"That much was obvious, yes," he says, nodding. The hideous form will add to the collection of images that haunt his nightmares. He can tell already.
His expression changes to relief, both for the topic change and the news. "I'm glad. They hadn't been here so very long. They were innocents." It could be said of most of the mages in the Gallows when it came to Meredith's mad crusade tonight. They weren't part of the failed Mage Underground, and they had nothing to do with the obliteration of the Chantry. He tries not to think of that moment, indelible in memory. It will haunt him to the end of his days as much as his captivity.
It's not much longer before movement stirs at the ruined gates. Cullen's entire attitude sharpens. He walk back close to Meredith in time to hear her calling for Hawke's life. It's the breaking point. Everything up to now has been within her realm of authority. Murder of one of Kirkwall's nobles, Kirkwall's savior from the Qunari, he can't allow it, and he can't reconcile the woman giving the order with the woman he has followed for years, loyal if not always in agreement.
He thinks it should take longer to change his life irrevocably, a few words, an expected negative reaction, and suddenly he's between Meredith and Hawke, expecting she'll try to cut him down for it. What does happen is something he could never have expected, the sudden flare of the sword, a reddening of her eyes, not a demon. Something inexplicable. Something worse.
With a groan, the very statues of the courtyard come to impossible life, and it's a cry to arms and everyone in pitched battle against what Cullen can only see as pure evil. Maker, save them, will the madness of this night never end?
no subject
His expression changes to relief, both for the topic change and the news. "I'm glad. They hadn't been here so very long. They were innocents." It could be said of most of the mages in the Gallows when it came to Meredith's mad crusade tonight. They weren't part of the failed Mage Underground, and they had nothing to do with the obliteration of the Chantry. He tries not to think of that moment, indelible in memory. It will haunt him to the end of his days as much as his captivity.
It's not much longer before movement stirs at the ruined gates. Cullen's entire attitude sharpens. He walk back close to Meredith in time to hear her calling for Hawke's life. It's the breaking point. Everything up to now has been within her realm of authority. Murder of one of Kirkwall's nobles, Kirkwall's savior from the Qunari, he can't allow it, and he can't reconcile the woman giving the order with the woman he has followed for years, loyal if not always in agreement.
He thinks it should take longer to change his life irrevocably, a few words, an expected negative reaction, and suddenly he's between Meredith and Hawke, expecting she'll try to cut him down for it. What does happen is something he could never have expected, the sudden flare of the sword, a reddening of her eyes, not a demon. Something inexplicable. Something worse.
With a groan, the very statues of the courtyard come to impossible life, and it's a cry to arms and everyone in pitched battle against what Cullen can only see as pure evil. Maker, save them, will the madness of this night never end?