[ It's difficult to think of what life will be like after the Inquisition. Where will they go? Neria has every intention of returning to Amaranthine to at least ensure the Wardens have a home to go to, to set up what she can before... Before what? Her plans had been simple before, either departing or returning to Amaranthine. Cullen has changed everything and while all of it is for the better, now she feels as if the certainty she had is in upheaval. A part of her wishes they could discuss it...but much of her also feels that she is being presumptive.
Instead, she tries to ground herself in the moment, in enjoying his company and the care he gives her. That, in and of itself, is more than she ever hoped or expected for herself since she was very, very small. Her smile is soft and she briefly ducks her head at what he says, eventually able to look at him once more. ]
You're certain you've never been with anyone before me? The things you say...
[ It's too much. Her ears might be just a little red, even now. Her thumb brushes over his cheek, near the side of his mouth. ]
This is going to be much harder to maintain when we return. You realize that, yes? That we're going to need to continue to sit through meetings and continue to work in the field without anyone being the wiser?
[ Her smile might be one of amusement now. ]
It's going to be quite a challenge. Even coming out here, knowing we would be together, hasn't made it easier to be patient.
[ There is almost a fear in what lies ahead of them, but the fear is created out of an expectation of failure. Of believing that happiness is never placed upon those who have done wrong in some fashion. Cullen's guilt still has him in a vice grip, having him believe that a future with Neria is not a future he deserves. Much as he wants it. ]
[ But that does not stop him where he is now. Not with her silk cheek warm against his fingertips, dimples under his touch when she smiles and lets her modesty guide her gaze at her feet. Cullen ignores the guilt and disbelief for the distraction that her reaction to compliments creates. Even his face colors a touch, and his smile is gentle against her thumb. ]
I speak only the truth, my lady. It's how I feel.
[ At the mention of keeping this a secret, however? The smile goes a tad crooked. Cullen prefers his privacy, especially when it comes to his love life and what he does behind closed doors. It's unfortunate that a large fraction of his life is out in the open, surrounded by people who look to him for guidance. And it is much the same for Neria, too. People rely on them, follow them. But he catches that glimmer of amusement in her smile, and he can't help but feel some for himself. ]
I've... Thought about that frequently, yes. Knowing what lies between us, what feelings we have shared--
[ Cullen weakly chuckles, looking down as he shakes his head a touch. ]
While I do not worry about my ability to keep my hands to myself, I find that I may feel tortured and bound while you sit or stand a mere few feet away from me.
[ His gaze then shifts back to her, smile nearly a smirk. He won't admit it aloud, but the challenge is actually quite enticing. ]
But you are worth the wait. Every brief moment we share will be a treasure.
I cannot promise the strength of my patience behind closed doors, however. Can you?
[ Only the truth? She would call that out, she thinks, if she were not fearful that he would think she took offense to his compliments. In reality, they simply feel overmuch, like this is a happiness she does not deserve, much in the same way he feels. Instead she tries to hold the admiration he has for her within her and finds it's difficult, overwhelming, as so much of this often feels. ]
Then you honor me with your words and care, Cullen. I cannot possibly ask for more.
[ Which only means it will continue to be difficult to keep her feelings for him as muted as she can in other company. There will always be fondness for him, concern, care, and these things she can mask well enough as politeness or friendliness. They have been close for some time, enough to spark rumors already. That won't change and pretending they are not as close as they were a month ago will only arouse suspicion.
It will be a balancing act but one well worth the wait, she thinks. No matter how long it takes, she wants their time together to be important, not dogged by their responsibilities and the expectations. She smiles, leaning against the press of his hand. ]
Tortured and bound? Now you make our predicament sound cruel. I can assure you, any time we have will be worthwhile and I promise to make certain of that.
[ Neria reaches up to take his hand in both of hers, bringing his knuckles to her lips. What seems at first like an innocent gesture of devotion - and it is, initially - becomes every ounce as sly as the smirk on his face as she gives him a sidelong and heated glance from beneath her lashes, her mouth still lingering against his fingers. ]
I wouldn't promise something I couldn't keep, Cullen. Why would I want to be apart from you when we are alone?
