[ Some things change, some things stay the same. Their relationship grows, certainly, and their affections continue behind closed doors. But things on the battlefield and in the war room mostly stay focused on their mission, long nights spent in their comrades' company than with one another. It doesn't bother Neria at first, not when she is used to a similar schedule when she was Warden-Commander of Ferelden's troops. Her time outside of the war room is taken up by training and small pockets of her own work, hoping to ensure Amaranthine for the eventual transition 'home', as it were. Neria looks in on Morrigan and Kieran often, the latter still leaving her estranged, and she tries her best to befriend the boy and treat him like family without fearing for the essence within him. And, of course, she still experiments in secret, pouring through tomes and notes for any semblance of a cure... But her time with these things is ultimately inconsequential, paling in comparison to the time she has with Cullen.
And so it becomes more and more obvious that the few moments they managed to secure are not enough. Cullen is frustrated and so is she, if she is to be honest. They'd had hours before, it seems, time when they enjoyed each other's company. Now, it always seems as if one of them is needed, Cullen more than she. When he isn't called away, they are together but surrounded by others, and it becomes a test of wills to remain as stoic as they have been.
Serves them right, she supposes, for trying to be private about their relationship.
Neria stands diagonally across from Leliana at the table, flanking Josephine, and in perfect view of Cullen's expression as he looks disdainful regarding the Game. She smiles privately to herself as she moves a few of the pieces in blue, her soldiers, preparing her own report for the evening. It's then that Cullen catches her eye and she manages to listen in at the last on Josephine's report, Kaia's banter distracting enough to give her a few fleeting moments to watch him. She lifts an eyebrow, glancing at Josephine, and she feigns rapt interest. ]
Lady Mantillon was at Halamshiral, was she not? She's had a beleaguered list of husbands, if I'm not mistaken. She and I had an...interesting conversation.
[ Which leads her to glance at the map quizzically. ]
Defending a small basin will be a simple task, if you'll allow, Inquisitor. Cullen and I could take care of it easily and send word back to you. Surely the Dowager will favor a speedy step for her dance than to circumvent her efforts altogether?
no subject
And so it becomes more and more obvious that the few moments they managed to secure are not enough. Cullen is frustrated and so is she, if she is to be honest. They'd had hours before, it seems, time when they enjoyed each other's company. Now, it always seems as if one of them is needed, Cullen more than she. When he isn't called away, they are together but surrounded by others, and it becomes a test of wills to remain as stoic as they have been.
Serves them right, she supposes, for trying to be private about their relationship.
Neria stands diagonally across from Leliana at the table, flanking Josephine, and in perfect view of Cullen's expression as he looks disdainful regarding the Game. She smiles privately to herself as she moves a few of the pieces in blue, her soldiers, preparing her own report for the evening. It's then that Cullen catches her eye and she manages to listen in at the last on Josephine's report, Kaia's banter distracting enough to give her a few fleeting moments to watch him. She lifts an eyebrow, glancing at Josephine, and she feigns rapt interest. ]
Lady Mantillon was at Halamshiral, was she not? She's had a beleaguered list of husbands, if I'm not mistaken. She and I had an...interesting conversation.
[ Which leads her to glance at the map quizzically. ]
Defending a small basin will be a simple task, if you'll allow, Inquisitor. Cullen and I could take care of it easily and send word back to you. Surely the Dowager will favor a speedy step for her dance than to circumvent her efforts altogether?