7 Cloudreach 9:34
The past week had been blessedly quiet—a mercy Cullen hadn’t realized he needed until now. The stillness had given Ariana the space to find her footing again, and he could see the difference in her with each passing day. Though not yet fully herself, she moved with a grace that made him catch his breath. The spark of her smile, the way she leaned into him during their quiet moments, and the light in her hazel-green eyes that had been missing for so long—it all felt like the sun breaking through a long storm.
Their fingers intertwined as they strolled side by side through the cobblestone streets of Hightown, the sun casting a warm glow over the bustling market stalls. Cullen found himself glancing down at their joined hands, his thumb brushing lightly over hers. He hadn’t realized how much he craved these small moments of connection until now.
Ariana squeezed his hand gently, her steps careful but steady. To anyone watching, she appeared as poised and confident as ever, her injuries well-hidden beneath her deliberate grace. Cullen, however, noticed every subtle shift in her movements, every slight hitch in her breath. He remained attuned to her in a way that made him both proud and protective.
“And then,” he said, his chuckle breaking the stillness, “the recruit raises his shield—except he’s holding it upside down. Completely oblivious. He honestly thought that’s how it worked.”
Ariana’s laugh rang out, light and melodic, her grip on his hand tightening briefly. “Please tell me you didn’t embarrass him in front of everyone.”
“I didn’t have to,” Cullen replied, his grin widening. “The others were too busy laughing. I might have let it go on a bit longer than I should have. But he learned to check his equipment properly after that.”
Ariana shook her head, her hazel-green eyes sparkling as she glanced at him. “I’d say you’re cruel, but knowing you, you probably stayed late to help him practice.”
Cullen shrugged, his smile softening. “Maybe. Someone has to.”
Ariana tilted her head, her smile warm. “You know, you’re a lot softer than most would think.”
He chuckled, his golden eyes crinkling at the corners. “Don’t let the recruits hear you say that.”
“Don’t worry,” she teased, leaning in just slightly. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
Cullen’s heart swelled at her words, his fingers tightening around hers. He wanted this moment to last, to savor the rare peace they’d found together. But just as Ariana opened her mouth to speak again, a voice called out from across the square.
“Ari!”
Ariana stopped mid-step, her hand still in Cullen’s. For a moment, her expression was unreadable, but then her lips curved into a wide smile. She let go of his hand, and Cullen felt the absence of her touch immediately.
“Fred!” she called back, her voice filled with excitement.
Before Cullen could fully process what was happening, Ariana took off running. She moved with the same confidence she always did, but this was different—carefree, unguarded. Cullen stood frozen as he watched her leap into the arms of the man who had called out to her.
He caught her effortlessly, his dark brown hair catching the light as he spun her around. They were both laughing, and for a moment, the sight unsettled Cullen in a way he couldn’t quite name.
He set her down gently, his hands lingering on her waist as he said something Cullen couldn’t hear from this distance. Ariana’s laughter faded into a softer smile as she replied, her head tilting slightly as if in playful admonishment.
Cullen stood where she had left him, his hands loosely clasped in front of him. He tried to push down the sharp pang of jealousy that flared in his chest. He had never seen her like this with anyone besides him—this unreserved, this free.
The rational part of him reminded him that there was nothing to be concerned about. Ariana was his—her strength, her will, her choices. But the sight of another man holding her, his expression warm and familiar, stirred doubts he thought he had buried.
Fred, Cullen thought, the name standing out sharply in his mind. He looked the part of someone Ariana could be with—a nobleman, poised and polished, with the kind of easy charm that seemed effortless. Cullen’s mind flicked back to what Ariana had told him months earlier, about the Chantry wanting her to reconsider her engagement. Is this him?
It wasn’t that Cullen didn’t trust her—he did, implicitly—but he couldn’t ignore the unease creeping into his thoughts. The way his hand lingered on her waist, the warmth in his smile, the shared laughter that seemed to speak of years of familiarity—it all chipped away at Cullen’s carefully maintained composure.
