[ Maevaris is understanding about his need to leave; she assures him she can handle anything that might possibly go up while he takes a few weeks off. With the addition of the Eluvian, it's much easier, of course but he still needs to make the show as if he's traveling on foot.
They send a decoy, while Bull and his company arrive separately and then Dorian slips through the Eluvian. It's a much shorter trip, but despite everything, he nearly arrives too late.
They've the best healers and midwives available and Dorian spends a good portion of the time clutching Bull's hand while they stay outside the room, listening and able to do nothing. Cullen's in much the same state, pacing until both Dorian and Bull tell him to sit the hell down. They call Cullen in first, after assuring them there's nothing wrong. Dorian doesn't ask the sex of the baby just yet, instead waiting until it's their turn.
When it's done, Cullen's sitting by Cecily's bed, while she holds the child up against her. He balks in the door at first, Bull nearly running into him. ]
[ It isn't an easy birth. She can't even blame the anchor for any of the pain, what with it having been gone as long as it has and having nothing to do with the horrible things that are happening to her body. Though there are blessedly no actual complications, the entire process is a bloody mess that has her yelling obscenities, biting her nails into her palms, calling out for her husband and then sending him away again all in the same breath when he appears, flustered and unsure. They do have the best help there for her, and thank the Maker for that, because Cecily is a difficult patient.
Until she isn't. When the piercing sounds of her hellish torment die down, there are little wails of a newborn. She's relieved to see Cullen (somewhere in her painful haze she thought he'd left the building) and they touch foreheads briefly before he settles at her side. When they hand her the baby, new and too small and swaddled, she tucks him into the crook of her arm and keeps him close, unwilling to give him over to anyone just yet.
Dorian and Bull enter, or almost enter, and the comment draws a surprised, dry laugh. ]
Small? I hadn't noticed. Now, if you'd said "Maker, I can't believe how enormous he is, how could you possibly have achieved such a feat," then I would say, "yes, he's an absolute monster."
[ The Commander chuckles, half-rolling his eyes. She knows he's eager the baby again as it is technically also his, but she can't help but selfishly hold on for a few more moments to herself. Sweat glistens on her forehead, her hair is understandably disheveled, and the entire scene isn't unlike the aftermath of a battle, but there you have it. ]
[ Are they going to have him hold it? The idea was endearing at first but now he's just struck with this sort of anxiety about it, digging his teeth into his bottom lip while Bull stands behind him. There's a pause, and then big hands cup his hips, gently nudging him further in until they're closer and he gets a proper look at it.
There's no way to tell if it's a boy or a girl, but it doesn't much matter. The squalling thing is alive and healthy from what they've heard, and Cecily is doing well, too. That's all he can ask for. ]
Do they all look quite so...turnip-y?
[ Behind him, Bull poorly stifles a laugh and Dorian shoots him a look. He finally summons the balls to circle around to the other side, reaching out to smooth back the sweaty mess of her hair and press a kiss to her forehead. ]
Any child of yours and the Commander's is bound to be an absolute monster.
[ Right now, the baby isn't actually screeching; he gurgles occasionally with a tiny sort of bleat, but his eyes are closed, face scrunched up in dislike of his new surroundings. He does, in fact, look like a turnip. ]
He does not look like a turnip! [ She won't argue that he's not a monster, though, having just made the claim herself. Cecily peers up at him with all the indignation she can muster. ] I was going to ask if you'd like to hold him, but all things considered, I wouldn't want you to accidentally make him into a stew-
[ Cullen, smiling wearily, lays a hand gently on her arm. She huffs a bit, but then deflates; it's hard to not be a touch over-dramatic when you've just given birth. ]
... His name is Justin. [ She says, demure. None of them need think too hard over why it had been chosen; without the Divine, Cecily wouldn't have been alive, would never have met all the people who had changed her life so dramatically. Justinia had given her own life to save that of a complete stranger's, and one so much less important, vastly incomparable. Then, her spirit, or... some part of her, at least, had lead them all from the Fade and shown her the truth of the anchor. ] And we'd like for you to be his godfather, if you'll consent to it.
[ Dorian settles on the other side of the bed, ass hanging half off, but it's enough to allow him to wind an arm around her shoulders without the slightest bit of complaining about sweat soaking into expensive cloth.
Maker, he'd never thought of her as frail, and he knows that she isn't but there's this awful, momentary fear of complications, of poor health, of a thousand things he can't help but worries about anyway. She's fine, though. The best healers and midwives; he tells himself over and over again.
