A/N :

Same as last time, writing like this is either what they are thinking or something that took place in the past.

Disclaimer :

I don't own a darn thing...booo...

Chapter 4

Devotion, being a Templar is to be devoted to the protection of the people and of the mages. Above all, to be a Templar Knight is to be devoted to the Maker and that which the Order dictates.

Concentrate. Cullen clears his mind and holds firmly at the hilt of his sword. Deep breath. The Knight captain readies his shield and his stance, while continuing to stare at his practice wooden target. Hardening his eyes, his shoulders give a quick jolt as his body tenses with the sudden release of a Cleansing Wave.

"Hmm. You sure are getting faster with that, Sir." Kailen notices.

Relaxing his muscles, Cullen sheathes his sword and wipes his brow. "Well, it's a talent that can always come in handy. I never really thought much of it before...and well, I guess it could have been of good use in the past."

The younger Templar seems to consider this. "I guess you're right. That's actually some good advice Sir." The young Knight's hazel eyes follow the movements of his commanding officer. "Do you think I will ever need to actually use that on anyone?" He asks honestly.

As Cullen walks by Kailen, he gives the younger man a quick squeeze on the shoulder. "For your sake, I hope not." He tries to offer the other man a reassuring smile.

Patience, perish the thought. Whoever heard of having to have that sort of gift when it came to potion making and herbology? Who was she kidding. Over tired, that's her problem. Lack of sleep and of concentration produces mistakes and that in turn produces frustration, which leads to...well no more patience.

"Amell." Wynne peaks into the library from the hallway. "Dear I think it's time you brought your efforts somewhere else, or if that fails to help, maybe get some rest." The older woman offers the warden a hot cup of tea.

"Oh, tea, thanks Wynne." Amell blows and sips lightly at her mug. "You know I was thinking the same actually."

"Were you now? So drink that up, it should help you sleep." The Enchantress brims warmly.

Selena looks up at the other mage, lost. "What? Oh, no." She puts down her tea and begins looking for her parchments.

"No?" Wynne asks confused.

The younger woman continues scrambling through her notes. "I was thinking of another...Maker where is that parchment?" She pushes her herbal book aside and finds what she's looking for. "Ah ha!" Amell holds out the papers in front of herself proudly. "Please, I need you to look these over. I want to commission the dwarfs for another project."

Wynne takes the parchments and sits down. "Dearest, I don't think that there are founds...or that anyone would..."

"Pff. I have the coin to pay for the project myself." Amell continues to sip at her tea. "You remember how much coin I was able to acquire over the past year and a half don't you?" The mage laughs.

Shocked that the younger mage would even consider using her own hard earned money to pay for anything to do with the tower, surprises Wynne. "Yes I do remember. However, I didn't think that you would gladly spend it on the tower."

Stunned, Selena studies the other woman. "Really, why? This is my home. I'm just upgrading it." The warden nods over to her parchments. "Please, read. I've already got Dagna to go over it. I just wanted to make sure it was alright with an Enchanter before I sent it out."

"Shouldn't we wait for Gregoire to approve something like this?" The Knight Captain deposits some parchments onto his desk. He folds his fingers together. "I'm very impressed that you're willing to pay for something like this out of your own pocket...it's just, usually something like this would need a Knight Commanders approval and then the approval of the Knight Divine."

"Captain." Selena smooths out her robes as she sits calmly in the chair just in front of the Templar. "As you recall, the Order doesn't really have much of a say over the tower anymore, you are here only to protect." That last bit came out a little bit more sour then she intended. "I'm not requesting that mages be set free, but that an addition be built. Think of it as a place of learning..."

"A green house, to be a place of learning?" He snickers. "And this isn't just some ordinary green house you want built either."

"I know that." The mage breathes in deeply. "Look, I just think a green house, that's built out of stone and has enchanted windows, wouldn't be so bad to have around. That way there, we the seniors and templars can still manage the mages who aren't suppose to be outside roaming the island. Me and Wynne both agree that going into the green house as well as venturing out onto the island will be considered a privilege."