For a moment, he couldn’t stop himself from wondering. Is this the life she was supposed to have? The doubt came unbidden, and though he pushed it down, it left its mark. He was everything Cullen wasn’t—noble, refined, a man who could give her a life free of the burdens they carried.
Then, as though sensing his thoughts, Ariana turned back toward him. Her smile was radiant, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. It wasn’t the kind of smile she offered everyone—it was meant for him, filled with a warmth that chased away his doubts.
Frederick followed her gaze, his own expression curious as he turned to face Cullen. The two men locked eyes for a moment, and though no words were spoken, the air between them seemed to shift.
Cullen straightened his posture, his hands relaxing at his sides as he waited for them to return, though his mind churned with questions he wasn’t sure he wanted answers to.
Ariana said something to Frederick, her smile lingering as she gestured toward Cullen. Whatever it was, Cullen couldn’t hear it, but the slight nod Frederick gave in response made Cullen’s chest tighten.
Who is he to her? Cullen wondered, even as he pushed the thought aside.
The moment stretched on, and though Cullen stood rooted in place, his world suddenly felt a little less steady.
~~~
The sun warmed Ariana’s shoulders as she dashed across the cobbled streets of Hightown. “Fred!” she called, her voice carrying across the bustling square.
Frederick’s grin widened as he stepped toward her, arms opening just in time to catch her as she leapt. He spun her around effortlessly, the movement accompanied by her delighted laughter. For a moment, it was as though no time had passed—just the two of them, as they’d been before everything had changed.
“Thank you,” Frederick said softly as he set her back down, his hands resting lightly on her waist. His dark grey eyes held hers with sincerity. “For forgiving me. For…everything.”
Ariana flinched slightly when her feet touched the ground, a sharp intake of breath escaping before she could stop it. Frederick’s brow furrowed, his concern immediate. “Are you alright?”
She waved him off quickly, forcing a faint smile. “It’s nothing. Just…a leftover from the Qunari uprising. I’ll tell you later.”
Frederick hesitated, his eyes scanning her for any sign of pain, but he relented with a small nod. “Alright, if you say so.”
Ariana’s smile softened, her own voice quieter now. “Fred, I was upset, yes. But I’d never change anything that happened. You were my best friend. And in a way, I think I should be thankful.”
He tilted his head, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Thankful? For running off into the unknown and leaving me to face the wrath of our families?”
She nudged his arm lightly, laughing. “Yes. Because it led me here. To the life I was supposed to live.”
His expression turned more contemplative, a trace of melancholy slipping in. “I’ve missed you, Ari. All these years. Maker, how I’ve missed my best friend.”
Her heart ached at his words, and she reached out, resting a hand on his shoulder. “I missed you too,” she said sincerely. “Want to find a tree to climb? I could probably beat you to the top.”
Frederick laughed, the sound rich and warm. “Can’t say anyone has dared me to climb a tree since you.” He glanced over his shoulder at the two personal guards lingering nearby, their expressions as stony as ever. “Though I doubt these two would let me, even if there were trees in Hightown to climb.”
Ariana grinned. “You’re right. There aren’t many trees here. But I can take you somewhere if you’re desperate.”
Frederick chuckled, shaking his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I think they’d have my head if I returned to Markham with dirt under my nails.”
They both laughed, the easy camaraderie between them feeling as natural as ever.
As the laughter faded, Ariana glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly. “I’ve heard your mother’s been setting up marriage arrangements. And that you’ve been turning them all down.”
Frederick sighed, the humor fading from his face. “She has. Relentlessly. But what you said in your letter… it rang true. I want to find someone who truly loves me, for who I am and not for the title I can give them.”
Ariana’s smile grew, touched by his resolve. “I’m glad, Fred. You deserve that.”
Frederick’s gaze softened, and then his eyes flicked past her to Cullen, who stood patiently where she had left him, his golden eyes unreadable from this distance. “And you?” Frederick asked, his tone turning teasing. “Can I guess you’ve found your knight in shining armor?”