[ Behind closed doors, neither of them should have to be restrained from being open with their affections. She turns his hand over so she can kiss his palm, allowing his hand close to her face, which she leans into just the same. ]
[ Perhaps he is being slightly overdramatic in terms of how he describes their situation. But honestly, it's accurate. Truly being unable to act upon the newfound nature of their relationship is quite discouraging, much as he knows the wait would be worth it. The wait they had experienced to get here has certainly proved to be as much. Most would likely suggest to just roll with it, to bring their relationship public. After all, Kaia has made her intentions toward Josephine very, very clear among anyone who has shown interest. Rumors have certainly spread, word has gotten around quickly... But Neria and he are private individuals, and who is to say it would not cause problem? Or even perhaps danger? ]
[ There are more reasons to keep things under wraps than to make intentions public. And Cullen is content where they are, even when there are more times they must restrain themselves than let loose, so to say. ]
[ Still, this hardly cuts back how badly he wishes to be close to her every waking moment of the day. Cullen commits to memory the playful nature of Neria's gaze, feeling his stomach flutter as her long lashes do. Such a gaze could kill, and the way his heart skips proves as much. Cullen sways forward a bit more, thumb brushing along her lower lip when she softly breathes against his palm. His voice lowers, a deep yet soft tone where he leans his face in close. ]
My choice of words might not have been... Fitting. But I often imagine a moment such as this at likely the most inopportune of times.
[ The hand at the small of her back applies pressure, gently pushing her closer, their hips coming together. ]
Those thoughts keep me awake at night, stir my composure. Now that I have you here, I fear I will never be able to let go of you.
[ Now there is a tone she is not used to, as attractive as it is. Neria's nerves stand on edge as his finger swipes along her bottom lip and she resists the initial urge to surprise him and take his finger between her lips, instead opting to listen, to lose herself in that voice. She very gladly steps closer to him until their hips meet, and Neria sighs lightly against his hand. Her eyes find his and she smiles as a little thrill, a shiver, runs up her spine. ]
I cannot say which thought of you is more enticing: that you might find yourself uncomfortable around others while thinking of me...or that you lay awake at night with those very thoughts.
[ Cullen, trying to hide his loss of composure in the war room. Cullen with thoughts of her at night, enough to chase away nightmares. Oh, certainly, the implications can be lewd - and Neria would be lying if she insisted she did not think of them - but she likes those ideas too; he thinks of her as often as she thinks of him, and that is comforting.
She lifts her hand to bring it gently to the back of his neck, fingers sliding through the tips of his hair. ]
I think of you, too, often enough that it's distracting. I feel like I'm lost in all of this, sometimes.
[ Neria meets his heated gaze with a smile, and she kisses his thumb as it lingers on her lips. ]
But I also begin to think of more, of you and I... And I do not want you to let me go. Not here, not now, not tonight. Not until I know more of what you've been thinking.
[ She lifts up a little on her toes to meet him as he leans down. ]
[ The implications of their conversation are enough to bring a shiver through his own frame, prickled flesh beneath thick sleeves and armor where it suddenly feels tight and uncomfortable. He can feel the curve of her frame mesh so perfectly against his own, her breath close enough to brush against his lips and he swallows something thickly. There are truly no bounds to the thoughts he has had, some tamer than others, but certainly thoughts that have caused brief guilt or shame. How can he stop himself, though? She is gorgeous, irresistible, her lips full and soft and he craves them each time he sees them. ]
[ It is in knowing that her thoughts are much like his own that he truly begins to shiver against her, anticipation bubbling in his belly like molten lava. Surely, he will burst any moment, where he is rather new to this form of conversation. ]
[ The hand at her jawline carefully leaves, fingers drifting down the side of her neck and the chord of her shoulder, tickling down her sides to meet the other so he might hold her closer. One last sideways glance confirms that their tent is properly shut, keen hearing makes certain that they are truly alone from the rest of their company. ]
[ Neria's request that he indulge on his thoughts has his smirk fading fast, and he clears his throat when he feels a deep flush overcome his features. There are many, much of them lewd and what he would find obscene, but he is only a man. A man who has not felt the touch of a woman in a long, long time. Surely her touch would mean far more than anyone else's, and it is something he has anticipated a rather long time. ]
Andraste, preserve me...
