[ Somehow with intentions on the table, things have become... Easier? Things such as motivation, focus, rest. It is in Neria's support and care that Cullen is able to follow through with the worst of his withdrawal. There are long, painful months to follow what has blossomed between he and Neria. Her patience is a blessing, where in his various outbursts and desperate moments nearly bringing him to reach for a vial, she remains by his side. Granted, it has made the progression of their relationship... Slow. ]
[ And even well after his withdrawal comes to a desirable end, the difficulty of finding time for one another remains high. Though the likelihood of either sharing what has become of the two remains low. Just as Cullen prefers it. Many times, Kaia has pulled him aside, tried to prod and pry, find if her influence had succeeded. And each time, Cullen would wave dismissively or vehemently deny. What Neria and he share is their business, private, and surely not something he wishes to allow to interfere with their work. ]
[ Though, the desire to continue holding up such a strong barrier starts to wear down after some time. Especially when private moments quickly fail. Perhaps Cullen should have made a habit of taking breaks before, maybe then his recruits would not expect him to be available even at the latest hours. Stealing a kiss is as difficult as a couple hours of sleep, and to know that it finally begins to get to him is as terrifying as the notion of taking time away from his duties. ]
[ But Maker, he is only a man. How he has somehow began to realize that nowis beyond him. Cullen loves her, cherishes just standing beside her but it is in that love that has been set on the table between them that he realizes his attraction to her might... Slightly be getting in the way of his productivity. He's ashamed, surely, and Neria may have very likely caught him in the middle of passionate prayer to keep him at bay. When this is all over, he tells himself, it will be well worth it for the both of them. ]
[ Months pass yet again, and so the influence of the Inquisition continues on. There are lulls that the entirety of the Inquisition cherishes if only a little, but each mission is an important press forward. Their nightly meetings at the War Table see no end, and each one could run through an entire evening. All gather around, glowing candlelight illuminating what pieces had been placed upon the board the night before. Josephine is the first to share her reports of missions previously finalized, just as Leliana places new pieces along the map. Cullen awaits for them to finish, hand resting over his sword while he focuses on what might be the most valuable step forward. ]
[ Josephine speaks ]
Inquisitor, we've received additional correspondence from Marquis Mantillon. It appears you've an offer to uphold in the Winter Palace.
[ Kaia's smile is crooked, shoulders shrugging. ]
Because clearly I've gained excellent skill in this ridiculous Game I've been forced to play. What of it now?
[ Cullen's brow raises in turn, silent. He isn't fond of the Winter Palace, certainly not of Orlais either. The Game Orlesians play has never been interesting to him, beautiful as Orlais may be. But he can't help but find brief interest when Josephine begins to fully read the letter sent from the Marquis. An easy task, a simple order to a few of their troops to defend an attack. Neria and he could certainly make short work of the matter. ]
[ His neck cranes as he peeks over Josephine's shoulder, desperately trying (and likely failing) to hide that he reads over the large ruffles that decorate her arms. Brow still perked, he looked over to Neria, still silent, in a wordless type of body language where he hopes she is as intrigued as he is. ]
[ At least... In the sense that this might be their first opportunity in some time to find some privacy. His eyes lock on her, Josephine's words drowning out while she discusses what she might be able to do in the form of utilizing favors. His gaze looks to her in a way that says "Perhaps we might... You know?" ]
no subject
[ And even well after his withdrawal comes to a desirable end, the difficulty of finding time for one another remains high. Though the likelihood of either sharing what has become of the two remains low. Just as Cullen prefers it. Many times, Kaia has pulled him aside, tried to prod and pry, find if her influence had succeeded. And each time, Cullen would wave dismissively or vehemently deny. What Neria and he share is their business, private, and surely not something he wishes to allow to interfere with their work. ]
[ Though, the desire to continue holding up such a strong barrier starts to wear down after some time. Especially when private moments quickly fail. Perhaps Cullen should have made a habit of taking breaks before, maybe then his recruits would not expect him to be available even at the latest hours. Stealing a kiss is as difficult as a couple hours of sleep, and to know that it finally begins to get to him is as terrifying as the notion of taking time away from his duties. ]
[ But Maker, he is only a man. How he has somehow began to realize that nowis beyond him. Cullen loves her, cherishes just standing beside her but it is in that love that has been set on the table between them that he realizes his attraction to her might... Slightly be getting in the way of his productivity. He's ashamed, surely, and Neria may have very likely caught him in the middle of passionate prayer to keep him at bay. When this is all over, he tells himself, it will be well worth it for the both of them. ]
[ Months pass yet again, and so the influence of the Inquisition continues on. There are lulls that the entirety of the Inquisition cherishes if only a little, but each mission is an important press forward. Their nightly meetings at the War Table see no end, and each one could run through an entire evening. All gather around, glowing candlelight illuminating what pieces had been placed upon the board the night before. Josephine is the first to share her reports of missions previously finalized, just as Leliana places new pieces along the map. Cullen awaits for them to finish, hand resting over his sword while he focuses on what might be the most valuable step forward. ]
[ Josephine speaks ]
Inquisitor, we've received additional correspondence from Marquis Mantillon. It appears you've an offer to uphold in the Winter Palace.
[ Kaia's smile is crooked, shoulders shrugging. ]
Because clearly I've gained excellent skill in this ridiculous Game I've been forced to play. What of it now?
[ Cullen's brow raises in turn, silent. He isn't fond of the Winter Palace, certainly not of Orlais either. The Game Orlesians play has never been interesting to him, beautiful as Orlais may be. But he can't help but find brief interest when Josephine begins to fully read the letter sent from the Marquis. An easy task, a simple order to a few of their troops to defend an attack. Neria and he could certainly make short work of the matter. ]
[ His neck cranes as he peeks over Josephine's shoulder, desperately trying (and likely failing) to hide that he reads over the large ruffles that decorate her arms. Brow still perked, he looked over to Neria, still silent, in a wordless type of body language where he hopes she is as intrigued as he is. ]
[ At least... In the sense that this might be their first opportunity in some time to find some privacy. His eyes lock on her, Josephine's words drowning out while she discusses what she might be able to do in the form of utilizing favors. His gaze looks to her in a way that says "Perhaps we might... You know?" ]