Ariana followed his gaze, her cheeks warming as her smile softened. “I did,” she admitted, her voice filled with quiet pride. “I love him, Fred.”
Frederick turned back to her, a grin spreading across his face. “He definitely looks the part,” he teased. “And he’s undeniably handsome.”
Ariana laughed, shaking her head. “And he’s the Knight-Captain of Kirkwall,” she added, her tone carrying a hint of pride.
Frederick arched a brow, his grin widening. “Only Knight-Captain? Couldn’t find yourself a Knight-Commander then?”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Ariana replied, her tone light and confident. “I wholly expect he’ll be the Knight-Commander of Kirkwall soon enough.” She gestured toward Cullen. “Come meet him. I think you’ll like him.”
Frederick glanced at Cullen again, his smile turning curious. “If he’s anything like you, Ari, I think I will.”
With that, Ariana looped her arm through Frederick’s, and together, they walked back toward Cullen. Her heart felt lighter, caught somewhere between the warmth of her past and the quiet certainty of her present.
~~~
The moment Ariana and Frederick reached him, Cullen’s sharp eyes caught the subtle shift in her demeanor. She let go of Frederick’s arm as soon as she was close enough, slipping her hand through Cullen’s instead. The motion was so fluid, so natural, that it left no room for misinterpretation. As Ariana pressed closer to him, Cullen felt a surge of warmth when she tilted her head up slightly, her expression bright as she turned to address Frederick.
“This is Knight-Captain Cullen,” Ariana said, her voice carrying an unmistakable fondness. Her free arm snaked around Cullen in an almost protective gesture, making him instinctively respond in kind. His arm moved to rest lightly around her waist, holding her close. “Cullen, this is Lord Frederick Decken, my best friend. We grew up together.”
Cullen’s gaze flicked to Frederick, who smiled politely, his dark grey eyes warm and friendly. This was the man Ariana had been engaged to, the one she’d spoken of in passing. Yet, whatever jealousy had lingered earlier melted away in that moment. The way Ariana leaned into him now, the quiet but unmistakable statement she made by standing so close, her arm wrapped securely around his back—it left no room for doubt. She was his, and she wanted everyone, including Frederick, to know it.
“My Lord,” Cullen said, extending his free hand with a small smile. “It’s good to meet you.”
Frederick took the offered handshake, his grip firm but amiable. “Likewise, Knight-Captain. And it’s just Frederick, please. I’ve heard much about you from Bann Trevelyan.”
“All good, I hope,” Cullen replied with a light chuckle, his tone easy.
“It is.” Frederick began, his smile turning mischievous, “And given the way she’s holding on to you now, I’m guessing you’re doing something right.”
Ariana rolled her eyes but laughed softly. “Don’t listen to him. He’s been teasing me like this since we were kids.” She tilted her head toward Cullen, her hazel-green eyes sparkling. “Should we find somewhere to sit?”
Cullen nodded, his arm still resting lightly around her waist. “Why don’t you join us for lunch, Frederick?” he offered. “We were just on our way to Café d’Or.”
Frederick hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “I’d like that,” he said warmly.
The café was quiet, sunlight streaming through the windows as the three of them settled at a corner table. Ariana sat beside Cullen, her hand occasionally brushing his as they shared the small space. Frederick, across from them, leaned back in his chair with the ease of someone well-accustomed to noble gatherings, but his focus was wholly on Ariana.
“Do you remember Summerday when you were eleven?” Frederick asked with a grin. “The ball in Markham? You insisted we sneak out after dinner because you ‘weren’t ready for the night to end.’”
Ariana groaned, though the laughter in her voice betrayed her amusement. “Yes, and you tattled on me to the steward.”
“I tattled,” Frederick retorted, raising an eyebrow, “because you decided to climb one of the trellises in your brand-new dress. Your mother would’ve had my head if I let you ruin it completely.”
Cullen chuckled, his gaze shifting between the two of them. “That sounds about right,” he said, his tone wry. “She does have a way of pulling people into her schemes.”
“She always has,” Frederick agreed, his smile wide. “And the worst part was, I always went along with it. I should’ve known better, but I never could say no to her.”
