Mage and Templar
Everything that followed that night was complete bliss. Cullen enjoyed every moment he was with Esumi, and she in return. He no longer cared that he had forsaken his vows. In a way, he hadn't. He was still able to perform his duty. In fact, Cullen found that he was even able to perform it better than before. No longer was he distracted by her. Seeing her at the corners of his eyes, turning his head to get a better look. Now she was in front of him, and he was determined to protect her. Determined to keep the tower safe.
He had known this when they laid on the Harrowing Chamber floor. His arms encircling her waist, holding her tight to his chest. Her arms curled under her chin while her head rested in the nape of his neck. They both had felt so fulfilled, so safe and happy, even warm despite the cold floor. He was just so happy to finally be rid of the weight that had been hanging from his heart.
They had laid there, in that position for some time before Cullen finally broke his grip on her. He had been watching the sky, and slowly saw as it began lightening, telling him that it was time to leave, even though they didn't want to, but they couldn't stay in the Harrowing Chamber forever.
I'm her light, he thought as they made their way down the tower as quickly and stealthily as they could. And she is mine.
Now after a few weeks of secret glances and innocent run-ins, Cullen couldn't feel more alive. Esumi had not gone to Ostagar the next day, instead spending the whole day in the alcove with him. That alcove, he now found to be a very nice feature. No one could see them unless they came right up to the entrance. And if they positioned themselves just right, they could see down the hall, looking for anyone who might be coming. It made for fun exploration and a quick recovery.
It was different in the rest of the tower, however. Outside their alcove they were nothing more than templar and mage, and had to act as such. They completely ignored one another, even one time he had to yell at her when another templar was present. Immediately, safe back in their alcove, he had apologized severely to her for doing so. But Esumi had only smiled at him, saying that she understood what he was doing, and in secret, that, along with other things, could be their way of saying 'I love you' to one another. It was a strange way of saying it, but it worked for them, and kept them from looking too conspicuous.
As the weeks went by, Cullen even found his intake of lyrium decreasing. When he had first taken the lyrium as apart of his vows, he had only been taking one vial a day. As time went on, he soon found his cravings for it increasing, and his intake became two vials a day, then soon to three. It was something he hated, but knew that it was just part of being a templar. All templars took lyrium, and all had cravings for it that made them need more as they got older. He knew older templars who had taken at least fifteen vials a day or more. Sometimes all at the same time just to quench their cravings. It wasn't something Cullen was looking forward to. But once he and Esumi had connected, once they had joined as one, he soon found his craving for the blue liquid to slowly dissolve. He was now down to two vials a day, and felt that soon he may be down to only one again. He couldn't explain it, and neither could Esumi when he told her, but Cullen wasn't really going to complain. The decrease could stay a mystery for all he cared.
Yet, despite all the wonderful things that were going on with the two of them, the peace in the tower wasn't going to last. They had heard the news about Ostagar, and all the lives that were lost, including many mages and templars who had gone. There were mages who came back, but at first, there was only one. Uldred.
A buzz had gone through the tower with his return. They had only heard rumors about Ostagar, but he was able to provide full details. He told of the betrayal of the king by the Grey Wardens. How they had lead him into a trap and to his death, but their plan had backfired. The battle was a slaughter house, and even the mighty Grey Wardens were killed along with the king and his men. Uldred had only survived because he had been warned by Teyrn Loghain, the general of Ferelden's armies, and the one who had figured out the betrayal.
"It doesn't make any sense," said Esumi as she and Cullen stood in the alcove. "Why would Grey Wardens betray the king? And with darkspawn of all things!"
"It is a mystery," Cullen commented. "But so far, this is all we know of what happened there. Oh Maker, I'm glad you didn't go." He took her in his embrace. Just the thought of her there and what could have happened to her was enough to make him choke.
Esumi settled into his arms like she always did. She sighed as her fingers began to absently trace the designs on his breastplate. They both hated that he had to wear it. It kept them apart most of the time, but it was something that was a necessity.
"Yes, so am I," she said looking in his eyes. "But I still can't believe Uldred. There's just something about him... And it's not just with his return. He was always a slimy snake. Always causing havoc and ranting and raving his views and ideals." She sighed again and took herself from his arms. "That's what Libertarians do, I guess."
Cullen scuffed. Libertarians were a templar's nightmare. They were a fraternity of senior enchanter mages that desired to be away from under the Chantry's eye. They wished to be freed from the Chantry and to rule the Circle as an autonomous, self-regulating order. They probably would have more numbers and more supporters on their view point if they weren't so violent about it. When ever there was an uprising or a rebellion of mages, you could always bet all the sovereigns in Thedas that it was a Libertarian leading the charge.
