sighed, equally in defeat and sarcasm. Cassandra only made a grunt in response.
“Just a question Cass. Since you have beaten me in combat, does my title pass on to you then?” she raised a pointing finger at Cassandra and shouted “Hah, tag you're it!!!”
“You don't get away that easy.” Cassandra chuckled. She almost smiled.
The two warriors had evolved a fond friendship during their travels in the Hinterlands, though Cassandras strict attitude did not reveal their friendship, it was there.
As Cullen approached, Astrid rose to her feet, before brushing off the worst dirt. Never before had he seen her in such a mess, normally she was clean first, well dressed and carried herself with a decent demeanour. The common man’s perfect image for the Herald of Andraste. However, this morning she wore a once white linen shirt, which soaked in mud and dried up snow was a dirty grey, as it stuck to her body, showing of her figure. The long honey blond hair all tangled, clinging her sweaty forehead, not in its usually bun or ponytail. More or less the only thing to identify her by was the eyes, still shining emerald green though her smeared face.
Astrid shook her head “It's no use Cass, I have two left feet and I'm tired wrestling with the mud. Can’t you just find someone else to be your figurehead, before I hurt myself any further?” Astrid sat her shield down and leaned against it. Cullen could see she was already exhausted, and wondered how long they had been out here. Considering the bruises on Astrid and her shield, he guessed no less than an hour if he knew the Seeker, and she was not the sort of teacher who would go easy on any student of hers. A grunt slipped from Cassandra, it clearly annoyed her that they had not had any progress yet. Which was why he had to interferer before Cassandra could do anything rash. “Excuse my interference but is there a kind problem?” he asked.
Astrid sighed “I had no real combat experience before the inquisition, back home it was mostly for eksercits, nobody there was attempting to kill me.” she glared at Cassandra with the hint of a smile” So I asked Cassandra to be my sparring partner.”
”It would help a great deal if followed my instructions.” Cassandra cut off.
”Well Cassandra you know, teaching does not imply knocking your student in the head with a book nor a shield, you have to instruct and direct them”. Cullen chuckled.
Astrid glanced at him, a smile started to form on her lips, though it did not reach her eyes.
“The Heralds offence and swordplay is fine, it’s her defence that gets her injured. However she broke two ribs at Therinfal Redoubt, because of her weak defence.” Cassandra grunted annoyed. ”Well what do you suggest then Commander, because I'm running out of ideas.”
Cullen knitted his brows, arms crossed in front of him. The situation annoyed him, he should been informed about the Heralds injury, as well should the other advisors. Then they could have initiated some proper training with at professional, or at least someone who knew how to reflect good tutoring.
”Good, take positions.”
Astrid had mentioned doing eksercits, which properly had been for the chantry considering her family’s affiliation, gave Cullen a possible clue to where the flaw in her defence was. Both women lined up ready to follow his instructions, Cassandra like a brick wall determined not to yield. Astrid was far more textbook, and any honour guard-captain would be proud in presenting her as his first. Cullen walk up behind her, and adjusted the posture of her shoulder and hind leg, she followed his directions without objections.
“Cassandra, are you ready?” Cullen called out she nodded in response.
“Commander? Are you sure you shouldn't move back a bit, or we’ll both be in the mud in a second” Astrid inquired in a precarious voice. Cullen did not answer; he stayed behind the Herald and signalled to Cassandra come at them. The adrenalin started pumping, preparing himself for what was about to happen.
“Now Herald, when she hits us, push your shield forward and then up. “ He said with a low voice only for Astrid to hear, and placed his right hand on her lower back ready to support her on the upcoming impact.
As Cassandra hit them, Cullen nudged Astrid forward; all the while she followed his instructions pushing the shield forward fending of the attack, send Cassandra of stumbling backwards. Astrid did not move, taken aback that she had not ended up on the ground, she let out a cry of joy. Cullen could not help himself smile at her reaction to their little victory.
Then a sudden wind caught her hair sending it flying backwards. It didn't hit him, but he found himself embraced by her scent, a mixture of steel, leather, her lavender fragrance and a light hint of sweat. Cullen felt captivated all his senses energized and suddenly he was aware, just how close he stood near Astrid, his hand still on her low back. He felt the heat rushing to his head, instantly moving to get some distance between them. Astrid had not noticed. She seemed more focused awaiting Cassandras response. Standing there for a moment Cullen began to study Astrid unconsciously. Her body was muscular but still had a very feminine shape, completed with a slight waist and curved hips. Not like some of the younger girls they had recruited, which Cullen sometimes fear would break in two if they were send into combat. Astrid had the body of woman, which Cullen had not noted before, and now he could not get the image of her in her transparent shirt out of his head. Meanwhile Cassandra had recovered from her stumbling. Cullen raised his hand to scratch his neck. He suddenly felt nervous and out of place.
“Well. “ He cough trying to clear his throat “That seemed to work.”
“Indeed” Cassandra confirmed validating Cullen’s effort had managed what she could not.
“Don't let it go to your heads. I cannot possibly have the Commander following me around as my personal support beam. ”Astrid reminded with a teas.
Cassandra chuckled, while Cullen did not know what to make of himself.
“You just have to get better.” He stuttered as reply
Astrid squinted puzzled at him, not expecting the rather harsh respond. Makers breath why should this suddenly be so difficult, as he felt the blushing spreading across his face.
“Ehm... I did not …. I meant you wouldn't need me..” Cullen sighed, “Your problem is your compositor is not preparing for a real impact, so you lose balance. It’s a common problem for people who have served as honour guards.” thank the Maker he managed to end the sentences, not harassing the Herald any further. “It will be easy to teach you how to avoid it.”
A smile once again spread across her face, and her eyes got their usual light back. That little glimpse in the corner of her eyes had caught his and would not let go. For a moment he just stood there glancing at Astrid, not noticing the awkward silence he was causing, not until one of his captain suddenly emerged next to him, asking him why Cullen didn't show up to plan the recruits training. Distracted Cullen glance away for Astrid, who could stop giggling obviously award of his awkward staring.
“I'll be with you in a minute.”
Still smiling she walked up to the Commander gaining his attention once more
“I'm very thankful for your help, if you could spare some time later I would appreciate it.” Her smile turned sly. ”And my bruises would too, very much in fact.”
Cullen had never before noticed how natural beautiful she was with her feminine jawline and elegant cheekbones. When she smiled, wrinkling the old scar she had, right above the right brow down to her cheek, she was absolutely breath taking. He pulled himself together. “I'll gladly help you, but I think the Herald has been beaten up enough for today, and you should reconsider your sparring partner” he added,” I find Blackwall didactics might work better than the lady Cassandras.”
Cullen then turn on his heels and hurried away, “I’ll see both of you later at the war-table” he muttered, walking away at bit to abrupt, but he couldn't stand one more moment of embarrassment. As he walked away, he heard Astrid laugh.
“Andraste preserve me Cass, I'll be walk funny all day after that beating.” Then both women start laughing. He had to get back and focus on his duties, which for the first time in his time as commander caused him difficulties, as his thoughts kept wandering back to the private lesson he had interrupted.