Cullen sat proudly in his ornate seat atop the dais beside his wife. Though he should have been paying attention to the man petitioning them, Evelyn had the matter well in hand allowing him to bask in the beauty and strength of his Lady. Her noble breeding had served her well, sitting with her back straight away from the back of the chair, solely invested in the conversation - unlike him. While the Avvar were typically poised in a more relaxed manner, her elegant posture was more befitting her stature. Her long braids and simple feather headdress complimented the hues of her hair and eyes. She wore a maroon sleeveless dress, leaving her toned arms on display, pointing and gesturing with her mage's staff. Ever since the night, they consummated their bond, his thoughts were consumed by her, as if she had bewitched him.
No, he truly knew why.
Evelyn wanted to bond with him for life. Nothing had lifted the weight off his chest as that simple confession. Despite the happiness it would bring them, it would anger others who'd want to have her strengthen the clan's blood through several marriages for her. Other Holds would petition for her hand as well, but all attempts would be in vain. Even the gods might take issue with it, but Cullen would lay many offerings at their feet to sway their will. She was to bear him three children and there wasn't a living soul nor god who could take that from him. Yet, even as his future seemed secure, the prophecy's looming threat over Evelyn was ever-present. Every time she passed the main gate, her eyes would focus on whatever lay beyond it. They knew the Grey Wardens were coming and that their time was limited.
Having no notion of who these blighted warriors were vexed both of them. Evelyn worried they'd not be reasonable in the case she did get pregnant, while Cullen fretted after what manner of men they were - or if they were even men. Would they be the honorable sort or the opposite? Could he fully trust in their ability to protect his wife while on this quest? Thankfully, after sharing their concerns with their brothers, Owayne readily agreed to accompany Evelyn. Even Branson voiced his desire to go, but his arm was still not able to wield a weapon. Regardless, his brother-in-law's skill and acumen for sniffing out trouble would greatly waylay many of the Thane's concerns, not to mention that Evelyn would have a trusted companion.
With relative peace restored to the Basin after Axlan's death, it would be safer for the Phoenix to travel while Wolf-fang Hold scrambled to elect new leadership. From his earlier correspondence with the other Holds, many were experiencing the symptoms of the Blight's runoff from the mountains, yet were near no breeding places for darkspawn. The pattern that appeared before them, however, seemed to show that the source of the Blight was rooted in the three southernmost territories: Redhold, Stone-Bear, and Wolf-Fang Hold. With their land having been taken care of, that left their other two neighbors still in need of cleansing.
"Right, my Thane?" Evelyn's voice drew him out of his thoughts.
"Yes," he simply agreed as if he was paying attention, picking his head up off his hand. With a glance from her to the farmer petitioning them, their content nods allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.
As the man went to leave, the dulled daylight showed it was still raining. Wet and muddy footprints had been decorating the Great Hall's floor all day and people came and went. The Basin had been drenched by three days of the spring rains. Though it was steady and light, with no break in the gray clouds, nothing was spared by the Lady of the Skies' waters. Cullen didn't mind though, for besides nurturing their crops the rain would slow travel, and that would mean…
"The Grey Wardens are here!" Rylen's voice called from the doors. His soaked muscular form was followed by two smaller ones. He continued as he approached the dais, "We ran into 'em while on the hunt." Gesturing for them to stand before the Hold's leadership, Cullen and Evelyn shared a tense look as the day they feared had finally come.
Two men bowed their heads before them; one a dwarf and the other a lithe man. The Thane's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized their visitors. The Child of the Stone had bright red hair and a long beard sporting two thick braids. His eyes were widely set, making him look a bit simple-minded, but he had the calm demeanor of a warrior, surrounded by the large Avvar around him. The dwarf had a large battleaxe strapped to his back of great quality, no doubt made from the legendary forges of his people. The other man was a mage, from the staff on his back. His dark wet wavy locks hung hiding his eyes. His pale skin was stretched across an angular face, and Cullen would've sworn he was an elf if it weren't for his rounded ears.
"Thank you, Rylen. Welcome Wardens, I am Cullen, Thane of Redhold and this is my wife, Lady Evelyn."
The two looked back and forth from each other, clearly unsure how to proceed. The dwarf looked to be the more senior of the two, talking like he was constantly chewing on something, "Thanks, um, Thane," the dwarf began, "I'm Oghren and this is Sorin Cyrus. We heard you have some darkspawn troubles."
Evelyn stood suddenly from her seat, "Are you a Knight-Enchanter, Ser?"
The drowned mage nodded, the water dripping from his locks, "I am, my Lady."
The Phoenix stepped closer to him with a smile beginning to pull at her lips, "Truly? I am as well! Or rather I was." She eyed the young man with an interest, "My former title was Knight-Enchanter Evelyn Trevelyan of Ostwick, or simply The Phoenix of Ostwick."
Sorin's eyes widened, "So you are her then? The rumors were true."
"Well, I doubt that," she said in good humor, "the Chantry was happy to villainize me, but I assure you, I am her and no maleficar. I still uphold the honor of our guild." Cullen watched as he stared into her eyes, and though he couldn't see them, he knew Sorin was staring into the inferno of her resolve. After nodding his head in understanding back to her, Evelyn glanced back at the Thane with a look of relief.