"He's always caused trouble, hasn't he?" Cullen asked.
"Who, Uldred?" Esumi laughed, crossing her arms. Even though it was a spiteful laugh, it was still music to his ears and he couldn't help but to think how cute she looked. "I've never known Uldred not to be in some type of trouble. I came to the tower when he was just recently made a senior enchanter. No one knew why they made him one. It wasn't like he wanted the job. Uldred never liked teaching, and he wasn't the best teacher either. From what I know, he never taught anyone except for his special, hand-picked apprentices." Esumi rolled her eyes.
"Hand-picked?" Cullen said with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, it's like a club or something. You know the mages with the green robes? That's them, or at least the ones that made it past their Harrowing."
"Yes, I've noticed them. They seem very quiet and... self-absorbed is the best I can put it."
"Exactly," she said beginning to pace about the alcove. "He only picks one apprentice a year, then only teaches them that year before letting them go to do what they please. And he always picks apprentices who are exactly like him. In the way they think, act, and of course, their viewpoints on the Chantry. So, as you might've guessed, they're all Libertarians. Just the funny thing about it is what happens to them when they get to the Harrowing. None of his apprentices have been made tranquil. All of them have gone through the Harrowing and have either passed or died. And all the ones who have died were all possessed by the demon and attacked the templars."
Cullen stood where he was, watching her pace about. He could tell she didn't like Uldred, and neither did he. Uldred was the only senior enchanter that he knew almost nothing about, and from what he heard, maybe he didn't want to know. "You act as if he's some horrible monster or something. Should I keep my eye on him?"
"I'm sure Greagoir and Irving both have the entire tower keeping an eye on him." She stopped and looked at Cullen. "I'm sure you haven't heard."
"Heard what? All I know is about Ostagar, and what you tell me. This alcove isn't the best place for gossip."
Esumi chuckled. "Which is a good thing, right? But there is more coming from his wicked tongue than just Ostagar. Uldred is also talking about rebellion. He said that if the mages joined with Loghain then the teyrn would help them take control of the tower. The only problem is, is that I don't think Uldred wants to wait. He may be plotting to take over the tower now, and then help Loghain with whatever campaign he's brewing."
"An uprising?" Cullen asked. "That's not good. Maybe I should go tell Greagoir."
"I'm sure there's no need," Esumi said shaking her head. "Greagoir probably already knows. Irving, I'm sure, either told him or his informants did. And besides, there's no use getting you involved in this. You're safe here in the alcove."
Cullen looked at her with sympathy. "And why are you worried about my safety?"
"The same reason you worry about mine."
Cullen took her in his arms again and kissed her. It felt good to have her lips against his, and for a moment their troubles washed away.
It wasn't until several days had passed from Ulded returning that another surprise from Ostagar had come to the tower. More mages had returned, and one of them was both Esumi and Keiven's teacher, Wynne. Esumi was of course excited to have her back, and to know that she was still alive and well. But with Wynne also came more stories.
"According to Wynne, Uldred is lying," Esumi told Cullen. "The Grey Wardens didn't betray the king, it was actually Loghain. She says she saw the teyrn himself, ignore a signal that was set to tell him when to charge. He instead quit the field and left with all his men."
"Why would Loghain do that?" Cullen asked.
"I don't know, and neither does she, but I believe her story over Uldred's." Esumi closed her eyes and laid her head on his chest. "This is so horrible. What are we going to do? Now because of Wynne's statements, the tower is in disarray."
Which was true, as the tension in the tower had increased once Wynne had told her side of the story. Fights seemed to be breaking loose all over the tower, caused by people's disagreements. Cullen even found himself breaking up a few, including one that involved Keiven getting into a fight with an older apprentice, who turned out to be one of Uldred's. Apparently the apprentice had said something bad about Wynne and Keiven wasn't going to let him get away with it. Keiven had thrown the first punch, and by the time Cullen had gotten over to the fight, he noticed that the younger mage was actually winning. He had stood there for a second watching him fight before breaking it up. Cullen was impressed by the mage. He figured that if he hadn't been a mage, Keiven would more than likely have made a fine warrior.
"Sometimes I wish I wasn't in this alcove all day," said Cullen. "When I was in front of the apprentice quarters, I heard all sorts of gossip and tales. Not here."
Esumi smiled. "You have me."