“Oh, come on,” Ariana said, waving a hand dismissively. “It wasn’t all bad. I taught you how to climb trees properly, didn’t I?”
Frederick laughed, shaking his head. “You taught me how to fall out of trees as well.”
Ariana tilted her head, pretending to consider this. “You never broke anything at least.”
The table erupted into laughter, the ease between them palpable. Cullen listened with a quiet contentment, chiming in occasionally as Frederick recounted more childhood tales of Ariana’s mischief. Late arrivals to balls, mud-stained dresses, and all the antics of a girl who never quite fit into the mold of a perfect noble. Each story painted a picture of a young Ariana—spirited, fearless, and unapologetically herself.
“She was always the troublemaker,” Frederick said finally, his tone affectionate.
“She still is,” Cullen added, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
Ariana nudged him lightly with her shoulder but couldn’t suppress her grin. “And yet, you’re both here. I must be doing something right.”
As the laughter subsided, Ariana turned to Frederick, her expression softening. “How long are you in Kirkwall?”
Frederick sighed. “Only a few days. I’m staying at the inn here in Hightown, but it’s been a good visit so far.”
Ariana’s brow furrowed slightly, and she shook her head. “That’s nonsense. You’re not staying at an inn when we have plenty of space at the estate. Isabel can prepare a room for you.”
Frederick hesitated, glancing between her and Cullen. “I wouldn’t want to impose…”
“You’re not imposing,” Ariana said firmly. “You’re family, Fred. You always have been.”
Frederick’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Very well, then. I’ll take you up on that.”
As the three of them finished their meal, Cullen found himself at ease. Whatever lingering discomfort he might’ve felt had vanished entirely. Ariana’s bond with Frederick was clear—it was rooted in a deep, genuine friendship, a shared history that had shaped them both. But it was also clear that her future, her heart, lay firmly with him.
~~~
The warmth of the afternoon sun followed them as they left Café d’Or, laughter lingering in the air from their conversation. Frederick walked a step behind Ariana and Cullen, observing their easy familiarity. Ariana’s hand rested in Cullen’s, her thumb brushing lightly against his knuckles. It was such a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes about the bond between them—a bond Frederick hadn’t seen before, but one that now seemed as unyielding as the stone streets beneath his feet.
Frederick hadn’t expected to feel anything other than joy at seeing Ariana again, yet a faint ache lingered in the corners of his heart. He’d spent years coming to terms with the fact that she would never be his, but seeing her now—so at ease, so wholly herself in Cullen’s presence—was both reassuring and bittersweet. He couldn’t help but think back to the girl who once dared him to race barefoot through Ostwick’s orchards, her laughter ringing out as she darted between the trees. She had always been a force of nature, as wild as the wind and just as impossible to catch.
Cullen slowed his pace as they neared the Trevelyan estate, his reluctance evident in the way he glanced toward Ariana. “I need to head back to the Gallows,” he said softly, his voice tinged with regret. “The recruits won’t wait forever, and Meredith… she’ll be far from pleased if I delay those reports any longer.”
Ariana tilted her head, her lips curving into a playful pout. “Are you certain you can’t stay a little longer?” she asked, though her tone carried no real expectation.
Cullen’s smile softened as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “I’d love to,” he admitted, his voice low enough that Frederick almost looked away out of respect. “But I’ll come by on Tuesday. I promised, remember?”
“You’d better,” Ariana replied, her voice light but her eyes holding a warmth that made Frederick’s chest tighten. This was different from anything he’d seen before. This was well beyond a fondness or friendship; this was something deeper, a connection that had been forged through shared trials and quiet moments.
Cullen leaned in to press a brief kiss to her lips before stepping back. He turned to Frederick then, his golden eyes steady. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Frederick. Take care of her.”
Frederick’s lips curved into a teasing grin. “Oh, I’ll do my best, Knight-Captain, but I suspect she’ll be the one taking care of me.”
Cullen chuckled softly, his tension easing as he nodded. With a final glance at Ariana, he turned and disappeared down the cobbled street, his presence lingering even after he was out of sight.
