[ He feels relief in her consent, less anxious than he had been before she had arrived. Cullen is normally fine on his own, even prefers his privacy over the company of others. But he has found himself growing dependent on Neria's company, only truly content when she shares space with him of any kind. Whether that be on the battlefield or within the War Room, he feels at his best when she is by his side. She has quickly become his other half, where he has never felt so full and whole in so very long. ]

[ For once, he smiles, and it is genuine and soft, close enough to still touch her lips. ]

I would never ask of you to leave my side. Never.

[ He revels in the feeling of her lips touching his knuckles, and he holds on to this feeling. It brings warmth to his cold and biting flesh, sets his heart at ease. ]

Neria, I... I admit I have never felt this content in so long. To have a vacant space where you used to be would likely provoke my undoing.

Your faith not only in our cause, but in me while I go through this has been the thread that has kept me together. Forgive me if this places a straining burden upon you.