[ He chuckles, and it's almost nervous in its delivery. Nonetheless, he works to continue in their meeting, embrace firm to entangle them together where he traps her against the table supporting their plans and reports. ]
Perhaps I might... Do well in showing you. If you will allow, and I am certainly all yours.
[ Maker, he can't wait any longer. After such a long journey, months of good behavior and containing himself, he's prepared to explode. Cullen steals her lips in a passionate, fiery kiss that is both sudden and gentle. Were he to wait any longer, he would have likely been harsher, risking the support of the table's surface. Not to say that might be compromised shortly anyway. ]
[ She remembers years ago when they had first spoken, when she had offered to speak to him and to be his friend...and when she flustered him enough to see him run from her. Truthfully, she would not be surprised if this was too much and if he asked her to stop, and she would easily comply. Neria is here with him for the long haul, a truth that is still terrifying to her. For him, she would do most anything, and there is an odd disconnect between the desire she has for him and the outpouring of love she has for his heart.
So she is not so surprised to hear him swear to Andraste and she smiles just the same, almost chuckling. It's their past come back to remind them of who they were, in a sense, and she is ultimately pleased to find he is still ready to touch her, to continue. He has her caught easily between his hips and the table, and she shudders with anticipation and excitement in his hold. This is a side to him she has not seen before, one she is eager to explore and learn, to encourage.
Neria coaxes him down that little distance to meet her mouth, humming her approval quietly against his lips. He is tender and passionate, warmth and need, and she responds in kind. Her kiss is tender but insistent, encouraging him to give whatever he wants and take whatever he needs from her. Neria breaks away only briefly to murmur to him, so there can be no misgivings, in response: ]
Yes.
[ Yes, show her. Yes, all hers. And then she kisses him again, and again, each growing in passion and fervor, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, their chests pressed together so there can be little space between them. This is what she has craved for so long, this contact with him, removed from the prying eyes of others.
Nothing exists here but him and her, and she would not have it any other way. ]
[ In Neria he finds peace, comfort, a calm to the chaos surrounding them that he never quite knew existed. All of Cullen's life has been immersed in war and madness, only brief stints of peace that are so fast they are easily forgotten once chaos solidifies anew. The instant their lips meet, he has completely forgotten about the world around them, about why they are in Orlais, and it is an ignorance that he can hold onto. No one has been able to truly give such a gift to him, and such a chance is valuable, something to cling to. The way Cullen holds her suggests that very firmly, where both palms lie flat against the curve of her back and drive up her spine to the juts of her shoulder blades. ]
[ Cullen works to support her as he leans forward, holding her tightly as her final word is swallowed in the passionate kiss that eagerly takes it. The table creaks at the pressure, the contents supporting it teetering, pawns on a map dropping to their sides and rolling off the edge. But Cullen pays absolutely no mind to it, no longer thinking of what purpose they serve beyond simply being in the way. ]
[ He hums into her lips, exhales sharply through his nose as the outpour of love on both ends completely steals him. Cullen has never quite been so... Happily lost in his entire life, and were it to end here he is certain he would die fulfilled. A mixture of passionate love and happiness fills his chest, threatens to burst at the mere reminder that they can finally have this. There will be no running away, not even the thought, and not when such a delicious kiss takes him to a place he has never been. He will certainly show her the lengths of his desires, happily so where he only wishes to please her. Cullen can't possibly have enough now, and he seeks more with the parting of his lips, tongue gently driving against the line separating her lips, working to coax them apart so he might taste her fully. His head tilts, eyes tightly shut and just reveling in the way her body presses into his, the softness of her frame in contrast to the rigid edges of his own. ]
[ There is only distant awareness that the pressure applied to the table where her back meets it is sending their pieces off kilter and even to the floor. She hears it and ignores it, lost in the roar of her heartbeat in her ears when he kisses her, holds her close, and does not let go. This is what she has wanted for so long and to have him eagerly responding with the same dedication and love she had felt only minutes before by words alone has her feel overfull.
