It had been a week, and he couldn't describe how nervous he was. Despite Cullen walking his way back to the old bookstore, he kept trying to convince himself not to. With a heavy sigh, he realized that now being only a block away he needed a valid reason for his sudden visit.
A few days before~
The new recruits that just joined Cullen's training were taking a very well deserved break. Not many of them noticed him scouting out each of them for their potential and stronger quality. They were just happy to take a water break. As Cullen walked into the vestibule of the building to check for messages and get a drink himself, he noticed that he had a guest. It was a face he had become quite familiar with over the past year. Her name was Anna, and Cullen had to admit he was also quite fond of the young woman, and physical features as well.
Anna was a 28-year-old woman but had the features of someone younger. Her hair was plentiful and curly, she bronze skin added an exotic look to her. One could tell she was not from Ferelden. Her eyes were large and clear brown. The young woman had freckles that spread across her face and she had a body that could make almost any outfit look appealing. Cullen of course the gentleman never stared to hard or her feel uncomfortable, that doesn't mean he didn't take notice. And she must have known as well. The two met one night when she was heading to the tavern where she worked at. The tavern wasn't too far and they began chatting. Now Anna would stop by every now and again to visit him while on her way to work.
"Hey Cullen! I see you have a new set in. Is it a large group?" Anna chimed. Cullen huffed "Not particularly a large group, but I suppose that makes it easier for me." Anna giggled. She then looked at an apartment catalog lying carelessly on a nearby stand. "Hmm?" She picks it up. "Cullen are you apartment hunting?" Cullen walks over to Anna and takes the apartment book and glances at the back. "Not in particular. I had planned on living here, but the city housing regulations state that this facility isn't appropriate for that kind of arrangement. And my lease is about run out soon." Anna thinks for a moment "Why don't you just buy a house. You received good money from the Inquisition right?" Cullen tosses the book back onto the stand and folds his arms. Clearly frustrated at the mere thought of finding a house. " I haven't really found one that appeals to me yet " Why don't you get a book about house hunting? My aunt used hers like the chant of light when she first brought her home. I'm sure 'Page By Page' would have something, if not they can ask the store next town over." Anna advised.
This suggestion brought Cullen's mind right back to Ilavanna. "Cullen?" Anna caught his attention again.
"Yes?"
"I just came by to ask if you wanted to check out this new Ativan restaurant that had opened up. I had a lot of fun last weekend….That is if you..." She trailed off and began blushing profusely. Cullen remembered their little rendezvous they had after he stopped by and chatted with his old friend at the bookshop.
"Ah, I would love to." He found himself also blushing. "This week will be no good, but perhaps we can meet up sometime next week." The delay didn't seem to discourage Anna, she smiled and nodded in agreeance. She did look like she wanted to say more, but before she had the chance the group in the back had become quite rambunctious. Cullen gave a heavy sigh and then a look of apology. Anna giggled and waved as Cullen stormed off to the back to his men.
Back to present day~
And now he found himself a few steps away from Ilvanna's bookstore. He finally stopped and decided to turn around. He could just make things simple for himself and go to a "Page By Page" Bookoutlet just like Anna suggested. In truth, he didn't even really want a book. Cullen is too distracted by4 his own thoughts that he didn't hear the bell jingle in the background. "Cullen?" It was too late. He was stuck with his decision. A cold sweat ran down head his face and he cursed himself for being so indecisive.
Ilvanna walked up to the nearly petrified human. "Cullen? What are you doing here? Are you passing through again?" Perfect he thought, she doesn't know for sure that he was on his way to visit her. All he has to do is tell her that he was passing through just like the last time. " I came to stop by and visit" Cullen's mind instantly screams at him, and he curses himself. He should have gone with the other excuse. "Oh, uuuuh, ok. I was just closing up shop for lunch-" Ilvanna said remorsefully. "But you can join me for lunch if you want," she added.
Excellent, another chance to leave the hole he was digging himself into. All he has to do is say he'll come back at a more convenient time. "Well, if I'm not imposing…" Cullen says bashfully. NOOOOO! What is wrong with him today? Why is his body deifying him?
Ilvanna smiled and opened the door for him. Mentally defeated, Cullen walks into the store with her.