"So, you're The Phoenix? You'll be who we're traveling with to kill the darkspawn?" As one, the couple narrowed their predatory gazes on Oghren. "Meaning no offense, Hold Lady, but unless you're hiding an army of Avvish warriors in your skirts, how is it the three of us are to sodding kill hundreds of darkspawn? That is what your letter said, or was I drunk when I read it? There's a high probability of it, actually."
He is a drunk, duly noted, Cullen thought, collecting what he could of their characters.
"I don't have a hidden army, but I have this," she held out her marked hand to them. Oghren opened his mouth, but she cut him off, "All will be explained over dinner tonight at our home, for you are wet, tired, and no doubt in need of a drink." The weary travelers nodded enthusiastically in their soiled armor.
"We'll have someone show you to your guest quarters and see to your needs." He waved over to the crowd for some volunteers to help settle them in, and before they knew it, the Wardens were on their way out of the Hall. Dismissing the rest of his people, he, his Lady, Cassandra, and Rylen lingered after it emptied. Spinning and falling into his arms was Evelyn, holding to him firmly. His two dear friends all wore frowns knowing what their arrival meant for her. And just like that, the sands of the hourglass counting the time before her departure began to run, and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
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With the help of her sisters, Evelyn had prepared a feast for their new allies. She knew Cullen's first impression of them was nowhere near as favorable as her own, but regardless she already felt comfortable knowing what she was getting with Sorin. Even Oghren had an odd familiarity about him being a drunkard like her favorite brother. Still, she hoped to get a better feel for the two Wardens who she'd be traveling with.
The first part of dinner was focused on exchanging pleasantries of the introductory type, such as where were they from and how they came to be a Grey Warden. Thankfully, neither were criminals saved from the block, but both willingly joined after the Fifth Blight. Oghren had actually fought alongside the Hero of Ferelden and followed her into the order, while Sorin converted to gain more freedom out of the Circle where his talents would be better utilized. Slowly, her anxieties about the two of them subsided and she found herself enjoying their company - especially that of her fellow Knight-Enchanter.
As they digested their main courses, Mia and Rosalie volunteered to ready the dessert as they talked business. Cullen began by telling them of the prophecy and the recent events with the others chiming in here and there. Following that, Evelyn explained her mark and her meetings with the gods. She had the distinct advantage of 'speaking Lowlander' so her explanations of the bizarre happenings were easier for them to follow.
"Well, call me Andraste and throw me on a pyre, if that ain't the craziest shit I've ever heard… and I've fought an Archdemon." Oghren and Sorin exchanged looks of astonishment.
"Yes, I was of a similar mind when it was all first happening to me as well," she admitted folding her hands in her lap.
Sorin crossed his arm, tilting his chin down as he peered up through his raven locks, "So, do you have a plan? We aren't exactly experts on the Frostback Basin, or your people for that matter?"
"The plan is simple," Cullen interjected with his authoritative voice, "you will escort my wife to the two Holds where we believe the Blight's taint is coming from. With your abilities, you'll track down the source and she'll destroy it using Hakkon's mark."
The Grey Wardens nodded in deep thought together as the women placed fresh plates down on the table. "And these other Holds, do they know we're coming? Or are we to expect trouble?" Sorin asked his tone and face revealing no emotion.
"Stone-Bear Hold is aware and grateful for the assistance, but I'm not sure about Wolf-Fang for they are still trying to elect their new leadership." Cassandra inserted herself into the conversation, "Our contact within their walls says Axlan's bastards among several others are fighting for the Thaneship still."
"I'll do all I can to assure your safety before you go there," Cullen took her hand in his, and she smiled at his sincerity, "even if I have to march our warriors down there and take the Hold for myself." A quick glance at Cassandra had her snickering to herself as the shield maiden nodded her head enthusiastically.
"Well, we have time before such measures need to be taken. Let us assess things with Thane Svarah Sun-hair first." Evelyn was happy for the break from the planning as dessert was served. "Now, let us enjoy the rest of our evening, for tomorrow we can meet in front of the maps and plot out of journey."
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The day was dragging on after a long planning session with the Grey Wardens in the Great Hall. Their strategizing was halted when the two asked to review maps and some accounts of past Blights in the Basin. They did agree to leave in two days, not wanting to wait around in Redhold if the problem resided in a different Hold. With little time to pack, Evelyn swiftly began the task. She grabbed what she could, feeling drained by the knowledge that she would probably be gone for at least a month or two. The timing was not ideal, but it seemed it never was when it came to the prophecy and the gods. Wanting to bring some cheer to her husband, who had gone out to hunt to clear his gloomy mood, Evelyn decided to bake him one of his favorite Marcher treats.
Approaching one of the farmer's stalls, she perused their selection of berries, testing their firmness. After a few minutes, she noticed the woman at the stand suspiciously flicking her gaze behind Evelyn. Believing her to be watching something of interest going, she continued to pick out the best blueberries from the display when she realized the usual ruckus of the lively market had died down considerably. Freezing, she felt her mana rising within her in response to an unknown threat. Gazing up at the woman, who was now trying to hide a cheeky smile, the Lady of the Hold sighed with a smile.
"Bethac, would you be so kind as to set these aside for me until I can come back tomorrow for them?"