She presses close to him, her hips to his, and tilts her head up so she can better angle their kiss. His tongue she accepts readily and there is a pleased sound in her throat at the first touch. Neria holds him tighter, a hand trailing into his hair to keep him close, their tongues meeting briefly. There is so much and yet it is not enough, not enough to sate her desire for him. It is not solely a lustful desire, but one that seeks to be encompassed by him, to physically feel what she has already felt emotionally for weeks now; her world has started to revolve around him, and come what may, she is helpless to stop it, nor would she want to.
The feeling of him against her, muscle and hard lines that press into her body, is enough to set a fire within her that she cannot contain for long. The grip around his shoulders slips down, her arm going around his side so that she might press the flat of her palm to his back, a coax to keep him there, keep him pressed, because there is contentment in simply being able to feel him here with her. This is not a fleeting kiss they can sneak in his office or their hands threaded together beneath the table. This is all encompassing, more than she could ever ask for, and all that she has wanted these past few weeks of travel. Only now does she realize how much she has thought of it, how her mind wanders to ideas that mirror this moment, and she sighs into the feeling. ]
[ Maker, the sounds that she creates, the taste of her tongue... While this isn't the first time they have kissed, it certainly is the first he has felt sensations such as these. Neria's frame is strong and sturdy, yet her curves are soft and inviting underneath his grip. Cullen clings to that, wants to feel more, and that much becomes clear when hands start to coast down her back and sides, ghost over her behind and take to sides of her thighs. Their tongues tangle, his own taking on a curiosity that drives the tip along the roof of her mouth. He hums in content when his lips only part a brief moment to bite at her bottom lip and gently pull, an action that carries only brief hesitation when it's a gesture he's only imagined up until now. ]
[ Cullen feels incredibly warm, uncomfortable, yet glued to where they stand as their bodies mesh so perfectly together. He shivers at the feeling of her fingers coaxing the neat shape of his hair out of place, causing it to curl and shift at her touch. It's when those hands move to his back that he writhes into her, hips instinctively rolling into her own. There's an uncharacteristic moan he can't prevent as it feels like cold water pours into his belly, skin prickling under constrictive clothing. ]
[ While he is certain he could devour her lips all day, the rest of her calls for him. Cullen kisses her on the lips one last time, lingering before they take him to her jawline and neck. He stops at her pulse point, teeth and tongue working to suckle down on her flesh, desperate to taste her further. Cullen has waited what feels like an eternity for this, and he has every intention on taking advantage of the privacy they have now. ]
[ The sound she makes when his tongue meets the roof of her mouth is akin to a gasp, the feel of him making her toes curl, her stomach tighten, and her grip strengthens around him. He explores her body readily and she desperately wants to do the same, hand pressed against his back finding the lines and contours she seeks. But he's wearing too much, she thinks, and she brings her hand around to his front until it is pressed flat against his chest. He rolls his hips into hers and a quiet, thin whine bubbles up from her throat, one she would be embarrassed by if she was not so certain he wants more of the same. His answering moan is all that's necessary to make that clear. She chases his lips as he tugs at her own, body moving towards his instinctively with every shift, greedy as she is for contact.
As Cullen seeks out her throat, pressing hard kisses and nips to her sensitive skin, her hands join together at his front to begin looking for the catches of his clothes and armor so that she might explore to her heart's contentment. Neria looks for the things he can discard, his outer fur mantle and leathers being first and foremost, much as she likes the former (as any Fereldan would). But she looks, too, for the quickest way to find warm skin, to slide her hands up under his tunic so she might touch muscle beneath. He has had his moment to touch her; now she wants to touch him back.
Beneath his mouth, she shivers, every part of her sensitive to his attentions. It has been such a long time since someone has touched her this way and never someone she has felt so close to, someone she has loved so much. Head tilted just slightly back to allow him room to explore, her pulse thrums quickly, heartbeat fluttering with every graze of his teeth and suckle of his lips.
