The ferry sits low in the water laden with the weight of so many men and women in heavy plate. There's no banter of any kind, no talking at all. They all ride in grim silence with the knowledge that there are even more to follow if they make it that far. Reinforcements called back from the city to enact Meredith's edict. How many more innocent civilians will die because of this? Cullen doesn't know, only that they will. The city guard isn't equipped to deal with this threat the way they are.
He makes certain that he positions himself directly next to the Tevinter just in case anyone gets twitchy on the ride. The man has already proven his value and valor. He could have slunk away at any point since Cullen found him or left him to die facing the shades. He didn't. That doesn't mean Cullen is ready to trust his motives outright, or his presence. He could turn on them yet. He's not prepared to allow harm to come to him until and unless he does.
The ride is a chance to catch his breath and prepare himself for the horror to come. He has lived with these mages for a decade, some of them brought to the Gallows as children during the beginning of his service here. Does Meredith truly intend to slaughter them all? First Enchanter Orsino, as well? He may not like the vocal elf. He does recognize his value to the Circle. This is madness. Maybe that's not hyperbole on his part. There is something unsettling about Meredith tonight, a rage he has never seen.
As soon as the boat nears the dock, templars rise and begin leaping to the quay. He recognizes the signs of battle high. They're ready, not all of them nearly as reluctant as he. So eager, then? The thought saddens him. His mouth firms and he stands to wait his turn. Meredith steps off just ahead of him. There's an odd scent coming off of her, almost like lightning and brimstone. It has him deeply uneasy.
Hawke and her companions are already in the courtyard with Orsino. There's no sign of the ex-chantry priest. Cullen isn't surprised. One less conflict of interest to weigh on his conscience. He listens to the heated exchanges. No one is saying the right things or asking the right questions. As soon as he sees Hawke and the others walking away, he knows all time for talking is done. It's to be slaughter then.
While they wait for the reinforcements, he takes the mage slightly aside. "This isn't your fight. It's about to get ugly. If you want out of this, go back to the quay and wait. If I survive this, I'll see to it no templar lifts a hand to you. You'll find passage out of Kirkwall when the dust has settled."
no subject
He makes certain that he positions himself directly next to the Tevinter just in case anyone gets twitchy on the ride. The man has already proven his value and valor. He could have slunk away at any point since Cullen found him or left him to die facing the shades. He didn't. That doesn't mean Cullen is ready to trust his motives outright, or his presence. He could turn on them yet. He's not prepared to allow harm to come to him until and unless he does.
The ride is a chance to catch his breath and prepare himself for the horror to come. He has lived with these mages for a decade, some of them brought to the Gallows as children during the beginning of his service here. Does Meredith truly intend to slaughter them all? First Enchanter Orsino, as well? He may not like the vocal elf. He does recognize his value to the Circle. This is madness. Maybe that's not hyperbole on his part. There is something unsettling about Meredith tonight, a rage he has never seen.
As soon as the boat nears the dock, templars rise and begin leaping to the quay. He recognizes the signs of battle high. They're ready, not all of them nearly as reluctant as he. So eager, then? The thought saddens him. His mouth firms and he stands to wait his turn. Meredith steps off just ahead of him. There's an odd scent coming off of her, almost like lightning and brimstone. It has him deeply uneasy.
Hawke and her companions are already in the courtyard with Orsino. There's no sign of the ex-chantry priest. Cullen isn't surprised. One less conflict of interest to weigh on his conscience. He listens to the heated exchanges. No one is saying the right things or asking the right questions. As soon as he sees Hawke and the others walking away, he knows all time for talking is done. It's to be slaughter then.
While they wait for the reinforcements, he takes the mage slightly aside. "This isn't your fight. It's about to get ugly. If you want out of this, go back to the quay and wait. If I survive this, I'll see to it no templar lifts a hand to you. You'll find passage out of Kirkwall when the dust has settled."