Chuckling to herself, the kind-eyed woman, placed her produce under the counter. "Aye, my Lady, but if yer walkin' about before midday - or able to at all - the Thane didn't do his job." The mage went wide-eyed in shock, though as to why she was still surprised by Avvish candidness, she had not a clue. "I'll drop 'em off at yer home, save ye the walk," she concluded with a wink.
Evelyn smirked biting back a laugh and turning slowly watching as the clan backed out of the center of the square. Taking a few cautious steps forward, she sparked fire around her in a protective cloak watching the giddy crowd. They all knew and calls to their kin to come and watch echoed out from the against the cliffside of the great stone lioness watching the sunset above them. "Come out you cowards!" She joked playfully.
"Pull!" Owayne's voice rang out. As if in slow motion, a small pouch was thrown at her, then torn open by a passing arrow. The projectile was shot with expert precision, embedding itself in the thatch roof of the Great Hall, missing the crowd. The powder that dusted her was one of her brother's concoctions to dispel magic. Immediately her flames went out, and with the fine dust sticking to her she couldn't cast from her hands. Lifting her skirt, she quickly pulled her spirit blade, whose magic hummed as she brandished it.
For a moment all was still as her foes were hiding amongst the spectators. Despite her fierce glare out at them, they remained anxious with anticipation. To her surprise, the Grey Wardens had arrived to witness the spectacle, asking those around them what was going on. She laughed to herself, knowing she probably should've mentioned this to them, but they could learn Avvish customs as she had.
While distracted, a light purple bubble surrounded her with a flickering orb of lightning above her. Dorian strode dramatically through the throng of people, a haughty hand raised holding his static cage in place. "Well, my dear, it seems you weren't such a challenge after all. Did you think you'd be any match for our combined abilities?" The other conspirators - all her close friends- slowly appeared.
Evelyn laughed sarcastically, "Dorian, you know this can't hold me." Stabbing her blade into the cage, the gold flames sparked against the purple barrier. After a few seconds, she took it away and pushed an arm through it. The spell deteriorated instantly as she was covered in the dispelling dust. "Oops," she feigned innocence.
"Hmm, I feel like I should've anticipated this," he twisted the end of his mustache, "oh that's because we did."
From behind her the roar of Cassandra sounded, as she charged Evelyn. Unable to fade-step, she was forced into a melee with the Head Warrior. Judging how well she did against Cullen during the challenge, she suspected this would go similarly. For honor's sake, the Lady of Redhold was determined to put up a good fight while she formulated a plan in her head. Allowing Cassandra to have her on the defensive, Evelyn stepped her way back to the nearby well, discreetly wetting her hand and ridding it of the powder. She didn't have her staff - a stupid move on her part, all things considered, though she had only stepped out for fresh blueberries - which limited her greatly.
Backtracking still looking for an opening against her experienced foe, something tripped her and she fell back on her bottom. "My turn… oops." Evelyn looked up at Dorian who was using her words against her. Spinning her legs - as much as she could in her dress, another poor choice - she caught the Tevinter mage's ankles knocking him down. Cursing at her in his native tongue, she rolled with him, grumbling out, "Darling, save it for your husband!" There were laughs and cheers from those closest to them, but the grappling had a purpose.
Landing with him on top, Cassandra was forced to stop when the mages pushed up and Evelyn kicked Dorian into her. He bounced off her shield, knocking her back a few steps, allowing the Marcher to make a run for it across the market square toward… well, it didn't matter, they were supposed to catch her.
Jogging backward, taunting after the duo's failed attempt, Evelyn didn't see Dhara step out from cover. "Not so fast, my Lady!" Coming to a skidding halt, the Knight-Enchanter couldn't help but let an 'oh no' escape her as the Augur gestured for the Hold Beast to join her. "Kitsa, fetch 'er up."
Having no choice, Evelyn was forced to put away her spirit blade, unwilling to harm their Hold Beast even by accident. A wise decision, Phoenix. Now, be a good little bird and let me catch you, the lioness dipped her front legs and head low, her shoulders moving up and down and her tail flicking wildly.
"Oh, come on, Kitsa! Really?!" The crowd hooted and hollared watching their beautiful Hold Beast ready to pounce her. Holding her casting hand out, when the cat jumped, Evelyn shot a force spell at her, knocking her back down to the ground. Shaking off the light hit, Kitsa came at her more aggressively, trying to make the mage misfire giving the lioness an opening. Evelyn, experienced with this tactic, was not fooled by it. For now, the other conspirators backed away not chancing getting tackled by the large cat, as did the spectators.
Circling each other, she passed by Owayne sitting on a barrel casually watching the duel, "Hey, are you really helping them, brother? You know what this is about right?"
He gave a disgusted grunt, "I do, but neither do I care to be mauled again by one of these giant beasts, so best of luck!" Hopping off his seat waving, he called over to his drinking partner, Dorian to join him, and the two simply left in the direction of the Mead Hall.
Letting her guard down for an instant, a rope was suddenly looped around her wrist, yanking her off to her right. "No!" She shouted as Kitsa lunged for her again, but was once more struck back by a spell cast by her free hand. This time the lioness stayed on her feet, digging her claws into the dirt as she was pushed away. Glancing at the source of the rope, she spied Dhara holding her steady as if she were a wild beast. Grabbing the rope, she burnt it off of her, but it left her exposed to Kitsa.