Of course, all that goes straight out the window when she speaks again and he stares at the baby a moment, and then at her, shocked beyond measure. ]
[ And it has, though it had been more solemn and hypothetical. All the same, the decision hadn't been very difficult. All of the members of the former Inquisition are dear to her, to her and Cullen both, but Dorian... is different. Has always seemed to understand the things she didn't say, has always been prepared for and had answers to all the crises that arose. He's been there for her from across the world, always. Unfailingly. And he's here now.
You're my closest friend, you ass. ]
I know it's a lot... or, maybe I don't; I'm not entirely sure what it entails. [ Cecily straightens, trying to accommodate all of them in the tiny space (Maker forbid Bull decide he'd like to sit close, too, and the lot of them end u on the floor). ] But, if anything were to happen to us-
"Nothing is going to happen." [ Cullen interjects gruffly, finally feeling as if his comment is worth speaking aloud. ]
Yes, that, but- [ She continues, nudging him, down, boy. ] If. Then, he would be under your care. It isn't something to take lightly.
[ She's told, not being a godparent, herself, or having had the charge of any children in her lifetime. ... Save those among their ranks and the refugees, the people who either lived or died as a result of her choice, keep it together, you aren't the Inquisitor any longer. ]
Yes, but I thought it was perhaps pregnancy induced insanity.
[ Bull's being terribly helpful by Cullen, rolling his eye and watching the two of them with this weird sort of smile on his face. Dorian doesn't try to think too hard about it, not right now.
Still, at mention of anything happening to them, Dorian's fingers tighten briefly on her arm. ]
Nothing is going to happen. Listen to the Comm- ah, your husband. [ There's no small amount of amusement and glee as he says that, finding this terribly hilarious. ]
Nothing will happen. [ She repeats, as if each of them saying it will make it unquestionably true. ] All the same: will you?
[ Gently, she lifts her arm, looks up with an exhausted, but hopeful sort of expression. It's an invitation for him to hold the infant, if he'd like, and if not, she can take a hint and understands wholly. It's fairly likely the Commander will snatch him away at any second anyway, the way his eyes seem to be stuck on mother and son both. ]
And then Bull, of course.
[ It isn't as if she trusts anyone more than those who had been her companions during their closing of the Breach and fight with Corypheus. And she'll be dammed if she lets one of the healers take the baby now, no matter what they say. ]
[ Dorian's tone is soft and reverent, taking the child with a careful hand at the back of its head, gently cradling it against his chest. He'd opted for the clothing without so many buckles, so it's just smooth leather and soft cloth. The baby burbles unhappily a moment until Dorian nestles him into the curve of his arm, staring at his face like he can't quite believe what he's holding. ]
And you carried this thing around in you?
[ It's not nearly as teasing as it should be -- still a little too breathy, shocked, because it's a child, it's Cecily's child and he's so fucking happy for her that he could burst. Off to the side, Bull settles in a chair after dragging it close; his ankle's been giving him shit. ]
Maker, I'm particularly glad I'm not a woman, today.
[ He can't even imagine. Bull snorts, talking in low tones to Cullen a moment while Dorian settles with Cecily and the child in his arms, stroking its cheek lightly. ]
Look, he even got all of your good features. None of Cullen's frankly questionable hair.
[ The second Cecily releases him, she feels a shock of fear, of wrong, as if she'd... say, lost a limb. A request to take him back almost escapes her lips in a hormone-induced panic, but she quiets herself, breathing deeply, heart thumping rebelliously in her chest. It helps to see his reaction; she half-turns, watching, tiny smile reaching her eyes at the way Dorian holds the infant, practically gawking. ]
That is how it works, yes. [ There's a little chuckle. Without its new purpose, her hand traces careful lines over her stomach, still a relative hill under the covers after the birth. ]
You have no idea. [ She would never go into the actual experience of what she'd just gone through, half because she isn't sure she could put it into words and half because she thinks one of the three might end up fainting as a result (Cullen, who had been sheet-white throughout the entire thing). ]
What, my bow arm and biting wit? [ Cecily leans her head back to rest against Dorian, now grinning. "Curly," Varric had always called the Commander, but it's impossible to tell, really, what Justin will look like, not with how tiny and squishy and fairly featureless he is, eyes still closed, nose wrinkled, hair light and puff-like.
