Silence, how beautiful it was to hear nothing. But Cullen knew that it was a false comfort. Silence, ruind by knowledge. The Knowledge that the screming would start anew. As if his thoughts had summoned it, the air was ripped apart by the agony of them. Silence, shattered by death.
Cullen woke, his throat raw from the screams that stil haunted his nightmares. He peeled the bed covers from his sweat soaked skin. It had been months since Kalian Amell had returned to the Circle of Magi. She came seeking aid against the impending Blight, only to find her home destroyed from the inside by demons and blood magic. She swept through and against Cullen's adamant pleas, saved the mages that had resisted Uldred's corruption. Cullen had been a a prisoner and watched as some of his comrades fell prey to the demons and others took their own lives, seeking freedom. He was the only one who survived, but at what cost?
"Ser Cullen?" The Templar shook himself awake. " You were lashing out in your prayer, so I thought I would wake you up," a Revered Mother of the Circle's Chantry smiled down at him. The knights face flushed with embarrassment and shame. The Priest placed a finger on his lips before he could explain himself. "Blessed are they who stand before the corrupt and the wicked, and do not falter. Blessed are the peacekeepers, the champions of the just."
Silence, screams, temptaions.
Cullen woke, soaked from sweat and cold from fear. He felt as if he were slowly losing his grip on sanity.
"Ser Cullen," Knight-Commander Greagoir beckoned the templar into the First Enchanter's office.
Cullen repressed a shudder when he saw First Enchanter Irving stting at his desk. The Mage gave him a sympathic look. Well, he had tried to repress the shudder.
"How may I be of Service, Knight-Commander?" Cullen asked.
"Cullen, it is clear you suffer still from the attack. You worst than most, and you have valid reasons to be cautious. The first Enchanter and I have talked about it a great deal. It hasn't gone unnoticed that you are still jumping at every shadow here in the Ferelden Circle." The Knight-Commander glanced at the young Templar, pity in his eyes. "As you know, you cant just leave the Templar order. It is a lifestyle, not a career choice. Kirkwall, in the Free Marches, has appointed a new Knight-Commander to lead their order. Meredith is looking to have someone who is seasoned as her Knight-Captain. This will be a great opportnity for you if you choose to accept the position. It might be best if you got away from Ferelden for a bit."
"When can I leave?"