Finally, pinning her down by the shoulders, Evelyn struggled against the meaty cat to no avail, growling and throwing her limbs about. The women were quick to move in, grappling with her arms and legs to tie them, and before Evelyn could do anything more, one of them dusted her with more dispel dust. Unable to use her magic to escape, the deafening roar of the crowd seemed to have pronounced the outcome of the chase. Ceasing her resistance from the ground, she looked up at her friends standing and celebrating around her with wide grins.
"Yes, yes, well fought. You caught me," the Lady of the Hold smiled up at them laughing while inspecting herself hog-tied like someone's dinner.
"Now, Evie, we need yer sacred oath as Lady of the Hold to not use yer magic to escape the rest of the day. Do we have yer word?" The Augur in her wild skins, pelts, and lion headdress gave her a stern look.
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"You have my word, Augur."
A smile was slapped on her apprentice mage's face a moment later, "Good! With that settled, let's get you in a bath then to the Thane's bed!" Another round of cheers rang out as Dhara, Cassandra, Rosalie, and Ilara took her to the Augur's home to prepare.
Soaking in the aromatic water, Evelyn couldn't help but become a bit nostalgic at bathing in her hut again. The day of her arrival in Redhold months ago, it was here she first learned about part of the prophecy. She had been so scared and frustrated then as her fortunes forever changed. Part of her wishes she could go back and send herself a sign that it was all for the best. Now, her mindset was in complete contrast to that time. As Dhara and Rosalie tended to her, Cassandra had gone out to rendezvous with Rylen, and Ilara was preparing their room for the evening.
"Does Cullen know you're doing all this?" Both women snickered, shaking their heads. "Ros, even I know your brother hates surprises, even good ones."
"Cul can be too serious at times, and I only wish to see him have a happy ending for once," a sad smile graced her lips as her brown eyes drifted off into memories.
"Considerin' what the Hold Spirits told Evie, he should be a very happy Thane," the Augur muttered while washing Evelyn's long two-toned hair.
"Oh? What's the news?" The two mages smiled warmly at each other as they imparted the words of the Spirits to the youngest Rutherford. The more Evelyn told the more Rosalie bounced and squealed, her voice was so high-pitched, she had to plug her ears, "I'm going be an aunt again! What a little clan we'll have! Good thing we're doing this then, Auntie Ros wants a little Thane to spoil rotten!" The Phoenix rolled her eyes, allowing them to believe she and Cullen had yet to sleep with each other. So little of their business was private that she'd take their ridicule over having to admit to it only to have to divulge all the sensual details.
When they finished, the three walked back to her longhouse, followed by a gaggle of people still merrily invested in the whole affair. Evelyn couldn't help but laugh at the advice and comments yelled and traded among the crowd. Some of the women even giving the menfolk an earful about how to properly make love to a woman. Whisked inside unceremoniously, the Augur stayed outside to explain to everyone their part once the Thane returned from the hunt, that no one was to say anything about what happened.
Upon entering the bedroom, Ilara had outdone herself as a feast of savory finger foods was laid out on a table. Mead and even a bottle of wine with a note from Dorian were placed out, making the room into a cozy retreat for the evening. Wildflower bunches and lovely-smelling herbs such as lemon balm, lavender, and rosemary were tucked into every crevasse and place where they could be, making the room resemble a peaceful meadow. Wheat stalks were symbolically included in the décor as well, wishing the bride to be as fertile as their fields. As she looked about in awe of the decorations and food, she became vaguely aware of someone sliding her clothes off.
"Don't give me that look," Dhara complained having returned, "yer modesty be damned!" Trying to ignore what they were doing, she distracted herself with the sight of the rustic-themed décor until they draped something over her. "There, ye have to give him somethin' to rip off of ye." Looking down, two pieces of thin muted red linen hung from her shoulders in a V, just hardly covering up her lady parts.
Guiding her over to the bed, she gave them both weary looks, but she had given her word to cooperate, so there was nothing to be done. As the women bound her wrists with rope to the bedpost, Evelyn couldn't help but wonder, "Ros, shouldn't someone else be helping me with this and not you?"
She rolled her eyes, "While I am your sister, it is by rite, not blood. It's not like I'm going to sit here and watch. The Augur may want to though to make sure the knotting was finally consummated…"
"W-what?!" A sickening stab pierced her gut. Looking back and forth between the two younger women revealed that they were holding in giggles. Evelyn let out a sigh, "For fuck's sake, can you two ever just not take advantage of my Lowlanderness?"
"Never!" At Rosalie's reply, the two sputtered out in howling laughter.
Scowling at them, Evelyn turned up her nose, "Where I'm from, we consider the things that transpire in the marital bed private. Besides, I'm not sure our… activities would be suitable for you anyway."
"Ye fucked once," Dhara's droll tone was irritating, making her feel old and even more like a "prude" Lowlander, even if it was accurate.
"You can't entirely blame her, Dhara. Evie did offer one night before the Knotting, but my brother spurned her." Rosalie was not helping in revealing that, and Evelyn gaped like a fish trying to find words for her embarrassment.
"Truly?" The blonde Rutherford nodded sadly in reply as her new sister-in-law scoffed at the implications still unable to voice a defense. "Well, I suppose Evie really isn't his type."
"I'm not sure about that anymore, it seems his taste may have changed from what I've gathered."