Cullen smiled as well. "I guess that's enough, then."
"Okay you two, I better not come around that corner and see something I shouldn't!" Cullen and Esumi unhooked from each other as Keiven walked into the alcove with his eyes covered and his other hand out in front of him, trying to feel around.
"Keiven, uncover your eyes before you hurt yourself," said Esumi.
The young mage spread his fingers to let one eye peer through to see. When he saw that they were both separate from each other he then fully took off his hand. "Hope I didn't interrupt anything," he said smiling broadly.
"Only us ravishing one another," said Cullen.
"Oh, that's disgusting!" Keiven said sticking out his tongue. "I never want to hear you say that again. Uh, now I have a mental picture!"
Keiven had actually found out about Cullen and Esumi on his own, and didn't seem to care. It was something that made Cullen worry when the young mage had told them that he knew. Cullen thought that if he knew, then maybe others would find out as well. But Esumi had assured the templar that not only did Keiven know her better than anyone else did, but that he was apt at finding things out that he shouldn't be. No one else knew, or even had any suspicions on their relationship.
It turned out to be great, as Keiven and Cullen became pretty good friends. They would occasionally banter with each other about simple little things that meant nothing. Esumi liked seeing them act this way. She liked to see Keiven finally getting over Jowan, and maybe even looking up to Cullen now.
"Good, then I've done my job for the day," said Cullen as he smiled down at Keiven.
"I didn't come here to learn about the birds and the bees, you know," Keiven said irritated.
"Then what are you here for?" Esumi asked.
"I came to tell you about the meeting Irving is holding tomorrow."
"Meeting? What meeting and for what purpose?"
Keiven cleared his throat. "I think Irving is getting tired of all the fights going on in the tower-"
"Like the one you caused?"
"Hey, Chad deserved that bloody nose I gave him. Calling Wynne an old harlot. I should go kick his ass again."
Esumi shook her head and covered her face. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Anyway, like I was saying," Keiven continued. "Irving is finally calling a meeting to speak with Uldred and get things situated. From what I heard, I think they're going to determine whether they're going to follow Uldred or not. My thought it not, and this meeting is only a ruse to have Uldred's guard let down to capture him."
"Who's all going to the meeting?" Cullen asked.
"It's just for mages, no templars. And it's only the council going in. So no other mages are allowed to attend, which includes apprentices." Keiven huffed, seeming annoyed by the notion.
"So that means not even Wynne will be in it?" said Esumi.
"Nope, but don't worry, my lady, your knight will find out what the verdict is. I guarantee it!"
"No. No, no, no!" Esumi said as she came in front of Keiven and placed her hands on her hips. "You are not sneaking into that meeting. Do you know how much trouble you'll be in if you do that?"
"No, but probably no worse trouble than if I had gotten caught in the reformatory."
Esumi narrowed her eyes on him. "Maybe not, but don't forget about me."
Keiven cringed away from her. "Yeah, you're right. Maybe it would be worse."
"Oh, Esumi. Leave the boy alone," Cullen chuckled.
She turned on him with an eyebrow cocked. "Don't tell me you're taking his side?"
"Well... I would like to know what happens."
"And we will learn when the rest of the tower does. I don't want Keiven risking himself anymore." She turned back to him. "Do you hear me? I want you to promise me you won't sneak into that meeting."
Keiven looked at her with big eyes, and fists clenching.
"Keiven?"
"Yes, I promise," he finally said. "But that doesn't mean I have to stand up here with you two lovebirds all tomorrow, does it?"
"No."
"Good, cause now I'm out of here." Keiven waved before leaving the alcove and running down the hall.
Esumi hung her head and sighed. "What am I going to do with that boy?"
"I don't know, but what are you going to do with this boy?" Cullen said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to his chest.
"I didn't realize you were a boy. I thought you were a man?"
Cullen shook his head and kissed the top of hers. "I'm whatever you want me to be."
"Then just be you," she said. "And you know, now that I've thought about it... None of the other mages in my room have returned. It's sad, yes, which means that I'm in that big room all by myself and lonely." She turned to face him and gave him big, sad eyes. "So lonely..."
Cullen took a deep breath as he looked down in those jade orbs. She had learned quick how to use them on him. "Why don't you ask your knight to stay with you?"
"Because I don't want my knight. I want my templar."
This made him smile. "I'll see what I can do." He then kissed her, and he knew that he would come to her that night no matter what.
A/N: One more part after this, then the story will continue in Blood Bond chapter 32.