With a brief and breathless chuckle, she murmurs: ]
[ For the moment, there is no rush, at least while the comfort of their troops' abilities to handle everything on their own remains. As it stands now, they have the time they have so patiently waited for, and Cullen is keen on taking in every single moment this opportunity provides. Neria's touch, even through thick fabric, sparks a heat that comes in waves and leaves a desperate chill. ]
[ Cullen can't possibly get enough of this, tasting every angle of her neck he can reach, lingering at the chord connecting to her shoulder. He feels her hands roam, reach for whatever they can to unlatch the fur mantle on his shoulders first. A breeze follows it falling to the floor, and it comes to his attention what difficulty she is facing well before her remark. Their intentions match, it seems, and it is then that the frantic intensity starts to boil in his belly with a threat to overflow. ]
Hah--
[ Cullen chuckles, but it catches in his throat while his lips linger against her neck. Quickly, he reaches up to assist her, unlatching each piece of armor he can reach while still pressed against her. Each piece on his arms come first, and they fall with a loud clack. ]
Truly, this is the only time armor has inconvenienced me.
[ He practically lives in it, after all. Many have made a remark as to questioning whether or not it truly comes off. For once, he feels trapped in it, desperate to remove himself from it so he might assist Neria in the removal of her own. His kisses continue, launching an assault on the curve of her jaw and ear. Once more, the table creaks and he hears it, urging him to find more space and he starts to move the two of them elsewhere. Preferably towards his cot. But walking in a straight line while in the midst of removing intricate armor steals too much concentration, which sparks a greater desperation to get it off. ]
[ She could have him like this, firm against her, his lips on her throat all day, she realizes. It would drive her absolutely out of her mind, though, to let him touch her while being unable to reciprocate so wholeheartedly, and she is glad that he stops for a moment if only so she can catch her breath. Neria chuckles with him, reaching up to help him even as he continues to find pockets of sensitive skin to explore on her neck, the curve of her collar, up to her jaw and near her ear. She shivers at the first feeling of warm breath near the latter, fingers stilling on his armor as she helps him discard it. ]
I like your armor.
[ It's a very odd thing to say in the moment, truly, but she does like it. With his Templar armor left behind, he strikes an attractive figure in leathers, and she fur mantle reminds her of home. Still, she helps him, fingers attentive to the bits of skin she begins to find as his clothes come away. ]
I think, though, that I will like it better off of you.
[ It's said breathlessly even as he coaxes her to move, and Neria steps backwards towards his cot, taking him with her. Her belt comes off as quickly as she can manage, as well as the beginning buckles of the leather she wears. One hand remains on Cullen, to steer and steady him, to touch him as he has touched her, delicate fingers finding and learning the lines of muscle, toned from years of training. She caresses his shoulders, his collar, and down further to his chest, even as she works on her own clothes with a single hand.
At least she is not the only one so desperate to be rid of what keeps them confined. ]
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Instead, she tries to ground herself in the moment, in enjoying his company and the care he gives her. That, in and of itself, is more than she ever hoped or expected for herself since she was very, very small. Her smile is soft and she briefly ducks her head at what he says, eventually able to look at him once more. ]
You're certain you've never been with anyone before me? The things you say...
[ It's too much. Her ears might be just a little red, even now. Her thumb brushes over his cheek, near the side of his mouth. ]
This is going to be much harder to maintain when we return. You realize that, yes? That we're going to need to continue to sit through meetings and continue to work in the field without anyone being the wiser?
[ Her smile might be one of amusement now. ]
It's going to be quite a challenge. Even coming out here, knowing we would be together, hasn't made it easier to be patient.
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[ But that does not stop him where he is now. Not with her silk cheek warm against his fingertips, dimples under his touch when she smiles and lets her modesty guide her gaze at her feet. Cullen ignores the guilt and disbelief for the distraction that her reaction to compliments creates. Even his face colors a touch, and his smile is gentle against her thumb. ]
I speak only the truth, my lady. It's how I feel.