The Templar continues to listen attentively, and for some reason, she finds that his gaze makes her feel awkward.

"A privilege that can be taken away. Also, mages known to have a history of intolerance will have a Templar guide when they are to venture onto the island." She shrugs her shoulders, thinking this sounds reasonable, considering that the mages never had any freedom to begin with.

Cullen sighs. "I don't like the island bit...but it's not my call." The Knight brings his hands up to his chin and allows it to rest on his fingers. "Well, thank-you for bringing this to my attention regardless. You didn't have to...but you did. I appreciate not leaving me in the dark."

Selena nods. "Of course. I always have and still consider the Templars a necessity amongst mages. I believe it's in the best interest of both the mages and the general population that the Order continues to exist. However, I think it's time that we begin coexisting together, rather then just tolerating one another. Couldn't you agree?"

"Uhm...To a point yes." Cullen shifts in his seat.

Selena smiles in his direction. "You don't have to explain. I know that you are still uncomfortable with...magic. I guess I would be too if..."

Cullen clears his throat. The less mentioned of the past, the easier it is to forget about it, so he believes. "Yes, well..." He stands and makes way towards Amell to hand her the paper work. "Thanks again for showing me this."

"Your welcome Knight Captain." Taking her documents with her she heads for the courier.

What will the Knight Commander say? What will he think of you? Cullen berates himself for letting Amell go through with sending of that request. Does it really matter what the Commander will think or say? Not like he could of done anything differently. Besides, being able to do this, looked like it meant a great deal to her.

And? So what if it does? Why do you care? The Templar continues staring at the meal before him.

"Not one for food lately, Captain?" He hears Kailen ask him.

"Wha...? Oh, uhm. I guess not." Cullen rubs at his temples. "I think I've been over doing it, with practicing those Cleansing Waves."

Kailen rips a chunk off of his bread and begins chewing it. "Yeah, I've noticed that. You usually go for a walk afterwards as well. Seems to be a bit of a routine you got going on." He downs some wine. "Don't think the hound minds one bit though."

Cullen's brow twists at the thought of that hound. Devil dog. "I have to agree, he's not the best company, but he's quiet, just follows me around and chases a stick. Simple is always a nice change of pace."

"Can't agree with you more there Sir. But it's been a bit quiet here as of late." The younger man begins digging into his meal. "So do you get migraines, bleeding noses and nightmares too? You know from practicing? Mikael has been doing the same, and that's what he's been complaining about."

"Yes..." Cullen agrees, but knows that his nightmares are from different origins. "Mikael has been practicing Cleansing Waves?" The Captain is suddenly interested. Mikael, just one rank under him has never had an interest in this talent before. So he finds it odd that he has taken a sudden liking to it.

"Yup. He started not long after...well, you know. When he saw how long it took you to recover from your...experience, he said he wanted to be prepared. Seeing that you already had experience in that area and still had some troubles, he figured best safe then sorry."

"Guess that makes sense." Cullen decides to wave off his curiosity. "So what has he been doing to take care of the after affects?" He asks, while pinching the bridge of his nose trying to ward off an oncoming headache.

The younger Templar finishes his meal and pushes the plate aside. "Well, he told me that he started getting herbal remedies off of the warden. Says it's been doing wonders for him." Kailen's eyes brighten. "Plus while she makes him a batch he gets a nice view." The young man winks.

"Right..." Cullen rolls his eyes in return. Scoundrels, the lot of them, he thinks. "So how long has he been taking these remedies?"

The Knight ponders a moment. "Hmm, about two weeks I guess. It's her own blend she makes, all you have to do is drink it like a tea. Apparently, knocks you right out about half an hour later. No dreams what-so-ever, no nose bleeds and best of all no migraines."

No dreams? Cullen's eyes beam over to where Amell is sitting, eating and talking with Wynne. To have a dreamless sleep and to wake up rejuvenated. To escape the thought of...

