"Inquisitor," Cullen's voice rang out behind her, but Trevelyan didn't slow her pace. "Sorry Commander, I cannot delay right now, I have to leave for Crestwood soon." Technically true, she thought to herself, glancing behind her, but it wasn't her reason for speeding up at the sight of Cullen trying to catch up to her. It had been part of her new routine for a few weeks now, but Cullen was now strutting his way to her at such a high pace, that unless Trevelyan started outright running Cullen would catch up to her. Hoping against hope, Trevelyan kept her eyes on the grand doors and walked as fast as her legs could carry her.
A hand suddenly caught her arm, "Trevelyan."
There had been hardly any physical contact between them since that last night, so the feeling shocked her. Trevelyan turned around, ready to pull her arm free and make up an excuse to escape, but the look on Cullen's face made her pause. He looked so… unsure, maybe even –
"Please, there's something we must discuss," he said.
Somehow she doubted it would be troop movements.
"I am sorry Cullen," she said his name before she could correct herself to say 'Commander.' "I really have to go," she said, and curse the world, she added in thought.
"Right," he said and let go of her arm. "Of course." He took a step back. "I'm sure you have other matters to attend." His voice was hard now, and he swiftly passed her.
Great, she thought to herself, I have a wonderful time ahead of me.
Cullen walked off towards his office and Trevelyan waited until she was sure not to run into him as she headed for the corner Dorian usually occupied.
Without warning or greeting Trevelyan let herself fall down into the chair standing there. Dorian hardly looked up from the books he was rearranging. "Spoken to the Commander again, I take it?"
"How did you even guess that?"
"It's become somewhat of a theme with you these past weeks, I fear."
Trevelyan sighed. "I'm sorry, I wish I was better at dealing with this, but…"
Dorian nodded. "I think you might need a new strategy, other than avoiding the poor man."
"Why, this way at least I'll get enough exercise."
"Yes, because that is what we have a desperate lack of, exercise." Dorian looked over to Trevelyan.
"What would I even say to him?"
"Oh I don't know? Tell him you care for him?"
"Ah yes, because I am clearly the type for romantic admissions." Trevelyan sighed. "Even if I wanted to – "
"And you do."
"Even if I wanted to," she started again, glaring at Dorian, "it isn't important right now, we need to convince them – whoever they are – that the rumours were wrong and that I don't… that we don't… well you know."
"I am not certain this would be the way," Dorian said.
"Why not?"
"Because they will suspect you are no longer under the influence of the potion, and they will assume you took it and that that is why there was a brief spark between you two."
"So it's too late? I should just give up?" she stopped herself. "I'm sorry, I just don't know what to do. Josephine has told Leliana but even her people can't discover anything. If only they would attack with an army, but a single assassin? How can I fight that? How can I see that coming?"
"All the more reason to tell Cullen, he didn't become Commander by chance."
"I will… think about it at least," she said, but she had no intention of telling Cullen. Trevelyan sighed. "Why do the recruits have to be so talkative?"
"I fear it isn't just the recruits discussing your budding relationship, the rumour is prevalent throughout the entire Inquisition," Dorian said.
She shook her head. "Of course it is." She looked at Dorian. "How do they even know? I spend much more time with you and there have never been any rumours about us being romantically involved."
"No, because they are far too busy spreading rumours that I influence you with my evil Tevinter charms."
"Ah yes, that would make sense," Trevelyan nodded.
"True, I am very charming."