"Changed? Ros, she's the opposite of what he's had in the past! She's a larger woman, that for sure, and his wives were the quiet type, ye ken? No screamin' or hollerin,' and certainly not the fightin' type." Reduced to nothing more than a silent spectator as her pride and virtue were discussed while tied to a bed, Evelyn chewed her lip and nodded her head wondering why she hadn't fought harder earlier. "Are ye suggesting he's found he likes it, eh? Sweet and gentle love got borin'? Even if Evie told us about Wintersend night as if she was a virgin, I bet she's a lioness in the furs."
"D, so help me, another word from you and you will see a flaming lioness!" She snapped and Evelyn's face flushed with both indignant fury and embarassment. Even if they had no clue about the true nature of their relationship, she did not agree to be subjected to this. With flickering orange irises, set on the Augur, Rosalie climbed atop the bed and began placing her hair in a pleasing way around her shoulders. "For the love of the gods, Ros, get off the fucking bed! This is awkward enough with you!"
She was met with nothing but guffaws from the two, while the blonde carried on unaffected, "We are simply doing our Avvish duty in helping along the prophecy. Some of us would like to have children before the next age." Leaning back admiring her work, she eyed Evelyn impishly then blew gently about her neck.
"Stop that! You're giving me chills!"
"That's the idea," Dhara's eyebrows bobbed and at first she didn't know what she meant until her eyes pointed down to her breasts that had reacted to the sensation. "I don't believe even our stubborn Thane will be able to resist ye lookin' like that."
Growling, Evelyn yelled, "Get! Both of you! I've had just enough--" Rosalie and Dhara jumped and sped for the exit. As the Lady went on, in the background of her scolding, the front doors had opened.
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Returning from a successful hunt, the Thane of Redhold was pleased to have returned home to a sea of jovial faces floating about the marketplace. Assuming that they were happy to see him back from his first hunt, they met him with handshakes and stout pats on the back. As they approached his home, kills in hand, Rylen and Cassandra stopped him, the former being the one to speak up first. "There's somethin' we've been keepin' from ye..." Crossing his arms, Cullen waited for further explanation, eyeing the lingering mass of people behind him. "Yer stolen bride is waitin' for ye inside, tied up."
"She's what?!"
Cassandra huffed, "The battle prevented us from properly celebrating and Evelyn… agreed to it."
"She did?!"
A loud thunk from inside was heard as the doors of his home flew open, as two giggling women exited. Stopping abruptly at being met by the scene unfolding before them, their red faces were holding back bouts of convulsing laughter.
"Ros? Dhara?" Cullen's tone was accusatory.
"-- enough your bloody antics! I don't need your help in this matter! And--" Evelyn's fiery Marcher accent was echoing out of the doorway.
"I'm assuming she's yelling at the two of you?"
His Head Warrior gave a disgusted grunt, "What did you two do? You were only meant to tie her up!"
Stepping down off the porch, his sister smiled with a hint of mischief. "That's exactly what we did, honest!"
"-- We are not here for your amusement! Do you fucking hear me?! Are you going to leave me here alone like this?! Dhara?! Ros?!"
Cassandra was not moved, glowering down at them, "Then why does she seem agitated?"
"A bit of teasin' is all, besides she wouldn't be a proper stolen bride if she was contently strung up, would she?" Looking around the warrior to him, she imparted her well wishes, "Happy Knotting, my Thane!" Walking through the crowd, she held her hands up, "The rest of ye, let us celebrate at the Mead Hall!" A loud roar rose up as the wave of spectators left, as did his friends, but not before pushing him inside and shutting the door.
Cullen followed the Phoenix's searing speech and a mixture of pleasant scents to the back of his home. Entering the bedroom and stepping around the lattice reed screen, his appearance immediately silenced her growling tirade. The shock of the scene before him made his mouth gape at her amusingly, "By the gods, woman…" Tied by the wrists with ropes to the headboard, was his wife. Her sun-kissed rosy skin dotted sparsely with various shades of freckles melded with the candlelight. The only thing covering her was a thin piece of linen draped over the shoulders and breasts, hanging down in a V to cover the junction between her hips.
She groaned heavily dropping her head and hands dramatically as the ropes caught her. When she looked up she stared at him for a long moment before laughing, "This is ridiculous, you know that?" Evelyn yanked on her bindings, her strength causing the ropes and solidly built bed to creak. "This is the last time they can use the 'Lowlander' excuse to get me to do anything."
He couldn't help but chuckle too, coyly chastizing her, "You should know better by now than to trust those two. This is…" He was at a loss for words. Cullen knew well of the famous stories of Avvar men stealing Lowlander brides. They ranged from ones of nonconsensual kidnapping to others of the woman agreeing to be stolen out of her home in the middle of the night. Every Avvar man at one time was captivated by the thought of taming a stolen bride, himself included. Though the tales were ingrained in their heritage as acceptable traditional acts, he never thought he'd bond with a Lowlander let alone be challenged by one. He didn't foresee being a part of an extinction prophecy either, yet here he was wed to its main heroine. How the gods had deemed him worthy of such of honor was beyond him, despite not seeing it that way at first.