"So Captain, what do you think? Gonna give it a try?" Kailen picks up his dishes as well as those of his commanding officer.

Cullen looks up at the other man. "Thanks. I think I will."

"You again?" Selena opens her door to allow her new frequent visitor in.

"Uhm...yes." Cullen clears his throat, thinking that gesture is becoming a bit of a habit as well. "Sorry, was I intruding?"

"No." The mage chimes. "What can I do for you Cullen?" She gestures for him to sit.

Feeling a bit sheepish, he rubs the back of his neck. "I've been...well up keeping with my practices on Cleansing Waves." Why did he think she would judge him for that? Even if she did why should it matter? Instead of seeing disappointment in her face, all he sees is Amell still paying attention to his every word. Neutrally.

"Go on." She ushers him.

"I've heard that you've been helping Mikael with...with the after affects that it sometimes has." He begins studying his hands as they rest on his knees.

"I see. So you've been experiencing some side affects as well?" Selena studies his reaction.

"Well they are known things to happen after using that ability. And honestly, the migraines are starting to get to me." The Templar's eyes look up from under his brow. "And I could..." He exhales a quivering breath. "Really use some help sleeping...soundlessly." Jerking up his chin, he laughs at himself. "I'm sorry my lady, but I must sound a fool to you right now."

The mage makes her way over to him. Kneeling down in front of him, she takes his large hands in her own. "Not at all." She beams up at him. "To endure what you have, and to still have the courage to carry on everyday...I can't imagine." She continues staring up at him. "Do not ever feel ashamed to ask me for help, I could never pass judgement on something I have not personally been subject to. And don't worry Captain, your secret is safe with me, it is not my business to discuss anyone's affairs." She pats the top of his hands and heads for her study.

Gathering up some of her dried herbs, and some of her tinctures, she adds them to a jar, then adds a bit of honey and closes the lid. Giving it a good shake, she then reopens the jar, studies the contents and then reseals the lid.

"That should help." She makes her way back towards the Captain. "One teaspoon of this and add hot water, drink that every night before bed. If that doesn't work within a week, come back and we will try something else."

Cullen quickly stands. "Thank you, Sera." He smiles nervously and takes the tincture.

"Hopefully, this keeps you from my underclothes." She smirks.

Shoulders slumping, he broods. "You had to bring that up?"

Selena shrugs. "But of course kind Sir, it's the only bit of fun around here that I can possibly find."

"Right...So I will try this tonight?" Cullen tries to steer the conversation in a more serious direction.

"What? My underclothing or that tonic?" Grinning evilly, Selena folds her arms, waiting for his response. Oh come on, this is too much fun!

His face does an amusing dance between 'seeing a ghost' white to down right flustered red. "Excuse...Wha-?" Cullen shakes his head lightly. "The tonic, of course my lady."

"Right now in my room? I must say Knight Captain, isn't that against..."

"Oh...uhm...Stop that. You're twisting my words and having a bit more fun than you should have with it." Jittery, Cullen swishes the jar from hand to the other. Opening the door and backing out, he points an angry finger at her. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

"Yes. It's part of my charm." The mage laughs, watching the Knight back out of her room.

"So, one teaspoon." Cullen adds the tincture mix to his cup of steaming water. "Hopefully, this works. I really don't want to have to go back and ask to try something else."

Half hour goes by and Cullen decides to call it a night. Tired, he actually feels like he could sleep soundlessly. In nothing but his under clothing, he climbs into his down covered bed. For once, he actually feels comfortable.

Stifling a yawn with his fist, he stretches back and then allows himself to fall into the deep dark abyss.

"Cullen!" The Captain can hear someone shouting at him. Opening his eyes, he can just make out the shape of someone sitting at the side of his bed. "Wow, it's about time you wake up."

Slowly sitting up and rubbing his eyes, he registers that the voice and frame before him belongs to a female someone.

"What's going on? Is there trouble?" He glances to the window in his room and realizes that it's still dark out.

"You tell me?" The female flicks her wrist and a candle on the bedside table lights up.

