[ She snorts at his comment, giving a rare but fond smile that is often reserved for their few moments together. It seems as if those times are few and far between these days, a strange thought. With all the power they have amassed, with things purportedly getting easier and better within the Inquisition, they seemed to be busier than ever before. There's no blame to be had there save for on the shoulders of Corypheus himself, and she cherishes the seconds they have all the more. There's an ever-present reminder that they might not make it to the next month, the next week, or even tomorrow.
Neria, for her part, shakes her head at the severity in Cullen's tone. ]
Or perhaps you can make it a point to take breaks and lock your door? Or is that too obvious, do you think?
[ Her smile is just a touch sly, and she shrugs her shoulders. ]
We'll find something. And it will hopefully be a bit more subtle and easy to escape to than a basin in the middle of very little.
[ Cullen searches for her hand and takes it in his, threading their fingers together immediately. She pauses and gives him a smile, genuine, and squeezes his hand. Moments, that's all they have sometimes, but she is pleased to see him indulging when he can. She longs to kiss him just then but they would be seen by someone, or linger too long, and it is a desire she cannot indulge. Instead, she lets go of him only slowly, nodding for him to head back to his tower. ]
I promise you, we'll have our time.
[ Neria releases him and heads on her way, regretful that they cannot spend more time together. But for now, especially with the little display they slipped into back in the war room, they need to keep cautious. The night is spent packing and preparing, and they leave at first light into Orlais. The journey takes several days and allows them a great deal of time together, always in the context of business and work. Still, it allows them those precious moments without the lingering concern that they will be spotted. Even nights with Cullen are somewhat more public than she would like, as they cannot certainly share a sleeping tent among their soldiers, even if that is something they would both prefer.
Their arrival in the basin produces little fanfare...at first. It is agreed that they will slip in under cover of night to occupy much of it, allow their presence to simply be known without a true announcement. They take shelter in the meaderies and buildings there, vineyards spanning long tracks of land between the walnut trees and hollyhock, a sight that is breathtaking in its tranquility.
For all that they joked that the basin is insignificant, it holds a peace that is rare in war, and Neria soaks it in with what small time they have between holding their positions and making preparations for the Comte to eventually come knocking.
Which, actually, does not take long. No skirmish at first, only scouts bringing missives that insist that the Inquisition is infringing on owned property. Now it is a matter of waiting the Comte out to see what he will do.
Parsing through the fourth missive the Comte has given them in the same number of days, Neria sets fire to the parchment, crushing it in her hand with ease. ]
Really, I was expecting something better. The Dowager made it seem as if he'd be at least foolish enough to try to start a fight with us. He's either terrified we're here or brewing trouble behind our backs. At this point, I do not know which I would prefer.
[ A good battle would relieve some of the tension in her and her Wardens, though it will only provoke more bloodshed. Even she can understand that. But they cannot wait forever for the Comte to garner some nerve to make a move or a real statement, and eventually, Cullen and she will be asked to return. Their time will be cut short far sooner than she wishes. ]
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Neria, for her part, shakes her head at the severity in Cullen's tone. ]
Or perhaps you can make it a point to take breaks and lock your door? Or is that too obvious, do you think?
[ Her smile is just a touch sly, and she shrugs her shoulders. ]
We'll find something. And it will hopefully be a bit more subtle and easy to escape to than a basin in the middle of very little.
[ Cullen searches for her hand and takes it in his, threading their fingers together immediately. She pauses and gives him a smile, genuine, and squeezes his hand. Moments, that's all they have sometimes, but she is pleased to see him indulging when he can. She longs to kiss him just then but they would be seen by someone, or linger too long, and it is a desire she cannot indulge. Instead, she lets go of him only slowly, nodding for him to head back to his tower. ]
I promise you, we'll have our time.
[ Neria releases him and heads on her way, regretful that they cannot spend more time together. But for now, especially with the little display they slipped into back in the war room, they need to keep cautious. The night is spent packing and preparing, and they leave at first light into Orlais. The journey takes several days and allows them a great deal of time together, always in the context of business and work. Still, it allows them those precious moments without the lingering concern that they will be spotted. Even nights with Cullen are somewhat more public than she would like, as they cannot certainly share a sleeping tent among their soldiers, even if that is something they would both prefer.
Their arrival in the basin produces little fanfare...at first. It is agreed that they will slip in under cover of night to occupy much of it, allow their presence to simply be known without a true announcement. They take shelter in the meaderies and buildings there, vineyards spanning long tracks of land between the walnut trees and hollyhock, a sight that is breathtaking in its tranquility.
For all that they joked that the basin is insignificant, it holds a peace that is rare in war, and Neria soaks it in with what small time they have between holding their positions and making preparations for the Comte to eventually come knocking.
Which, actually, does not take long. No skirmish at first, only scouts bringing missives that insist that the Inquisition is infringing on owned property. Now it is a matter of waiting the Comte out to see what he will do.
Parsing through the fourth missive the Comte has given them in the same number of days, Neria sets fire to the parchment, crushing it in her hand with ease. ]
Really, I was expecting something better. The Dowager made it seem as if he'd be at least foolish enough to try to start a fight with us. He's either terrified we're here or brewing trouble behind our backs. At this point, I do not know which I would prefer.
[ A good battle would relieve some of the tension in her and her Wardens, though it will only provoke more bloodshed. Even she can understand that. But they cannot wait forever for the Comte to garner some nerve to make a move or a real statement, and eventually, Cullen and she will be asked to return. Their time will be cut short far sooner than she wishes. ]