Now, he couldn't help the way she heated his blood and hastened his breathing with a sultry look of hers. It was as if he had never seen a flame such as hers, and he wanted to play with it; touch it; see how he could make it bend. As his thoughts filtered through to his countenance, her ever-keen eyes saw the change and the tension in her muscles fled. His reverence for her bled through his skin, for they had seen battle together, and for Avvar that was a sacred rite in itself. As he slowly approached their large bed, flashes of the battle flew through his mind, as did the visions of the power she wielded. Part of him understood why the Templars wanted her subdued, for if she had full reign of it, she could fell a kingdom alone. But she was of a pure and noble heart, ever quick to serve rather than command.
She shook her head with slight amusement, "Now, I promised on my honor not to use my magic to burn the binds or fade-step out. And I assure you, I gave the clan a good show of my capture."
The Thane couldn't help a proud smirk twitching up his scared lip, as he shed his shoulder armor, tossing it on the floor, "Of that, I've no doubt. " She gazed intently at his naked chest as he stalked up the bed towards her. "I have to admit," his eyes took her toned physique in greedily as he switched the whole tone of their conversation, "I've never had a stolen bride before, nor one even tied to my bed." His blood ran hot, feeling the pressure build in his breeches at all the fantasies she invoked.
She hummed amusingly with a matching smirk, testing the strength of her binds again, "A bit out of your depth then, Rutherford?" Her curvy hips jutted to one side, almost enough to reveal what lay beneath the cloth.
He chuckled, "I've been out of it since we met." Kneeling before her on the bed they held each other's gaze as if sparring. He ran a finger up her thigh, grasping at the light linen fabric that hardly concealed her form, rubbing it between his fingertips. Her defined wide hip bones were on display, beautifully paired with a pinched waist. The distraction allowed his eyes to explore his wife, though it wasn't as if he needed permission anymore.
She joined him, unable to help but laugh with a pinch of pity, "This is true, you poor man. How can I make it up to you?" He moved closer so he was brushing against her body. Various parts grazed and bumped each other, including lips and noses. When his groin rubbed against hers, they both let out lusty whines. She whispered desirously, "Untie me."
"No," leveling her a predatorial glare, he exhaled strongly, "You are my Lowander bride and will remain where you are until I tell you otherwise."
Unafraid she leaned closer, nuzzling and whispering, "Or what, my Thane?" With a confident roll of her shoulders, she baked away pushing her perky breasts out at him, and jutting a hip out, the curvature of her hourglass shape was a marvel. The supple curve and shine of her lips caught his gaze.
His hand slid up to her shoulder, then her throat to grasp her chin. Bringing her closer to him, Cullen tilted his head and grazed his mouth from her ear down to the pulse under her jawline scar. Pausing, he heard a trembling breath escape her. With a sudden playful growl, he nipped at her neck trailing his teeth downwards and sucking on the pale column. He expected her to whimper at the roughness, but instead, she mewled wantonly, leaning into his mouth. Turning her face back to him, he scolded her, "You aren't supposed to like that."
His wife bit back a smirk, chuckling deliriously, "Right, sorry. Let me try it again. I forgot I'm the damsel Lowlander tonight." Clearing her throat as if readying herself for a theatrical performance, "Go on, do it again." She averted her gaze up away from him, knowing that they'd laugh if she chanced a look. He paused at length again, not wanting her to anticipate it, so when he did it, she squealed and begged him so pathetically to stop, they couldn't help but burst into a fit of laughter. Distracted, the mage was able to kick her one leg out from beneath her in an attempt to put him in a leg hold at the waist, but without her other leg, which had gotten tangled in the mess of pelts, it failed.
Pulling her atop his thighs and holding her strong legs in place with his arms, Cullen shook his head at the pathetic attempt. "I'm not sure you understand how this works, but you are certainly not in charge in this situation."
Her grin faded to a more serious and intense stare. Inches apart he sat there unmoving, feeling himself stiffen more at her swaying in his lap. "Is that what you want? To be in control? You want me to submit?" If she wasn't tied by her wrists to the bedposts, he would've thought she was going to pounce him. She raised her chin defiantly above him, "Do you know who I am?"
He gazed headlong into the inferno of her eyes unafraid, "I do."
"You don't, clearly," she fired back.
"I do. Evelyn Althea Trevelyan."
Glaring at him in a stalemate, Evelyn suddenly broke the palpable intensity. She winced rolling her eyes dramatically in jest, "Wrong, I'm afraid. It's actually Evelyn Althea Rutherford now. And the Phoenix of Redhold. You forgot that part."
"I will still call you Trevelyan when I'm cross, though you are a Rutherford."
She smiled almost shyly, "Yes, well, I fear you will have to think of another punishment."
With playful intent, Cullen smacked her rear. Jumping from the surprise of it, she yipped then hummed pleasurably. "What? You like that too?" Evelyn shrugged and he couldn't help but spank her a few more times. "Korth's beard, is there anything you don't like?"
"Hmm," as she thought, he was busy climbing her body with kisses, "Maybe I don't like it when you take so long." She bucked at him, and again when he spanked her. Gazing up at her with a sly smirk, he paused once he reached her lips. Cullen felt the heat from her breath brush against his face as he watched her patience run out. Leaning toward him, begging for it, he smiled slightly as he caught her lush lips in a desperate and passionate kiss. The sound of the ropes straining indicated she wanted to touch him. The muscles of her lean arms tensed at the resistance and she gave a frustrated exhale.