Eyes adjusting to the lighting, Cullen squints. "Selena?" It's a trick, you're dreaming... "What are you...?" He begins rubbing at his temples. "I'm dreaming...I wasn't suppose to. Go away. Abomination..."

Calmly, she grabs hold of his hands. "Cullen. You're not dreaming. The tonic worked fine. A little too well in your case."

The Templar looks up at her squinting again. "What time is it? And why are you here?"

"It's about four hours till sunrise." She places her hands in her lap. "You were, experiencing a nightmare, I assume. But the tonic was so strong that your mind doesn't register it. So you would have probably waken up assuming you had a dreamless night, when in reality, you didn't."

"Uh huh...I'm still confused." Cullen shifts in his covers, feeling very warm.

"Cullen. You were shouting. I could hear you all the way into my quarters. You scared me half to death. I'm surprised no one else was alarmed."

Suddenly very aware the Captain ruffles his hair. "Maker. What was I shouting?" He looks to her for answers, his face actually rested, but his current state proving otherwise.

"You were yelling something about abominations and begging for someone to stop...and..."

Cullen shrugs and waits. "And what?" He asks not wanting to know the answer.

"My name. You were shouting for me. Not at me, but almost as if you were trying to keep me from harm...does that make sense?"

"No..."He says, shaking, lying and he knows she can tell, and he's grateful she doesn't persist.

She rests a hand on his knee and physically feels him shake under her touch. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know that the tea would affect you like that."

Again, he lets out a ragged sigh and combs through his hair with his fingers. "Don't be. It's actually the best sleep I've had in a very long time." He snorts. "That's kind of pathetic isn't it?" He states more then asks.

"I don't think so." For some reason, her heart just tends to feel for the poor man who's had to go through so much. She can't describe why, all she knows is that she can understand his pain.

The features on his face no longer looking so flushed, he allows his eyes to meet hers. He shares with her a rare, quick smile. She concludes in that moment, that he's a very handsome man and why hasn't she noticed this before?

Slowly, she leans forward, her grip tightening on his knee.

Baffled and a little scared, Cullen backs up into his headboard. "Selena?"

Smiling affectionately, she brings her face a bit closer to his. "It's ok." Closing her eyes she plants the simplest, lightest kiss on his lips.

His big brown eyes still open, his body begins to relax and give in. Eyes beginning to close he brushes her right cheek with his thumb.

The quick kiss ending, Amell pulls back gently.

"I...why did you do that?" The Captain asks completely perplexed.

"Looked like you needed it. You had a look of complete confusion. Don't know, thought it would help you realize that you weren't loosing your mind." She quirks, thinking that sounded reasonable.

"So you take advantage of me when I'm vulnerable?" Cullen crosses his arms, looking serious.

"What? No! I would..." She notices the Captain's frame shaking, as if trying not to laugh. "Hey...wait a minute."

"I'm sorry my lady." He props himself up using both his hands. "I just couldn't help myself. For all the times you jab at me, I thought it only fair." He smiles that smile she's beginning to really like and looks at her from the corner of his eyes. "Please don't tell me that I've offended you."

"Not at all." She grins. "But my jabs will no longer be as innocent."

The mage sees him swallow hard on that note. Noticing the way the muscles in the Captains neck and chest move, when he does, Selena finds herself studying him more.

Deciding to lay back down, Cullen begins adjusting himself in bed, as he does, the warden notices the tight muscles attached to his frame. As he goes to pull up on his covers Selena can clearly tell that he's only wearing his underclothes. Her face must turn a bright shade of red, because now it's his turn to grin.

"See something of interest Amell?" He folds the sheets at his chest.

Clearing her throat, she makes way for the door. "I have no idea what you are talking about." She makes sure not to show her face.

"Of course. Sweet dreams Selena." He continues that ever growing grin.

"Uh...thanks. Have a pleasant night Captain." The mage silently opens the door and leaves his quarters. Closing the door behind her, she sighs and makes her way back to her room.