[ Nothing she explains is unfamiliar, certainly something he has experienced himself since leaving The Order. While there aren't voices telling him to fight until the death among the Deep Roads, there are voices that chastise him for breaking his vows. Reminders of the torture he had been subjected to years ago, threats, guilt... What Neria is experiencing is almost a mirror's image to what he has already gone through, and it is there that he finds a common ground with Neria he might never find with anyone else. She is truly a valuable companion, and he is happy to have her by his side. ]
Know that I and the Inquisition appreciate and value your sacrifice. Wardens are valuable, just as the entirety of our troops are. I know that you will do right by them, and they are fortunate to have you as their leader.
[ But the subject takes a turn to him, surely a change in direction that he would rather avoid. Cullen hates talking about himself, about his mistakes that have led him to his final decision. Neria and him have been practically attached by the hip since her joining the Inquisition, and the question would have certainly come up eventually. He owes Neria honesty, just as much as she has given him. ]
[ She looks concerned, scared, and Cullen squeezes her hand in reassurance, while the other holds up in protest. ]
I'm fine.
[ He wants to make that very clear, even if there may be a bit of a lie in there. While the symptoms haven't piqued quite yet, they are there. Before, he could get away with a few hours of sleep, but that becomes more a challenge as each night passes. ]
[ He lowers his hand, letting it join the other where he holds Neria's in both of them. ]
We are in this together, but I was waiting for a more appropriate time to tell you.
Yes, I stopped taking lyrium. Before you arrived, actually. After what I had witnessed in my service as a Templar, I decided to distance myself from that life. My vows have been broken, and I will accept whatever consequences follow.
[ And he smiles, forced as it may be. ]
I have support. I have asked Cassandra to keep an eye on me, to determine whether or not I am to leave my post. But I've doubts it will come to that, I won't let my decision interfere with the task at hand.
no subject
Know that I and the Inquisition appreciate and value your sacrifice. Wardens are valuable, just as the entirety of our troops are. I know that you will do right by them, and they are fortunate to have you as their leader.
[ But the subject takes a turn to him, surely a change in direction that he would rather avoid. Cullen hates talking about himself, about his mistakes that have led him to his final decision. Neria and him have been practically attached by the hip since her joining the Inquisition, and the question would have certainly come up eventually. He owes Neria honesty, just as much as she has given him. ]
[ She looks concerned, scared, and Cullen squeezes her hand in reassurance, while the other holds up in protest. ]
I'm fine.
[ He wants to make that very clear, even if there may be a bit of a lie in there. While the symptoms haven't piqued quite yet, they are there. Before, he could get away with a few hours of sleep, but that becomes more a challenge as each night passes. ]
[ He lowers his hand, letting it join the other where he holds Neria's in both of them. ]
We are in this together, but I was waiting for a more appropriate time to tell you.
Yes, I stopped taking lyrium. Before you arrived, actually. After what I had witnessed in my service as a Templar, I decided to distance myself from that life. My vows have been broken, and I will accept whatever consequences follow.
[ And he smiles, forced as it may be. ]
I have support. I have asked Cassandra to keep an eye on me, to determine whether or not I am to leave my post. But I've doubts it will come to that, I won't let my decision interfere with the task at hand.