'In each of us there are two natures. If this primitive duality of man, good and evil, can be housed in separate identities life would be relieved of all that is unbearable. It is the curse of mankind that these polar twins should be constantly struggling.'
-from Purity Project: Notes by Neris, Val Royeaux scholar
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Cullen sighed softly rubbing a calloused hand over his face. He set down the parchment and leaned back against his chair sending it slide a bit back against the wood flooring with his weight.
Being stationed in Val Royeaux was not so much as a problem to him, it was the fact that, in his opinion, it wasn't very necessary for him to be there. The fact that he wasn't a good player at the Grand Game should have kept him back at Skyhold. He absolutely despised it. It was confusing, and exhausting watching your every move because everyone else is watching it too. Alas, it was the Commander and his troops, sent to the prestigious city to complete an operation as per the Inquisitor's orders.
"Just a few days," Cullen thought to himself out loud, "at least I don't have to wear a ridiculous mask."
A quick rap on the door perked him up. He was a bit sluggish to get to it.
The lieutenant and a few other soldiers behind him with sheepish smiles, "Ah, Commander. We were wondering if we have no other tasks for the night that we may be able to head down to the tavern?"
Cullen gave them all a once over, eyes tired and a bit annoyed, but he saw that they also looked tired. Perhaps a small pick me up could do well for their moral. His silence was long enough to get them all nervous and with a curt nod, relief washed over them, "Go on ahead. You've no other duties for tonight."
"Thank you, commander!" The group began to leave Cullen watching with a bit of longing. He would admit he could use a night off as well. The lieutenant remained, "Commander, you are welcome to join us if you'd like."
He felt himself blush a bit of embarrassment. Was he that obvious? He nodded once more in response, "Thank you, lieutenant, I will join you in a few moments. I have to finish a few reports."
"Understood, sir."
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This is gonna be a short series based off the Gothic Musical Thriller, Jekyll and Hyde. I recommend checking it out while you read this, I may make a Spotify playlist for it with songs I use for this fic. All songs belong to the original writers. I just thought of the idea of combining the two.