(no subject)

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen is fine in the field. He can set up a tent, build a fire, find water safe to drink, make something edible. But he hasn't traveled enough to get the knack of what's wise to bring.

These days it makes little difference, given his status: he helps to set up camp, but there are runners and adjutants to find and fetch things. And there are few enough of them, this time -- not the massed force of the Inquisition, but a patrol's worth of soldiers and scouts and accompanying support -- that in the evenings, Cullen finds himself... restless.

It's akin to the reason he doesn't frequent the Herald's Rest, but there's no office to hide in, and no paperwork to justify staying in the tent.

At least tomorrow he and Alistair will peel off to where Honnleath used to be, to spend the night and rejoin the rest again late the following day.

(This may also contribute to his fidgeting.)

Comments

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair snorts out a tiny laugh.

"I don't know. Ser Bovine might be more palatable after he's been turned into steaks."

Pun wholeheartedly intended.

[howtoactfereldan]

"Ugh," says Cullen, and shoves Alistair's shoulder.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair topples onto his back, cackling the whole while.

There's so much smugness radiating from his side of the bedroll. So much.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen, meanwhile, goes back to his previous position of curling up in protest, pillow over his head.

"Why," he moans.

[bringspeopletogether]

"You suggested I come along," says Alistair, back to the innocence and light of before. "On your head be it."

[howtoactfereldan]

"I thought you were merciful."

[bringspeopletogether]

"I consider it merciful that I've limited my awful puns to no more than two a day. Especially after all that time around Bull."

He's just saying!

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen lifts the pillow and turns over just enough to shoot Alistair an evil look.

"I happen to have an excellent pun," he growls, "and now I'm going to withhold it."

[bringspeopletogether]

:O! goes Alistair's face.

"What! Why not? It could make friends with my pun -- "

[howtoactfereldan]

"That is not how that works."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Of course it is! Just think, your pun could rescue mine from a life of terribleness, teach it how to be a fine, upstanding Pun Citizen..."

He tucks his hands behind his head, grinning.

[howtoactfereldan]

"They're not autonomous beings, Alistair."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Well, certainly not with that attitude, they aren't."

Cheerful once more.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen rolls onto his stomach, pulls the pillow over his head with both hands, and makes a very loud and angry noise into the bedroll.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Admit it."

Alistair pats Cullen's shoulder.

"You'd miss my awful jokes and stories if I wasn't here."

[howtoactfereldan]

Without moving, muffled:

"Five minutes ago I would have agreed."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair snorts, rolls onto his belly, and sets his chin against his hands.

But -- to his credit -- he doesn't say anything else.

[howtoactfereldan]

It's nice and quiet.




Maybe he'll just stay under here. It's a little comfortable. Comfortable enough.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair frees one hand and sets it on Cullen's back again.

Gently, absently, he traces small circles with his palm.

[howtoactfereldan]

After a moment, Cullen pushes the pillow away, settling his head on his arms instead.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair slides his hand higher, following the ridge of Cullen's spine; he puts a little more pressure on the heel of his palm as he reaches the base of Cullen's neck.

Quiet, with a small (and rather crooked) smile: "Am I forgiven?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"No," Cullen says, dignified. "It made it inconvenient to breathe, that's all."

[bringspeopletogether]

Dryly: "Right. Of course."

He doesn't stop rubbing Cullen's back, however.

[howtoactfereldan]

"A steak pun is a rare medium well done."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Dammit -- "

Alistair splutters incoherently, then smacks his hand against Cullen's back as he falls into helpless laughter.