In Your Heart || closed.
@loyaltybringsitsownhell
The wind off the mountains was crisp and clean, and Cullen stood on the battlements above the gate, taking deep breaths to clear the nightmares from his thoughts. Things were going well, despite all that had happened. Skyhold was secure, and the patrols he’d set up were keeping it that way. There would not be a repeat of Haven.
Inquisitor Adaar had met with Varric’s contact, who turned out to be none other than Rowan Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall. There had been rumors that Hawke was involved with the mage that had blown up the Chantry, so Cullen was relieved that Anders hadn’t made an appearance. As it were. Adaar had gone off to Crestwood to meet Hawke’s Warden friend about possible corruption in the Warden ranks. Frankly, Cullen was praying that the rumors weren’t true. He didn’t want to have to fight the Wardens.
The scouts took up the call that the Inquisitor had returned, and Cullen looked out across the bridge to see Adaar’s tall form crossing the bridge with her team in tow. There was also a figure in the easily recognizable blue and silver gryphon armor, and Hawke in his Champion armor. As they drew closer, his heart leapt into his chest. He knew that Warden.
He made himself go down to the war room to meet with Adaar and discuss their findings. He had to be there, as the leader of the Inquisition’s forces. But the last time he’d seen Kerensa Surana stood out sharply in his mind, in the dark places he tried to avoid.
“Are you all right?” Leliana asked as he entered the room, and Cullen nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Fine,” He murmured, taking his place across the table. His heart ached as he thought of how he’d once felt for her, and how badly he’d ruined any chance with her. It had been fifteen years, but the wounds were still fresh in his mind.
