Chapter Four

Cullen had been called to Greagoir's office.

"Come in Cullen." Greagoir waved him over, motioning to the chair in front of his desk. "We have another Harrowing tomorrow. One of your charges, that Amell girl.

"Very well Ser. I will see that she is prepared." He held his face tight, emotions in check. Maker please keep her safe, he thought to himself. As he turned to leave, there was a knock at the door.

"Come" said Greagoir. In walked Irving.

"Ah Cullen, I am glad that you are here" said Irving. "As you likely know, tomorrow will be Skye's Harrowing. Cullen, make sure she comes to see me as soon as she awakes from the Harrowing." Irving requested.

Greagoir let out a sigh. "I see that Duncan has arrived Irving. He is not looking for another recruit I hope. Have we not given these Grey Wardens enough? "Greagoir rose from his desk. "Cullen, bring the apprentice to the resting room on the fourth floor. She will need some privacy and some sleep. That is all Cullen."

Jaw clenched and resolute, he turned to leave. "Her name is Skye not apprentice. She has a name damn it." he thought to himself as he went off to find Skye. He found her in the dormitory. She quickly gathered a few things and followed him up to the fourth floor. He opened the door of the private room where apprentices could rest the eve before their Harrowing. They were alone. Cullen walked to the fire place and stoked the coals. He turned around and moved towards her. She was sitting on the bed and she looked scared.

"Skye" Cully whispered. "I need you to know how much I love you. " He touched her face with his hand and moving closer; he closed his eyes and pressed his lips to hers. She was tense at first and seemed to be trying to pull away. Cullen pulled her closer. He caressed her face, her neck and he could feel her body relax. It was a long tender kiss. He could hear her gently moan. Soon the kiss became more passionate, desperate. His hands moved towards her breasts and hers to his thighs. He could feel himself grow hard. His hands moved between her legs. Reluctantly, she took his hand and gently pushed him away.

"You have no idea how much I want this." Tears were welling in her eyes. "But you know as well as I Cully – we cannot"

Cullen got up and moved to the fire place, his back to her. He was flooded with memories. Snippets of their conversation, their stolen kisses, fleeting moments of being together silently speaking. The laughing together when they learned that she had been watching him for as long as he had been watching her. The joy of discovering his love for her was returned. The way she made him feel.

"I know, it is forbidden but in my moments with you, I do not care Skye. I get so angry with the Maker some times. How could our love be a sinful thing? How can I walk away from anyone as wonderful and beautiful as you? You make me feel whole. You have healed my heart Skye. You have brought me joy and happiness. You are my strength and without you, I am not sure I see a purpose."

She walked over to him, and drew him close.

"I love you Cully. More than I could ever express. I love everything about you. The furrows on your brow when you are worried or deep in thought, the way the corners of your mouth twitch when you are about to laugh, your warm, generous smile, and your sad, beautiful eyes, that hold so many untold secrets. I love your gentle spirit, your shy reserve, and the kindness in your soul. I am awed by your courage, your conviction, your compassion. I am honored and amazed that you could love someone like me. You have given me and so many others the gift of hope. Perhaps that is your purpose Cully."

He smiled, though his heart was heavy. "You had best rest now. I will watch over you and keep you safe. Always" He turned and left the room.

Cullen, Irving and Greagoir stood in the Harrowing Chamber. Irving and Greagoir spoke the ceremonial words and instructed Skye on what she must do. As she approached the lyrium vessel, she looked at Cullen and was strengthened by his warm smile. As she floated off into the fade she could see his dimples appear, his eyes crinkle, and she smiled.

She lay on the floor unmoving. Fear was rising in Cully. Suddenly she began twitching and thrashing wildly. "Please Maker, keep her safe and strong." Cullen prayed silently. The look of fear and worry was evident on his face. It was all Cullen could do to stop himself from going to her. As though Irving could read his thoughts, he shot Cullen a warning glare. Studying Cullen's body language, the anguish on his face, it was clear to Irving at that moment that this was not the ordinary concern one might expect that a Templar would have for one of his charges. Cullen was in love with Skye. Irving glanced at Greagoir. He, thankfully, was oblivious.

Her eyes began to flutter and slowly she appeared to be waking. Irving directed Cullen to her side for fear of what she might say if she did not see him as soon as she regained her mind.

"Take her to her dorm." Irving said.

Gingerly, tenderly, he lifted her from the floor. Irving began talking with Greagoir as if to keep him distracted. Skye opened her eyes and looking up at him she whispered "Cully". She smiled and closed her eyes, drifting off into a deep and peaceful sleep. Cullen said another silent prayer, this time, once of thanks to the Maker.

He carried her down all four flights of stairs, and into her dorm. It was empty. He laid her down on her bed, and brushed away some of the silky locks of hair that had fallen over her eyes. He glanced up furtively to see if they were still alone. He kissed her forehead and whispered that he loved her. The heavy burden of worry had been lifted. His steps lightened and a big grin appeared on his face. He was so proud of her. As he rounded the corner, two young female apprentices flagged him down, inquiring about Skye's status.

"It was the quickest, cleanest Harrowing I have ever seen." Cullen said proudly. "She is very talented you know, and very brave". The two women looked at one another, eyes wide. They giggled. Cullen had surely given his feelings away, but at that moment, he did not care.