[ The answer she offers is... Unsubstantial. At least in the sense that he is certain there is so much more to it than a few sentences and a claim of no one else truly being able to understand. But Cullen is willing. Surely, whatever mistakes she has made that has caused her to go into hiding can be made up for? But this is merely Cullen remembering Neria for the women she was, for the person he had admired despite the fact that she bore the abilities of a mage. With so many years distancing them, nothing she says puts his heart or mind at ease. ]
[ But why else would one hide? Cullen is hardly a fool, and it's clear that there is much more to this than just one conversation can fill. But there is enough hurt in his expression to know that he fears the truth. But the truth is necessary. ]
To hide for so long... You've been a celebrated name since the turn of the Fifth Blight. It's one thing to not feel it right to bask in glory, but to disappear?
[ Cullen takes a step forward, but it's a hesitant step. To come closer would be to diminish distance he isn't sure is appropriate to cut. But he wants so very much to know for certain that she is here, that she is real. Though, is that appropriate? Has a decade made them strangers? Cullen is an entirely different man now, far from the Chantry and no longer a templar. It is very clear that his situation mirrors Neria's own, minus the exile. ]
[ Who is she protecting by exiling herself? Should he even ask? There are so many questions that float through Cullen's head... Questions he's afraid to find the answers to, but all he can seem to focus on is the fact that she is here. That she is alive and well, and even if the feelings he had held for her were boyish and ill-advised? They were still feelings, and strong ones that had left an impact which effects him now. ]
I...
[ He doesn't deserve an apology. Not after what he asked of her. ]
You owe me no such thing, Neria. The man I was back then...
[ Cullen looks away from her. This is such a mess and he has no idea where to even start. ]
no subject
[ But why else would one hide? Cullen is hardly a fool, and it's clear that there is much more to this than just one conversation can fill. But there is enough hurt in his expression to know that he fears the truth. But the truth is necessary. ]
To hide for so long... You've been a celebrated name since the turn of the Fifth Blight. It's one thing to not feel it right to bask in glory, but to disappear?
[ Cullen takes a step forward, but it's a hesitant step. To come closer would be to diminish distance he isn't sure is appropriate to cut. But he wants so very much to know for certain that she is here, that she is real. Though, is that appropriate? Has a decade made them strangers? Cullen is an entirely different man now, far from the Chantry and no longer a templar. It is very clear that his situation mirrors Neria's own, minus the exile. ]
[ Who is she protecting by exiling herself? Should he even ask? There are so many questions that float through Cullen's head... Questions he's afraid to find the answers to, but all he can seem to focus on is the fact that she is here. That she is alive and well, and even if the feelings he had held for her were boyish and ill-advised? They were still feelings, and strong ones that had left an impact which effects him now. ]
I...
[ He doesn't deserve an apology. Not after what he asked of her. ]
You owe me no such thing, Neria. The man I was back then...
[ Cullen looks away from her. This is such a mess and he has no idea where to even start. ]