The Thane whispered against his Lady's mouth, "Patience, my love. Don't you see from the room, the night is ours."
"I have very little of that at this moment. Perhaps I'll be more so later." She was trying to grind on him, and the thought of her desiring him flared up their bond markings. Parting to give her a scolding look, he held her by the chin as she amended her statement, "But I am curious to see what you do with me." Watching his scared lip intently, she tried to lean closer but couldn't reach him, and he didn't move to meet her. Still holding her by the chin as she went to kiss him, he spanked her with his free hand, making her hips jerk up against him. "Do you plan on teasing me endlessly until I beg?"
"Beg? You'd like me to make you a groveling mess?" An intense smirk, or maybe it was a snarl, tweaked at her lips and she shook her head. He turned her head gently to the side, touching the tip of his nose to the sensitive spot under her ear. As Cullen whispered, a patch of goose flesh dotted her neck, while her pert breasts brushed against his chest. "You want to be dominated. Tamed."
"Think you can?"
Backing away, he flashed a smirk her way, ducking under the rope to kneel behind her. Pushing the piece of linen away, his hand slid to the junction between her legs. His wife was dripping for him, much like their first tryst, and he plunged his fingers into her. Evelyn's head fell back on his shoulder with a loud gratifying moan and her breathing deepened squeezing his fingers tightly with her inner muscles. He captured her lips fiercely over her shoulder, now rubbing circles in an attempt to find the spot that would make her legs shake. Finding it, her sultry moans came freely this time as she tried to increase the amount of contact by gyrating her hips. Her panting want was enough to make him consider releasing her from the binding just to let her at him, but not yet.
"Come for me," we whispered with authority in her ear, working his fingers harder and faster. She pushed back against him, grinding her ass against his erection. Unable to help it, he pushed his engorged cock back into her motions.
Half-lidded yet, defiant eyes peered over at him as she purred back, "Make me." The jolt of a hard spank accompanied by his thumb on her clit was the push she needed. Using him for support as she cried out, he held her by the hair against him as she writhed in waves, up and down.
Slipping the ropes and linen from her limp body, he laid her down gently on their bed. Her eyelids were heavy and her lips swollen, humming pleasantly as she gazed at him. Though Cullen still felt some minor aches in his bones, they were easily forgotten as he was thoroughly distracted by the woman lying naked and undone on his bed.
After recovering her limbs and rubbing at the pink marks on her wrists, she tried to sit up, but he playfully pushed her back down. Smiling resplendently as she bounced slightly on the firm pillows and furs, she tried again to no avail making him match her grin. She huffed with a pout until he slung her leg up and over his shoulder. On his belly and crawling up closer to her sex, they shared a glance before his mouth latched onto her left inner thigh. Evelyn hissed through her teeth as he slowly and painstakingly made his way to her apex. The nectar wetting her legs tasted tangy with a hint of citrus, making him hum as he savored it. When his tongue at last made contact with her feminine petals, he felt the room's temperature grow warmer. Glancing up, her mana was glowing from her chest up her neck and eyes. Keening and arching back as he continued to suck at her, her orange irises blinked away her rising aura.
It was then he remembered something his father said about his mother's love when he came of age for "the talk." He told him that mages have to be in control of their magic at all times, but when they lay with their soulmate, all that control slips away as they give everything over to their partner. Knowing that his parents were in fact bonded for love and his mother was a talented healer, Evelyn's slip brought on a whole new revelation. Yet for now, he'd tuck it away for a later time when he was not between her legs. He wondered if she knew.
Cullen nuzzled his face against the right leg now, threatening the same attention the left had. As she kept trying to reign her mana in, the pulsating light grew softer, emulating the glow of a low peaceful fire. Still holding each other's gaze, he kissed gently at her leg again, making the light gradually brighten. With a smirk, understanding what he playing at, she added in a breathy voice, "Is that all you've got, Rutherford?" With that, he bit into her thigh causing her to partly laugh and cry as her veins lit up the room momentarily. "Fuck, Cullen!" He hung on as long as he could before her strong beautiful legs overpowered him and he sat up kneeling once more. Having riled her up, she rolled up with him, "Why the fuck do you still have pants on?!" When he opened his mouth to reply, she cut him off, "Shh, I don’t want your excuses."
Evelyn pulled him into her and crashed her lips against his. Overwhelmed by her, it felt like she was everywhere. Her tongue was intertwined with his and her hands were feeling their way down into his pants. He had been trying to savor his arousal by pleasuring her and getting to know her valleys and hills, but he had forgotten who his lover was: the volatile, impatient, and alluring Phoenix. Despite her Lowlander origin, the woman was a true Avvar.
Grabbing her long silky locks from the back, he parted them, giving her a stern look, "Eve, I think you forgot the part where you're supposed to--"
"You have," she captured his mouth again, pulling at his bottom lip, speaking through her teeth, "the rest of your life to order me around." Her warm hands slid down his muscular stomach to open his breeches. "We only have tonight before I leave, so for the love of the gods, just fuck me already!" Her fingers teased at his erection, tickling about the crown before squeezing firmly and stroking him.
Regrettably, he gasped and moaned which made her annoyingly pleased with herself. "You're a minx." He was a starving man and she his lavish feast of flesh. Nothing would sate him but her, as her hands made him forget all rational thought.
