[ She always finds comfort in the way he takes her hand. There is something incredibly tender about the gesture, genuine and caring, and she selfishly soaks it up when she has the chance. Cullen is able to calm a storm in her heart with a single touch, if only for a moment, because he proves time and again that she is not alone.
Her thumb brushes over his knuckles and she squeezes his hand in gratitude, meeting his gaze from across the small space between them. ]
I'm sorry for that. For the Chantry, for the things you've been through. I've seen what lyrium can do to Templars, even long before the Red Templars began storming the countryside. It's...a painful and cruel leash they've given you in the name of righteousness.
[ She can't forgive it. So much of what the Chantry says is a lie. Alistair didn't need lyrium to produce his abilities, and he did not suffer for it. What Cullen has gone through and will continue to go through will be terrible. It will ravage his body and leave him with nothing before it is through. ]
The Calling is not something we speak of until after the Joining. There are too many secrets among the Wardens and I intend to fix that. When we hear the Calling, we are encouraged to storm the Deep Roads and kill as many Darkspawn as possible before succumbing. Our sacrifice is made worthwhile, as it always has been.
[ Her gaze hardens briefly. ]
Not unlike what is expected of Templars. I'm certain you understand; the Chantry necessitates full sacrifice from its warriors, as the Wardens do.
[ Neria looks him over for a moment, silent as she does so. ]
...I haven't seen you take lyrium since I've been here.
[ She had noticed very shortly after her arrival that he never took breaks for it, never asked for any. She had wondered but now that he speaks about a decrease in dosage... Her concern is obvious, muddled with fear. ]
no subject
Her thumb brushes over his knuckles and she squeezes his hand in gratitude, meeting his gaze from across the small space between them. ]
I'm sorry for that. For the Chantry, for the things you've been through. I've seen what lyrium can do to Templars, even long before the Red Templars began storming the countryside. It's...a painful and cruel leash they've given you in the name of righteousness.
[ She can't forgive it. So much of what the Chantry says is a lie. Alistair didn't need lyrium to produce his abilities, and he did not suffer for it. What Cullen has gone through and will continue to go through will be terrible. It will ravage his body and leave him with nothing before it is through. ]
The Calling is not something we speak of until after the Joining. There are too many secrets among the Wardens and I intend to fix that. When we hear the Calling, we are encouraged to storm the Deep Roads and kill as many Darkspawn as possible before succumbing. Our sacrifice is made worthwhile, as it always has been.
[ Her gaze hardens briefly. ]
Not unlike what is expected of Templars. I'm certain you understand; the Chantry necessitates full sacrifice from its warriors, as the Wardens do.
[ Neria looks him over for a moment, silent as she does so. ]
...I haven't seen you take lyrium since I've been here.
[ She had noticed very shortly after her arrival that he never took breaks for it, never asked for any. She had wondered but now that he speaks about a decrease in dosage... Her concern is obvious, muddled with fear. ]
Cullen --