[ At the mention of keeping this a secret, however? The smile goes a tad crooked. Cullen prefers his privacy, especially when it comes to his love life and what he does behind closed doors. It's unfortunate that a large fraction of his life is out in the open, surrounded by people who look to him for guidance. And it is much the same for Neria, too. People rely on them, follow them. But he catches that glimmer of amusement in her smile, and he can't help but feel some for himself. ]
I've... Thought about that frequently, yes. Knowing what lies between us, what feelings we have shared--
[ Cullen weakly chuckles, looking down as he shakes his head a touch. ]
While I do not worry about my ability to keep my hands to myself, I find that I may feel tortured and bound while you sit or stand a mere few feet away from me.
[ His gaze then shifts back to her, smile nearly a smirk. He won't admit it aloud, but the challenge is actually quite enticing. ]
But you are worth the wait. Every brief moment we share will be a treasure.
I cannot promise the strength of my patience behind closed doors, however. Can you?
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Then you honor me with your words and care, Cullen. I cannot possibly ask for more.
[ Which only means it will continue to be difficult to keep her feelings for him as muted as she can in other company. There will always be fondness for him, concern, care, and these things she can mask well enough as politeness or friendliness. They have been close for some time, enough to spark rumors already. That won't change and pretending they are not as close as they were a month ago will only arouse suspicion.
It will be a balancing act but one well worth the wait, she thinks. No matter how long it takes, she wants their time together to be important, not dogged by their responsibilities and the expectations. She smiles, leaning against the press of his hand. ]
Tortured and bound? Now you make our predicament sound cruel. I can assure you, any time we have will be worthwhile and I promise to make certain of that.
[ Neria reaches up to take his hand in both of hers, bringing his knuckles to her lips. What seems at first like an innocent gesture of devotion - and it is, initially - becomes every ounce as sly as the smirk on his face as she gives him a sidelong and heated glance from beneath her lashes, her mouth still lingering against his fingers. ]
I wouldn't promise something I couldn't keep, Cullen. Why would I want to be apart from you when we are alone?
[ Behind closed doors, neither of them should have to be restrained from being open with their affections. She turns his hand over so she can kiss his palm, allowing his hand close to her face, which she leans into just the same. ]
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[ There are more reasons to keep things under wraps than to make intentions public. And Cullen is content where they are, even when there are more times they must restrain themselves than let loose, so to say. ]
[ Still, this hardly cuts back how badly he wishes to be close to her every waking moment of the day. Cullen commits to memory the playful nature of Neria's gaze, feeling his stomach flutter as her long lashes do. Such a gaze could kill, and the way his heart skips proves as much. Cullen sways forward a bit more, thumb brushing along her lower lip when she softly breathes against his palm. His voice lowers, a deep yet soft tone where he leans his face in close. ]
My choice of words might not have been... Fitting. But I often imagine a moment such as this at likely the most inopportune of times.
[ The hand at the small of her back applies pressure, gently pushing her closer, their hips coming together. ]
Those thoughts keep me awake at night, stir my composure. Now that I have you here, I fear I will never be able to let go of you.
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I cannot say which thought of you is more enticing: that you might find yourself uncomfortable around others while thinking of me...or that you lay awake at night with those very thoughts.
[ Cullen, trying to hide his loss of composure in the war room. Cullen with thoughts of her at night, enough to chase away nightmares. Oh, certainly, the implications can be lewd - and Neria would be lying if she insisted she did not think of them - but she likes those ideas too; he thinks of her as often as she thinks of him, and that is comforting.
She lifts her hand to bring it gently to the back of his neck, fingers sliding through the tips of his hair. ]
I think of you, too, often enough that it's distracting. I feel like I'm lost in all of this, sometimes.
[ Neria meets his heated gaze with a smile, and she kisses his thumb as it lingers on her lips. ]
But I also begin to think of more, of you and I... And I do not want you to let me go. Not here, not now, not tonight. Not until I know more of what you've been thinking.
[ She lifts up a little on her toes to meet him as he leans down. ]
And not until I have more of you.