Frederick watched him go, his thoughts stirring like leaves caught in a sudden breeze. Cullen was not what he had expected. There was a quiet strength in him, a steady resolve that seemed to ground Ariana in a way Frederick never could. He’d always known she needed someone who could match her spirit, someone who could stand beside her without trying to contain her. And now he understood why he had never been that person.
“What?” Ariana’s voice broke through his thoughts, her expression curious as she linked her arm through his. “You’ve gone quiet on me, Fred.”
He smiled, shaking his head slightly. “Nothing. Just thinking.”
“About?” she prompted, her tone light but probing.
Frederick glanced down at her, the corners of his mouth lifting. “About how much trouble you’re still capable of causing, even after all these years.”
Ariana laughed, her eyes sparkling as they began their walk toward the estate. “Oh, come now. You can’t still be holding my tree-climbing escapades against me. Or the time we sneaked into the kitchens and swapped all the salt for sugar. Or when we tried to catch fireflies and ended up knocking over the trellis in mother’s prized garden.”
“Not at all,” he replied, his voice warm. “Though I will admit, I’ve missed those days. Things were simpler then.”
“It’s unfortunate simple doesn’t last forever,” Ariana said softly, her gaze distant for a moment before she looked up at him again. “But I’ve missed you too, Fred. It’s been too long.”
They reached the estate’s grand entrance, its stone walls bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. Isabel greeted them at the door, her face breaking into a bright smile as she spotted Frederick. “Well, if it isn’t young Frederick Decken,” she said, her tone warm and teasing. “Maker, it’s been ages since I last saw you.”
Frederick returned her smile with ease. “Too long, Isabel. And you look as radiant as ever.”
“Always one for flattery,” Isabel replied with a laugh, waving him inside. “You’ll be staying here, of course. I’ll prepare a room right away.” She turned to Ariana with a knowing look. “See to it he doesn’t vanish before I’m done.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Ariana promised, her laughter trailing them as they moved toward the library.
Frederick followed her into library, the scent of parchment and old leather wrapping around him like an old friend. As they settled into the armchairs by the hearth, his thoughts drifted again to Cullen. He had once imagined a future with Ariana, one where they’d share moments like this—quiet conversations in cozy rooms, laughter over shared memories. But now, he could see how wrong he’d been.
Ariana needed someone like Cullen—someone who saw her not as a delicate flower to be protected, but as the storm she was, wild and untamable. He’d loved her once, deeply, but he realized he never could have given her the freedom she needed, allowing her to become the woman she was meant to be. And that was alright. What mattered most was that she was happy, and she seemed to have found the person that understood her with Cullen.
“You’ve changed, Ari,” he said suddenly, his voice quiet but steady. “But it suits you.”
Ariana tilted her head, her eyes searching his. “Is that your way of saying I’ve grown up?”
He chuckled softly. “Perhaps. But I mean it as a compliment. You’re still the same stubborn, spirited girl who led me on wild chases through Ostwick—sneaking into the stables to free the horses, daring me to race through the forest after curfew, or getting us both drenched when you insisted that it wouldn’t rain for a while longer. But there’s… more to you now. A strength I don’t think even you realize you have.”
Her smile softened, and she reached out to squeeze his hand. “Thank you, Fred. For everything. For always being there.”
“Always,” he replied, his voice filled with quiet sincerity.
For the first time in years, Frederick felt at peace. Whatever lingering feelings he’d carried, they no longer weighed him down. Ariana was exactly where she was meant to be, and so was he—by her side, as her best friend, ready to face whatever came next for them.
~~~
The fading light of early evening filtered through the library windows, casting long shadows on the walls as Frederick leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “What was it like, Ari?” he asked, his voice quiet but earnest. “All those years you were gone? I’ve wondered… but I didn’t want to pry.”
Ariana’s fingers traced absent patterns along the armrest of her chair, a familiar gesture Frederick recognized from their youth. She was stalling, searching for the right words—or perhaps avoiding them altogether. “It was…” she began, her voice trailing off. “It was difficult. But I survived.”