[ He holds the child a moment more and misses entirely the way that Bull's watching him, almost wistful.
Dorian lasts another moment and then the child opens its mouth and lets out the most piteous little noise, squirming in his arms. There's no danger of dropping him, but he gives Cecily the most wide-eyed, terrified look and nods at her. ]
Take him back, I don't know how you let me hold him in the first place.
[ As soon as she's got him, Dorian goes back to staring adoringly rather than panicking; he circles back around to Bull's side to let Cullen have his time. Maker knows they've more than earned it. Bull winds one big arm around his waist, presses his face into his stomach a moment, careful of his horns. ]
We can stay at least a month; it won't get you through the entirety of sleepless nights, but Josephine and the others offered to come by as well.
[ It's light, but earnest. She smiles gratefully as he hands the baby back over and, because his tension is as palpable as static, Cecily gently passes him to her husband, who seems eager enough to slip the tiny thing into his own grasp. Justin settles there, and when Cullen raises a hand to his bitty face, he wraps his entire hand gradually around a finger.
Cullen freezes like a statue and stays that way for some time. ]
A month is more than I could have asked for. [ She all but beams at Dorian and Bull, looking positively relieved and, frankly, gleeful for the company. She has no idea when she'll actually be able to be up and about and just having her friends present lifts her spirits and eases her anxieties immensely. ] Though it's hellishly boring here; I can't promise there will be much more excitement than... well, this.
[ The little turnip that's taken over at least two lives and its bonafide slaves. ]
[ Bull's voice is warm, assuring and for a moment Dorian's just so painfully full of affection that he can't stand it. He presses his hand to the top of Bull's head, stroking down over the nape of his neck to where it flares to the broadness of his shoulders, rubbing warm circles there. ]
He's right. We'll keep you or the little one entertained as much as possible so you two can rest.
[ Maker knows they'll need it. Dorian was an only child, but he's not unfamiliar with children. He can guess how much trouble it's going to be trying to sleep, let alone doing anything else. ]
[ With Cullen holding the baby, she's able to reach her arm up to wrap around his neck, lingering a second or two too long, potentially still delirious with the after effects of the pain and, of course, incredibly grateful to have him there in person. ]
I'll do what I can. [ She exchanges looks with Cullen; they both are pleased, but thoroughly exhausted. Cecily, for more obvious reasons, and he out of going above and beyond "dutiful husband" and worrying enough for a dozen new fathers. ] But don't go too far, all right?
[ She smiles lightly at both Dorian and Bull, heart thrumming with how very much she cares for them both, for everyone in the room. Finally, things seem as if they make sense in my life. ]
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They send a decoy, while Bull and his company arrive separately and then Dorian slips through the Eluvian. It's a much shorter trip, but despite everything, he nearly arrives too late.
They've the best healers and midwives available and Dorian spends a good portion of the time clutching Bull's hand while they stay outside the room, listening and able to do nothing. Cullen's in much the same state, pacing until both Dorian and Bull tell him to sit the hell down. They call Cullen in first, after assuring them there's nothing wrong. Dorian doesn't ask the sex of the baby just yet, instead waiting until it's their turn.
When it's done, Cullen's sitting by Cecily's bed, while she holds the child up against her. He balks in the door at first, Bull nearly running into him. ]
Maker, I didn't realize how small they were.
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Until she isn't. When the piercing sounds of her hellish torment die down, there are little wails of a newborn. She's relieved to see Cullen (somewhere in her painful haze she thought he'd left the building) and they touch foreheads briefly before he settles at her side. When they hand her the baby, new and too small and swaddled, she tucks him into the crook of her arm and keeps him close, unwilling to give him over to anyone just yet.
Dorian and Bull enter, or almost enter, and the comment draws a surprised, dry laugh. ]
Small? I hadn't noticed. Now, if you'd said "Maker, I can't believe how enormous he is, how could you possibly have achieved such a feat," then I would say, "yes, he's an absolute monster."
[ The Commander chuckles, half-rolling his eyes. She knows he's eager the baby again as it is technically also his, but she can't help but selfishly hold on for a few more moments to herself. Sweat glistens on her forehead, her hair is understandably disheveled, and the entire scene isn't unlike the aftermath of a battle, but there you have it. ]
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There's no way to tell if it's a boy or a girl, but it doesn't much matter. The squalling thing is alive and healthy from what they've heard, and Cecily is doing well, too. That's all he can ask for. ]
Do they all look quite so...turnip-y?