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[ It is in knowing that her thoughts are much like his own that he truly begins to shiver against her, anticipation bubbling in his belly like molten lava. Surely, he will burst any moment, where he is rather new to this form of conversation. ]
[ The hand at her jawline carefully leaves, fingers drifting down the side of her neck and the chord of her shoulder, tickling down her sides to meet the other so he might hold her closer. One last sideways glance confirms that their tent is properly shut, keen hearing makes certain that they are truly alone from the rest of their company. ]
[ Neria's request that he indulge on his thoughts has his smirk fading fast, and he clears his throat when he feels a deep flush overcome his features. There are many, much of them lewd and what he would find obscene, but he is only a man. A man who has not felt the touch of a woman in a long, long time. Surely her touch would mean far more than anyone else's, and it is something he has anticipated a rather long time. ]
Andraste, preserve me...
[ He chuckles, and it's almost nervous in its delivery. Nonetheless, he works to continue in their meeting, embrace firm to entangle them together where he traps her against the table supporting their plans and reports. ]
Perhaps I might... Do well in showing you. If you will allow, and I am certainly all yours.
[ Maker, he can't wait any longer. After such a long journey, months of good behavior and containing himself, he's prepared to explode. Cullen steals her lips in a passionate, fiery kiss that is both sudden and gentle. Were he to wait any longer, he would have likely been harsher, risking the support of the table's surface. Not to say that might be compromised shortly anyway. ]
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So she is not so surprised to hear him swear to Andraste and she smiles just the same, almost chuckling. It's their past come back to remind them of who they were, in a sense, and she is ultimately pleased to find he is still ready to touch her, to continue. He has her caught easily between his hips and the table, and she shudders with anticipation and excitement in his hold. This is a side to him she has not seen before, one she is eager to explore and learn, to encourage.
Neria coaxes him down that little distance to meet her mouth, humming her approval quietly against his lips. He is tender and passionate, warmth and need, and she responds in kind. Her kiss is tender but insistent, encouraging him to give whatever he wants and take whatever he needs from her. Neria breaks away only briefly to murmur to him, so there can be no misgivings, in response: ]
Yes.
[ Yes, show her. Yes, all hers. And then she kisses him again, and again, each growing in passion and fervor, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, their chests pressed together so there can be little space between them. This is what she has craved for so long, this contact with him, removed from the prying eyes of others.
Nothing exists here but him and her, and she would not have it any other way. ]
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[ Cullen works to support her as he leans forward, holding her tightly as her final word is swallowed in the passionate kiss that eagerly takes it. The table creaks at the pressure, the contents supporting it teetering, pawns on a map dropping to their sides and rolling off the edge. But Cullen pays absolutely no mind to it, no longer thinking of what purpose they serve beyond simply being in the way. ]
[ He hums into her lips, exhales sharply through his nose as the outpour of love on both ends completely steals him. Cullen has never quite been so... Happily lost in his entire life, and were it to end here he is certain he would die fulfilled. A mixture of passionate love and happiness fills his chest, threatens to burst at the mere reminder that they can finally have this. There will be no running away, not even the thought, and not when such a delicious kiss takes him to a place he has never been. He will certainly show her the lengths of his desires, happily so where he only wishes to please her. Cullen can't possibly have enough now, and he seeks more with the parting of his lips, tongue gently driving against the line separating her lips, working to coax them apart so he might taste her fully. His head tilts, eyes tightly shut and just reveling in the way her body presses into his, the softness of her frame in contrast to the rigid edges of his own. ]
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She presses close to him, her hips to his, and tilts her head up so she can better angle their kiss. His tongue she accepts readily and there is a pleased sound in her throat at the first touch. Neria holds him tighter, a hand trailing into his hair to keep him close, their tongues meeting briefly. There is so much and yet it is not enough, not enough to sate her desire for him. It is not solely a lustful desire, but one that seeks to be encompassed by him, to physically feel what she has already felt emotionally for weeks now; her world has started to revolve around him, and come what may, she is helpless to stop it, nor would she want to.
