Tranquil Flower
Evie Trevelyan x Cullen Rutherford (Angst - 584 words) Trigger Warning: Tranquility
They arrived in the morning to her room. She had just dressed and was about to head to the main hall for breakfast. “Apprentice, you've been summoned to the First Enchanter's office.” She looked up at the Templar who spoke; the look on his face making her worry. Was she in trouble?
She went without delay. If she was in some sort of trouble it would be best not to make the First Enchanter angry by dawdling. When she arrived, she found not only the First Enchanter waiting for her but also the Knight-Commander. “Come in, Apprentice. There's no need to be shy.” The First Enchanter gave her a warm smile as she shuffled in.
They explained the situation quite well. It made perfect sense and there was no denying the truth behind their words. She didn't argue, for it wasn't her place. They knew better than she ever would. It would be done that afternoon.
The chamber was lit my warm candlelight. It was quite lovely, she had thought. She sang the Chant of Light with the Knight-Commander and the present Templars while everything was prepared. However, when it was time she felt the fear overtake her.
“I can do better.” She whimpered pathetically, hoping perhaps she can change his mind.
“We both know you can't, Apprentice. This is for your own good. Now, please remain still.” A single tear rolled down her cheek as he raised the brand.
She had thought it would hurt more.
Commander Cullen rushed through Haven's Chantry in search of the Herald. She had just returned from Val Royeaux and he needed to speak with her about the Templars; convince her that pursuing their aid was preferable to the rebel mages. He looked back over his shoulder, seeing if he had missed her on his way in when he collided with someone.
Parchment and scrolls scattered everywhere as the young woman he had bumped into fell to the floor. “Maker's breath! I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going.” He quickly took hold of her arm, helping her right herself.
“There is no need to apologise. I was uninjured, Commander Cullen.” Cullen flinched at her monosyllabic speech. One of the tranquil. They still made him uneasy after all this time.
He helped her gather her scattered research and handed it back to her waiting hands, finally seeing her face. Maker, she was beautiful. Pouty pink lips, eyes as green as mid-summer grass, scarlet hair and perfect skin save for the sunburst scar in the center of her forehead. Cullen didn't realise he was staring until she spoke, “Will that be all, Commander Cullen?”
“Um, yes. You may go.” She turned to head into Josephine's office at his permission.
“Wait.” She stopped immediately at his command. Cullen walked around to face her again, looking into her eyes once more. “Have we met before?” He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd seen her before. Not around Haven; somewhere else. Somewhere far.
“No, Commander Cullen. We have not met before.” He nodded at her words before gesturing his dismissal. But as she walked away he couldn't shake the feeling that he knew her or perhaps had known the woman she was before the brand.
When she opened the door to Josephine's office a small gust of air wafted past her, carrying her scent to Cullen. He breathed deep and felt a pang of deep longing in his heart. Flowers; she smelled like flowers.
Steph Note: I’ve had tranquil Evie on the brain for a while now and had written about four short chapters of a longer story but I’ve abandoned it. It was going places I didn’t feel comfortable writing. Here’s a little angst that will hopefully get the idea out of my head so I go back to fluff and smut!