[ Behind him, Bull poorly stifles a laugh and Dorian shoots him a look. He finally summons the balls to circle around to the other side, reaching out to smooth back the sweaty mess of her hair and press a kiss to her forehead. ]
Any child of yours and the Commander's is bound to be an absolute monster.
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He does not look like a turnip! [ She won't argue that he's not a monster, though, having just made the claim herself. Cecily peers up at him with all the indignation she can muster. ] I was going to ask if you'd like to hold him, but all things considered, I wouldn't want you to accidentally make him into a stew-
[ Cullen, smiling wearily, lays a hand gently on her arm. She huffs a bit, but then deflates; it's hard to not be a touch over-dramatic when you've just given birth. ]
... His name is Justin. [ She says, demure. None of them need think too hard over why it had been chosen; without the Divine, Cecily wouldn't have been alive, would never have met all the people who had changed her life so dramatically. Justinia had given her own life to save that of a complete stranger's, and one so much less important, vastly incomparable. Then, her spirit, or... some part of her, at least, had lead them all from the Fade and shown her the truth of the anchor. ] And we'd like for you to be his godfather, if you'll consent to it.
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[ Dorian settles on the other side of the bed, ass hanging half off, but it's enough to allow him to wind an arm around her shoulders without the slightest bit of complaining about sweat soaking into expensive cloth.
Maker, he'd never thought of her as frail, and he knows that she isn't but there's this awful, momentary fear of complications, of poor health, of a thousand things he can't help but worries about anyway. She's fine, though. The best healers and midwives; he tells himself over and over again.
Of course, all that goes straight out the window when she speaks again and he stares at the baby a moment, and then at her, shocked beyond measure. ]
I- you what?
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[ And it has, though it had been more solemn and hypothetical. All the same, the decision hadn't been very difficult. All of the members of the former Inquisition are dear to her, to her and Cullen both, but Dorian... is different. Has always seemed to understand the things she didn't say, has always been prepared for and had answers to all the crises that arose. He's been there for her from across the world, always. Unfailingly. And he's here now.
You're my closest friend, you ass. ]
I know it's a lot... or, maybe I don't; I'm not entirely sure what it entails. [ Cecily straightens, trying to accommodate all of them in the tiny space (Maker forbid Bull decide he'd like to sit close, too, and the lot of them end u on the floor). ] But, if anything were to happen to us-
"Nothing is going to happen." [ Cullen interjects gruffly, finally feeling as if his comment is worth speaking aloud. ]
Yes, that, but- [ She continues, nudging him, down, boy. ] If. Then, he would be under your care. It isn't something to take lightly.
[ She's told, not being a godparent, herself, or having had the charge of any children in her lifetime. ... Save those among their ranks and the refugees, the people who either lived or died as a result of her choice, keep it together, you aren't the Inquisitor any longer. ]
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[ Bull's being terribly helpful by Cullen, rolling his eye and watching the two of them with this weird sort of smile on his face. Dorian doesn't try to think too hard about it, not right now.
Still, at mention of anything happening to them, Dorian's fingers tighten briefly on her arm. ]
Nothing is going to happen. Listen to the Comm- ah, your husband. [ There's no small amount of amusement and glee as he says that, finding this terribly hilarious. ]
Of course, Cecily. But nothing will happen.
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[ Gently, she lifts her arm, looks up with an exhausted, but hopeful sort of expression. It's an invitation for him to hold the infant, if he'd like, and if not, she can take a hint and understands wholly. It's fairly likely the Commander will snatch him away at any second anyway, the way his eyes seem to be stuck on mother and son both. ]
And then Bull, of course.
[ It isn't as if she trusts anyone more than those who had been her companions during their closing of the Breach and fight with Corypheus. And she'll be dammed if she lets one of the healers take the baby now, no matter what they say. ]
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[ Dorian's tone is soft and reverent, taking the child with a careful hand at the back of its head, gently cradling it against his chest. He'd opted for the clothing without so many buckles, so it's just smooth leather and soft cloth. The baby burbles unhappily a moment until Dorian nestles him into the curve of his arm, staring at his face like he can't quite believe what he's holding. ]
And you carried this thing around in you?
[ It's not nearly as teasing as it should be -- still a little too breathy, shocked, because it's a child, it's Cecily's child and he's so fucking happy for her that he could burst. Off to the side, Bull settles in a chair after dragging it close; his ankle's been giving him shit. ]
Maker, I'm particularly glad I'm not a woman, today.