The feeling of him against her, muscle and hard lines that press into her body, is enough to set a fire within her that she cannot contain for long. The grip around his shoulders slips down, her arm going around his side so that she might press the flat of her palm to his back, a coax to keep him there, keep him pressed, because there is contentment in simply being able to feel him here with her. This is not a fleeting kiss they can sneak in his office or their hands threaded together beneath the table. This is all encompassing, more than she could ever ask for, and all that she has wanted these past few weeks of travel. Only now does she realize how much she has thought of it, how her mind wanders to ideas that mirror this moment, and she sighs into the feeling. ]
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[ Cullen feels incredibly warm, uncomfortable, yet glued to where they stand as their bodies mesh so perfectly together. He shivers at the feeling of her fingers coaxing the neat shape of his hair out of place, causing it to curl and shift at her touch. It's when those hands move to his back that he writhes into her, hips instinctively rolling into her own. There's an uncharacteristic moan he can't prevent as it feels like cold water pours into his belly, skin prickling under constrictive clothing. ]
[ While he is certain he could devour her lips all day, the rest of her calls for him. Cullen kisses her on the lips one last time, lingering before they take him to her jawline and neck. He stops at her pulse point, teeth and tongue working to suckle down on her flesh, desperate to taste her further. Cullen has waited what feels like an eternity for this, and he has every intention on taking advantage of the privacy they have now. ]
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As Cullen seeks out her throat, pressing hard kisses and nips to her sensitive skin, her hands join together at his front to begin looking for the catches of his clothes and armor so that she might explore to her heart's contentment. Neria looks for the things he can discard, his outer fur mantle and leathers being first and foremost, much as she likes the former (as any Fereldan would). But she looks, too, for the quickest way to find warm skin, to slide her hands up under his tunic so she might touch muscle beneath. He has had his moment to touch her; now she wants to touch him back.
Beneath his mouth, she shivers, every part of her sensitive to his attentions. It has been such a long time since someone has touched her this way and never someone she has felt so close to, someone she has loved so much. Head tilted just slightly back to allow him room to explore, her pulse thrums quickly, heartbeat fluttering with every graze of his teeth and suckle of his lips.
With a brief and breathless chuckle, she murmurs: ]
You're wearing too much.
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[ Cullen can't possibly get enough of this, tasting every angle of her neck he can reach, lingering at the chord connecting to her shoulder. He feels her hands roam, reach for whatever they can to unlatch the fur mantle on his shoulders first. A breeze follows it falling to the floor, and it comes to his attention what difficulty she is facing well before her remark. Their intentions match, it seems, and it is then that the frantic intensity starts to boil in his belly with a threat to overflow. ]
Hah--
[ Cullen chuckles, but it catches in his throat while his lips linger against her neck. Quickly, he reaches up to assist her, unlatching each piece of armor he can reach while still pressed against her. Each piece on his arms come first, and they fall with a loud clack. ]
Truly, this is the only time armor has inconvenienced me.
[ He practically lives in it, after all. Many have made a remark as to questioning whether or not it truly comes off. For once, he feels trapped in it, desperate to remove himself from it so he might assist Neria in the removal of her own. His kisses continue, launching an assault on the curve of her jaw and ear. Once more, the table creaks and he hears it, urging him to find more space and he starts to move the two of them elsewhere. Preferably towards his cot. But walking in a straight line while in the midst of removing intricate armor steals too much concentration, which sparks a greater desperation to get it off. ]
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I like your armor.
[ It's a very odd thing to say in the moment, truly, but she does like it. With his Templar armor left behind, he strikes an attractive figure in leathers, and she fur mantle reminds her of home. Still, she helps him, fingers attentive to the bits of skin she begins to find as his clothes come away. ]
I think, though, that I will like it better off of you.
[ It's said breathlessly even as he coaxes her to move, and Neria steps backwards towards his cot, taking him with her. Her belt comes off as quickly as she can manage, as well as the beginning buckles of the leather she wears. One hand remains on Cullen, to steer and steady him, to touch him as he has touched her, delicate fingers finding and learning the lines of muscle, toned from years of training. She caresses his shoulders, his collar, and down further to his chest, even as she works on her own clothes with a single hand.
At least she is not the only one so desperate to be rid of what keeps them confined. ]