"Yes, but I'm yours and you love me."
Having successfully relieved him of his clothing, her arms circled his neck pulling her into her lavish kisses once more as he pressed her against the bed. Rocking against her folds, he coated his fully hardened cock in her wetness and slowly slid between her legs. Once seated fully inside, her melodic moan echoed about their chamber.
"I do love you." He smoothed some of her two-toned locks back from her face. His gentle touch and caress of her body put her in a new heightened state. Her soft glowing eyes never left him and her breathing in and out of her mouth was relaxed. "I thank the gods every day for bringing you to me." Cullen moved against her slowly, yet pressed in as deep as he could meeting hips. As he placed gentle kisses across one side of her face and jaw making his way back to her lips, it was clear this tenderness was new to her. Rather than clawing at him, her fingers tried to mimic his own, grazing over his muscles softly. The sounds she produced still sung with pleasure, though they were breathy notes.
"Cullen," she purred as he began to pick up the pace of his lovemaking. Feeling the increased friction, her legs fell open as wide as her hips would let them. Timed squeezes of her muscles made him groan and clutch at the furs beneath his woman. Moving her hips to meet his thrusts, her fingers dug into him a little harder.
Evelyn's moans were sounding more and more like choked gasps as she arched her head back away from him. When she relaxed back once more, her heavy eyelids revealed smoldering orange irises that sent a wave of heat through him. Pushing him slowly up, but not out of her, he sat back on his knees with her atop his lap. With her weight keeping him sheathed within her heat, the Phoenix began grinding on him slowly. He couldn't help but look down at her shapely hips and toned stomach muscles flexing on him. Climbing the scars across her belly and ribs, his eyes and hand reached her rosy nipples, teasing one with a thumb, before flicking it with his tongue and lips. The sensation made her hiss and moan, throwing her head back so her long locks of hair cascaded down her back. He wondered how any Lowlander man could dismiss this alluring woman because of a few scars.
Collecting a fistful of her silky hair, he pulled her back to him with a tight jerk. She gasped, "Gods, Cullen, you feel amazing!" Their lips crashed together again but with more teeth this time.
"Then let them hear you, Eve, it's our wedding night after all."
"Then I suggest…" She hopped off of him and slung her leg over dropping to the bed. On hands and knees, she curved her back down, spreading herself to him like a lioness in heat. His wife peered over her shoulder at him, blinking a heated invitation at him, and the view sent a jolt of savage lust through him. "… you not hold back, my lion." The last time he had her in this position it had been dark, and had he known then what his eyes were missing, their tryst wouldn't have lasted as long as it did even with his Avvish stamina.
Grabbing her hips roughly and dragging her back a foot, she lowered her upper body onto her elbows, giving him an incredible angle to fuck her at. Cullen felt himself throb and squeezed himself as if to keep himself from coming at the thought alone of what he was about to do. Without warning he thrusted hard into her making her mewl loudly. He held himself within her, savoring the tightness and taking a deep breath before beginning his onslaught. The Thane started slow and deep, but as soon as she began bucking back in rhythm with him, the speed increased. Enthralled by her exquisite feminine dimples to voluptuous ass, he pounded against her. The Phoenix's mana flared, as did their bond markings casting their erotic shadows against the walls.
He listened to her cries, but he wanted more; he wanted her to submit. With a heavy hand, he spanked her again, receiving the sort of reaction he was aiming for. Following up with another, she screamed almost sounding as if she was in pain, but it was choked with a desirous sob. A red bloom spread on her taut skin, but it only hastened her release.
"Hakkon take me! Yes, Cullen!" Her cries continued in that manner until her back dipped deeper and she screamed wantonly at the searing rapture. The rippling spasms gripped his length so hard, that he had to catch himself over her, bellowing out a roar as he spilled his hot seed into her. Slowly her voice began to rasp, and her body succumbed to the blissful tremors. Unwilling to part from her, he flopped them over on their sides.
Panting, he moved her two-toned hair to the side, planting sweet kisses all over the back of her neck and shoulder. She intertwined her fingers in the hand that circled her middle, making no move to get up. Slowly, he retreated out of her, and she pushed back into him as if in the hope he'd miraculously hardened again. Hot and flushed, she rolled over to face him, causing her locks to drape over her. Evelyn smiled at her husband with a shy loving smile as a finger traced shapes on his chest. With a grin of his own, he got himself up on an elbow to kiss her tenderly. His wife deserved to know the sweet passionate side of love.
"Not sore I hope?" He murmured against her lips.
"It's going to take a lot more to make me walk as if I rode a horse for days, my love." Evelyn slid her tongue into his mouth, coaxing his into hers.
Cullen placed a hand on her marked belly, "Good because I'll be damned if you leave without part of me to take with you."
Smiling and sucking at his bottom lip, her large brown eyes ensnared him, "Do you want a boy or a girl?"
"Either, whatever you give me will be perfect." He couldn't help the wide grin spreading on his face until his stomach growled.
"Oh, you poor dear, did I keep you from supper?" She tickled him, but he restrained her quickly.
"It was well worth it, but I am going to eat now, then," he pushed her legs open playing with her slick pedals, "I'm going to tie you back up." The mage was already kicking at him, being overly stimulated and ticklish.
Giving him a hungry smirk of her own, she simply added, "If you can, Rutherford."