Frederick frowned slightly. He’d known Ariana long enough to see through her deflection. “That’s not much of an answer, you know,” he said gently, trying to coax more from her without pushing too hard.
Ariana offered a small, tired smile, her eyes briefly meeting his before she let out a quiet breath. “I met Cullen before the Blight,” she said, her voice steady but distant, as though she were recounting someone else’s memories. “Cullen and I got separated in the chaos of it, and I thought…” She faltered, the weight of the memory pressing against her, but she pushed through. “I thought I’d lost him.”
Frederick stayed silent, his gaze fixed on her, giving her the space to continue.
“After that,” Ariana went on, “I was saved by a group of mercenaries. They found me cornered by darkspawn and took me in. I stayed with them for a while—long enough to learn how to fight properly. And after that…” She shrugged, her tone turning casual in a way that felt forced. “I just got by. One day at a time.”
Frederick leaned back slightly, his brow furrowing as he processed her words. “You’ve always had a knack for underselling things, Ari,” he said, his voice tinged with half-hearted teasing. “But I can see there’s more to the story than you’re letting on.”
Ariana’s smile softened, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “There’s always more to the story, Fred. But for now, that’s all that matters.”
Frederick’s chest tightened at her words. He could feel the unspoken weight behind them, the shadows of experiences she wasn’t ready to share. Growing up, he’d prided himself on understanding her better than anyone, but now… now he realized there were parts of her life he might never fully grasp. And perhaps that was what unsettled him most.
Finally, she exhaled softly, her voice quieter. “There are… much darker parts of the story,” she admitted. “And lighter ones, too. Maybe someday we’ll sit down, and I’ll tell you everything. But for now… there are things in motion, Fred. Things I can’t risk.”
Frederick studied her carefully, noting the way her gaze held a mixture of resolve and weariness. He nodded slowly, his tone measured. “Very well,” he said simply, though his mind churned with questions. “But I can sense it, Ari. You’re scheming. Something big is happening.”
Ariana’s lips twitched into a faint smile, a flicker of amusement breaking through her guarded expression. “Scheming? That’s a bit dramatic.”
Frederick’s own smile mirrored hers, though his thoughts remained heavy. “If you ever need me,” he said, his voice soft but firm, “I’ll be here. Always.”
Her hand reached out to squeeze his, her touch warm and reassuring. “I know,” she said, her voice steady. “Thank you.”
He hesitated, his gaze lingering on her face. “You flinched earlier,” he said quietly, his tone more serious now. “When I put you down. Ari… what happened to you?”
Ariana’s expression shifted, her gaze dropping to her hands as she traced the fabric of her trousers absently. “It’s nothing,” she said softly, though the lack of conviction in her voice betrayed her.
Frederick’s eyes narrowed slightly, his concern deepening. “Ari,” he pressed gently.
She sighed, finally meeting his gaze. “It happened during the Qunari uprising a few weeks back. I was injured… badly.”
Frederick’s expression darkened, his brow furrowing as disbelief and concern mingled in his voice. “The Qunari uprising? Ari… how close were you to the fighting?”
Ariana hesitated for a moment before answering. “In the middle of it,” she admitted, her voice soft but steady. “I did what I had to. I fought to help the people who couldn’t defend themselves. I’m lucky to have made it out, and that Cullen found me.”
Frederick ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “Maker, Ari. You’re always right in the middle of things, aren’t you?”
Her smile was faint but resolute. “Someone has to be.”
Frederick felt a pang of admiration and frustration. This was the woman he’d known all his life—unyielding, fearless, and willing to shoulder burdens no one else dared to carry. But now, there was a depth to her strength that he hadn’t fully understood until this moment, and it left him feeling both proud and powerless.
The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, the weight of unspoken truths settling between them as they returned to their conversation about simpler times. Yet, even as they laughed and reminisced, Frederick couldn’t shake the feeling that beneath Ariana’s steady exterior lay a whirlwind he could only glimpse from afar.