He couldn't work out why, but over the next few weeks Cullen sensed something different about Neve, the usual warm smile that she normally gave him had gone, replaced with flushed cheeks and a hasty exit, if he walked into the library whilst she is studying she would hastily back up her books and leave.
Several thoughts had crossed his mind, had she caught his sideways glances, the looks of admiration that he tried so hard to disguise, did she see him as she saw Carroll? Worst still were the thoughts that she was turning down a darker path, a capable mage even before her harrowing, could a demon have corrupted her, talked her into allowing it into our world, weaving its evil and corruption through her mind and turning her to forbidden routes, could a demon remain hidden for this long?
As much as he didn't want to think it, it was something he couldn't ignore, he decided to keep a watchful eye, as of that evening he would take the nightly patrols outside the mages quarters, if forbidden magic was at work then the evenings would surely be the opportunity to practice it. His deep seeded affection for her stopped him from reporting his suspicion to his superiors, an act that if proven right would no doubt lead to him being cast out of the Templar order, he had to be sure, a false accusation would lead to her death, he would not be able to live with himself if anything happened to her because of him.
The sun set, Cullen having rested throughout the day headed to his post in the corridors outside the mages quarters, he carefully positioned himself a few rooms up from Neves, just outside an old storage cupboard now unused and empty, her door just insight, if she was going to leave her room he would be able to see, yet was perfectly positioned to slip into the cupboard if she headed in his direction.
As the orange glow of the setting sun faded into a deep, dark shade of blue the mages returned to their quarters, Neve walked toward him, her eyes to the floor, her pace quick, having caught sight of Cullen further round the corridor,
"Miss Amell, is everything ok? You seem a tad flustered" He queried
"What, oh yes, Ser, I'm just eager to go to bed, to sleep, I'm awfully tired, if you'll excuse me" she replied, eyes still fixed on the floor, barely stopping as she did so.
There was nothing he could do but wait, the hours passed, the dark blue sky slowly filled with stars, Cullen was about to breathe a sigh of relief, there had been nothing but silence for the last hour, relief that his worst thoughts had been proven wrong, then the sound of one of the heavy bedroom doors opening shattered any thoughts of relief he had, he slid into the cupboard leaving the door open just enough for him to see if anyone walked past, he held his breath, his thoughts praying to the maker that whoever was leaving their room was not Neve, praying that it was merely another mage, he peered through the gap in the door, the crimson red hair unmistakeable, he cursed under his breath.
He needed to follow her, this alone was not evidence enough to condemn her as a blood mage, he had to remain unseen, he removed his heavy armour, the sound of a Templar, fully uniformed, walking was as quiet and subtle as a bear, he didn't want her to know he was following her. Now dressed in just his linen trouser and tunic he crept out of the cupboard and moving closely to the inner wall followed Neve as she head for the main stairs leading to the upper levels of the tower. Guards seldom patrolled the floors above the mages quarters, they housed the Templar quarters, and the harrowing chamber, so the need to keep guard seemed unnecessary, why would a mage be sneaking out and into the lion's den, so to speak, he followed her up the stairs and into the Templars quarters, he feet hardly making a sound as she silently slid down the halls keeping to the shadows, remaining unseen by those who weren't watching her every move.
He continued to follow her until he reached the bottom of the stairs leading to the harrowing chamber, he watched as she slid round the door, leaving it ajar, he crept up after her, slid through the door and hid behind one of the two statues flanking the doorway into the harrowing chamber. He crouched down and peered from around the statue, he watched as Neve made her way over to the far end of the chamber, climbed over the crates stacked below the large window overlooking the lake, and watched as she settled herself, resting her head on her arms and gazing out at the moonlight reflecting on the still calm waters of lake Calenhad.
She remained there for at least an hour, the only movement coming from the rise and fall of her shoulders as she slowly breathed in and out and the only other sound other than her breathing being the occasional sigh. Cullen remained behind the statue, watching the young lady before him, wondering what thoughts were going through her mind, he longed to go over to her, to wrap his arms around her waist, to rest his head on her shoulder and become lost in the stars. He longed to know how it would feel to hold her, run his fingers through her hair, to kiss her, he wondered about the feel of her skin, the scent of her hair. He was quickly brought back to reality as he heard the sound of her bare feet landing on the stone floor of the harrowing chamber as she jumped from the top of the crates that she had been perched on just moments before.
He followed her again, back tracking the exact route that she had walked just an hour ago, he speed quicker, once they reached the mages floor Neve's pace quickened almost to the point of a run, Cullen lost sight of her as she moved down the rounded corridor towards her room, he picked up his pace and was amazed that she had seemingly disappeared as he returned to the post he had originally be stationed at. Her door was still ajar, she would have closed it had she returned to her room, he stood there, perplexed, she had simple vanished, just as he were about to turn and retrieve his armour from the cupboard he felt someone grip his tunic and, with great difficulty, drag him into the cupboard.
His breathing quickened, his sword was not as close to hand as it should be and he could not see who had pulled him into the darkness, he clenched his fists, ready to lash out at the mystery person sharing the confined space with him, when a hand was lightly placed on his chest, the apprehension he had felt faded, disappearing when a familiar voice emerged in the darkness
"Why are you following me Ser?"
Neve
"I…I…I was concerned, you've not been yourself of late, I've missed your smile and I was…."
"You've what?"
The realisation of what he had just said hit him
"Oh, no, what I mean is, well I mean…"
Before he could complete his sentence Neve rose on to the tips of her toes, rested her hands on his chest and pressed her lips against his, he pulled back, his mind spinning, deep down he knew this was forbidden, yet every manly urge within him wanted this more than anything.
"I'm so sorry Cullen, I shouldn't of done that, please forgive me" she whispered, shame and disappointment etched in her voice.
They stood in silence, every possible negative outcome swam around Cullens head, he should walk away, pretend this never happened, that's what he should do. Instead he raised his hand in the darkness, finding the smooth curve of her cheek, he caressed her cheek with his thumb, raising his other hand so that her face was now cupped in his hands, and before he could change his mind he leaned forward and kissed her, lightly, waiting to see if she responded,
She did
Their kisses were light, tentative at first, but they soon grew deeper and more passionate, her hands ran up his chest and round his neck, his ran down the curve of her body, his arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her into him, their kisses became intense with a sense of hunger, their tongues exploring each other's mouths, one hand reached up to cup her full breast, he felt a surge of excitement rise from deep within him, he wanted to explore every inch of her body, he wanted to remove her tunic and taste her skin as he showered her body with kisses but before he could do anything else Neve pulled away.
"It will be morning soon, I have to go" she released herself from his embrace and opened the door
"Wait, Neve, I have to tell you"
She smiled, their brief encounter telling her all she needed to know, she kissed him again
"I know" she whispered "I feel it too" with that she left him, standing in the cupboard, breathless, he waited a few moments, calmed himself down, then redressed into his Templar armour, and resumed his position in the corridor.