[ He can't even imagine. Bull snorts, talking in low tones to Cullen a moment while Dorian settles with Cecily and the child in his arms, stroking its cheek lightly. ]
Look, he even got all of your good features. None of Cullen's frankly questionable hair.
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That is how it works, yes. [ There's a little chuckle. Without its new purpose, her hand traces careful lines over her stomach, still a relative hill under the covers after the birth. ]
You have no idea. [ She would never go into the actual experience of what she'd just gone through, half because she isn't sure she could put it into words and half because she thinks one of the three might end up fainting as a result (Cullen, who had been sheet-white throughout the entire thing). ]
What, my bow arm and biting wit? [ Cecily leans her head back to rest against Dorian, now grinning. "Curly," Varric had always called the Commander, but it's impossible to tell, really, what Justin will look like, not with how tiny and squishy and fairly featureless he is, eyes still closed, nose wrinkled, hair light and puff-like.
I love him. He's beautiful. I love him. ]
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[ He holds the child a moment more and misses entirely the way that Bull's watching him, almost wistful.
Dorian lasts another moment and then the child opens its mouth and lets out the most piteous little noise, squirming in his arms. There's no danger of dropping him, but he gives Cecily the most wide-eyed, terrified look and nods at her. ]
Take him back, I don't know how you let me hold him in the first place.
[ As soon as she's got him, Dorian goes back to staring adoringly rather than panicking; he circles back around to Bull's side to let Cullen have his time. Maker knows they've more than earned it. Bull winds one big arm around his waist, presses his face into his stomach a moment, careful of his horns. ]
We can stay at least a month; it won't get you through the entirety of sleepless nights, but Josephine and the others offered to come by as well.
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[ It's light, but earnest. She smiles gratefully as he hands the baby back over and, because his tension is as palpable as static, Cecily gently passes him to her husband, who seems eager enough to slip the tiny thing into his own grasp. Justin settles there, and when Cullen raises a hand to his bitty face, he wraps his entire hand gradually around a finger.
Cullen freezes like a statue and stays that way for some time. ]
A month is more than I could have asked for. [ She all but beams at Dorian and Bull, looking positively relieved and, frankly, gleeful for the company. She has no idea when she'll actually be able to be up and about and just having her friends present lifts her spirits and eases her anxieties immensely. ] Though it's hellishly boring here; I can't promise there will be much more excitement than... well, this.
[ The little turnip that's taken over at least two lives and its bonafide slaves. ]
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[ Bull's voice is warm, assuring and for a moment Dorian's just so painfully full of affection that he can't stand it. He presses his hand to the top of Bull's head, stroking down over the nape of his neck to where it flares to the broadness of his shoulders, rubbing warm circles there. ]
He's right. We'll keep you or the little one entertained as much as possible so you two can rest.
[ Maker knows they'll need it. Dorian was an only child, but he's not unfamiliar with children. He can guess how much trouble it's going to be trying to sleep, let alone doing anything else. ]
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[ Her voice has a hopeful sort of lilt; it's almost a joke, but mostly not. ]
We may need another house, with all the visitors we'll have. [ Cullen finally speaks up, baby tucked in the crook of his arm, chuckling low. ]
Good! Maybe they'll stay, we'll all find a new cause to rally 'round, and then we can-
[ Maker, but she sounds almost petulant. Cecily exhales heavily, looking again to her son. You made a choice. This is what you've chosen.
It's both happy and... wistful, somehow. ]
We do have the dog. He's about as entertaining as it gets.
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[ Bull's voice is warm when he says it, and his smile warmer still when Dorian glances up at him, quietly pleased. ]
A child will change that. I'm sure you'll be quite entertained as time goes on.
[ Slowly, he rises up and leans over her on the bed, another kiss to the top of her head and a gentle hug, careful about every motion. ]
Get some rest, hm? There's plenty we can do tomorrow.
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I'll do what I can. [ She exchanges looks with Cullen; they both are pleased, but thoroughly exhausted. Cecily, for more obvious reasons, and he out of going above and beyond "dutiful husband" and worrying enough for a dozen new fathers. ] But don't go too far, all right?
[ She smiles lightly at both Dorian and Bull, heart thrumming with how very much she cares for them both, for everyone in the room. Finally, things seem as if they make sense in my life. ]