Cullen found himself lost in thought, something that had been happening more frequently than he cared to admit. His office felt-empty, and the cold draft from the hole in the ceiling above did nothing to settle his racing mind. He couldn't stop thinking about her, and it was driving him up a wall. The way her pointed ears always seemed tinted pink, how the mint jelly at dinner always reminded him of her eyes, pale green and shimmering, or the smell of honeysuckle and earth that seemed to follow her everywhere. His eyes closed as he imagined running his hands through those gold strands of hair, that she insisted were closer in colour to straw than anything else. A lump formed in the Commander's throat and his face warmed from the ideas in his mind, and he forced himself to shake away the thoughts. He sighed drearily and stood from the old desk that he'd been seated at for the good half of the day, deciding the best way to distract himself was by training the recruits.
The Maker himself must have been having fun at Cullen's expense, because who else was standing outside his office door when he opened it, but Alnis Lavellan herself. She stood just down the battlement, talking to one of Leliana's agents with a serious look on her face. It looked out of place on her, the Commander used to seeing her looking worried and sheepish, sometimes smiling if he managed to actually say something right for once. He felt his heart jump into his throat as her gaze suddenly met his, a warm smile crossing her features. Cullen knew it silly, but felt that the Inquisitor might somehow know what he'd been thinking, because her own face flushed a similar shade to his, and she was quickly excusing herself down one of the staircases leading into Skyhold. He was so tempted to follow after her, to say something, anything as an excuse to talk to her. But by the time he forced his body to move, she was already gone, disappearing around the corner of the barn, probably to tend to her mount.
"Maker's Breath, you truly are a fool." He muttered to himself with a new-found bitterness, shaking his head and storming off towards the training ring in hopes of settling his bad spirits and raging thoughts.
Maybe it was the weather, or maybe he was just having an off day, but Cullen just couldn't focus while training the new recruits. Even his men asked if everything was okay, which resulted in the Commander giving them a stern and quick 'yes, yes' followed by repeating whatever he had just told them to do. The blonde shook his head and sighed heavily, growing frustrated with himself the longer the training went on. When the session finally ended, he bid the recruits farewell and dragged himself towards the nearest flight of stairs, wishing to hide himself away in the confines of his office. The commander stopped short however, a familiar smell catching his attention. His eyes closed as he took in a deep inhale, a warmth building in the pit of his stomach. It smelled of-honeysuckle? Cullen's eyes fluttered open just in time to watch Alnis step out of the tavern, giving a sheepish wave to someone inside. This someone quickly proved to be Iron Bull, who shouted harshly from the inside of the building. "Oh come on now boss, join us for a drink!" The Inquisitor gave a nervous smile and shook her head, presenting her palms towards the Qunari. "T-Thank you Bull, but maybe some other time I have things I still need to get done today." Iron Bull responded with a simple and drawn out 'bah', which seemed to be enough for Alnis who hastily started towards the steps that lead down to the exit of Skyhold.
Now was his chance, thought Cullen, heart thumping loudly in his ears and palms becoming rather sweaty. He cleared his throat and pushed himself forward, trying desperately to appear as calm as possible, though the stupid smile on his face gave away more than he probably wished. "Al-I mean Inquisitor! One moment!" He called after the Dalish Elf, dressed in her usual dark leathers and deep red shirt with it's fingerless sleeves and hood. She stopped short and spun around, and for a moment Cullen thought she looked horrified to see him. Had he done something wrong? He must have been too quick, because before she could make it down the stone steps, the Commander was standing in front of her, looming over her small form. The two just-stared, at each other for the first small while, the silence between them growing increasingly awkward and heavy, until Cullen finally cleared his throat, Alnis raising her head attentively. "Y-Yes?" She asked quickly, her hands folding tightly in front of her wide hips. "I-Well, I was just uh-"
'Damn it Cullen, just speak to her!' He screamed at himself, before shaking his head and continuing.
"How are you?" He felt like a completely fool, asking such a question. He couldn't help himself though, it was all her doing. The way she stared up at him with those glossy eyes of hers, how her plump lips shined softly in the setting Sun, and how strands of her wavy locks blew softly in the mountain air. It was so frustrating for him, and when she smiled it only made matters worse.
"I'm fine Commander, just getting some things today.-Are you okay?" Her question came with a worried tone and furrowed brows, Cullen suddenly shaking his head. "No! I-I mean yes, I'm-I'm fine." Alnis' expression relaxed, and she even smiled a little again, which made the Commander smile in return. Her smile did not remain however, and too quickly she was backing away from him, clearing her throat and avoiding eye contact. "I um, I have some more things I have to do, so-so good day, Commander." Before Cullen could even say goodbye the Inquisitor was rushing away down the stone staircase, disappearing around the corner and leaving the Commander frowning with confusion and concern. Had he done something wrong?
Cullen stood with his arms stiff at his sides, brows furrowed and fingers tapping nervously. What could he have done? She'd been avoiding him as of late, but why? Before he could even begin to think of reasons, Iron Bull's oh too familiar voice came shouting from the Tavern, his words making the Commander's ears burn. "What's the matter Cullen, can't get the Inquisitor to shine your sword?" He teased, the chargers all laughing at Cullen's expense. He shot the group a fierce glare, before storming off towards his office. He would figure out what was wrong, he just had to.