He rolls his eyes a bit at the accusation of being a mother hen. It's a rather good natured exchange. He's comfortable enough with him now for that level of teasing. "If I did, I'd only have to redo it all once I was properly coherent. Good night." He lifts a wave and heads off toward his room. It was a pleasant exchange, something that stands out these days when so much of his time is occupied with dire business.

It's another three full weeks before he has time or opportunity to speak to Dorian properly again. It's official. Seneschal Bran is now Viscount Bran, and the city is in a rare state of letting out its breath in a collective sigh of relief. Whether justified or not, Cullen doesn't care. It's respite, and it's a chance to do something that has never fully left his mind since the idea was planted what feels like ages ago.

He finds Dorian overseeing a small group of apprentices practicing fine control of elemental spells. He does his best not to be obtrusive, as unobtrusive as a man in full plate can be, tapping him lightly on the shoulder from behind and beckoning him slightly away from the others. "How would you feel about that trip out to the coast? Aveline is itching to break some raider heads, and it seems like as good of a time as any with the city so quiet."