Author's Notes: I'm hoping this didn't move on to quickly to the point where it's not believable or anything. I must admit, I did rush this a little because I was dying to get to work on the next chapter so I hope it hasn't ruined it or anything, heh.

Cullen' gone mad;
Chapter three: "Where's my Armor?"

Synara quietly sat by the fire, day had come and gone but Cullen still hadn't awoke. Every now and again he would stir in his sleep and Synara would rush to his side, take his hand in hers and whisper soothing calm. She liked to believe it helped him, and why would she not? His restless spirit would ease. She watched him for a while; he looked so unbelievable peaceful that it was hard to imagine the pain he must be in.

The young girls attempts at cooking were horrid, she'd never been required to make herself supper before and even a simple stew went utterly wrong, she laughed to herself, it had a nice warm smell to it but it didn't look at all the same. Just as she was about to tuck in, Cullen stirred in his sleep again. Synara placed the pot back over the fire and crouched down next to her love.

"I'm here." She whispered holding onto his hand yet again, he squeezed back, gently and then his eyelids fluttered before opening. He looked shocked to see her but that was soon replaced with a slight smile.

"I-I had thought you were just a dream." Synara smiled sweetly.

"How did you sleep?" She asked.

"I…" He felt a slight cold breeze dance on his chest, "Uh, Synara, where's my armor?" A pinky blush crept onto his cheeks, she couldn't help but giggle. The guy tries to kill her but Maker forbid if she sees his chest… his very buff chest at that.

"I didn't think you'd be able to sleep in it." She answered innocently, biting down on her bottom lip as her eyes did a sweep of his body making him blush even harder. Cullen went to grab the sheet that covered his bottom half but stopped when he realized, for the first time, she was holding his hand. Amell cleared her throat, softly sliding her hand from his and running it through her hair uncomfortably. She looked away from Cullen for but a moment and when she looked back, his eye where full of fear.

"Did I… did I do that?" He asked, afraid to hear the answer; she could see he meant her neck; it was still red and slightly swollen. She looked away letting her hair fall around her neck, not wanting to hurt him with the truth. Slowly, he sat up leaning closer to her. She could feel his hot breath tease her cheek. He gently pulled her hair away then rested his lips ever so softly against her neck. She gasped. His sudden pressure caused her pain, but the gesture was much appreciated. "I am… so sorry." He said and she could hear the disgust in his voice.

"So how about some grub?" She asked forcing a smile as she tried to change the subject. She also tried to move away from Cullen but he caught her in a tight embrace. When he finally pulled away he parted his lips to speak again but nothing would come out.

"I never want to cause you any pain again," He whispered at last. "I would ask for forgiveness but I don't believe I deserve it." Synara smiled, this time it was genuine, she didn't know how to reply and so instead, pulled him back into their hug. It felt like they hadn't moved in hours, days even, but Synara felt completely safe in his arms. His actions a mere few hours ago didn't faze her at all now. She didn't want to let him go. She wanted to assure him that she would take care of him for as long as he wanted her too, but she wasn't the best for expressing her feelings in the form of words.

"What's that hissing sound?" Cullen asked finally pulling away softly.

"I don't hear – oh no the stew!" She cried jumping to her feet and in a panicked state Synara grabbed at the metal pot with her bare hand. A sizzle sound followed by the mages screams filled the camp as she instantly dropped the pot to the ground. Cullen rushed to his love.

"Let me see!" He said, his voice shocked but he tried to keep calm as to not worry her. Synara's hand was covered in a thin layer of ice; a semi reflex action she had picked up over her travels, having encountered so many dragons in the past. Cullen couldn't help but laugh at her.

"Its not funny!" She demanded hitting Cullen playfully. She was more or less unharmed, a small burn mark that would easily heal over the next few days, but otherwise, no worse for ware. She retreated her hand in embarrassment.

"Oh don't be like that." Cullen teased pulling her into a tight embrace once again. "It's nice to know you may need me as much as I need you." He openly confessed.

"I only seem to act this foolishly around you."

"That's what love does to you." At his words, Synara instantly became tense, she was a little unsure as to whether he was admitting to her or hinting he knew her feelings for him, maybe both? Though the thought of telling him out loud terrified her. Cullen felt the mages shift in stance; he too wasn't ready to truly express his feelings and so he said the first thing that came to mind.

"So what about that stew?" They both looked to the floor, only a little of the pots contents had been lost. Both pulling away at the same time, Synara felt a little empty and embarrassed still.

The two sat eating in silence. The food, if that's what you could call it, was indeed awful. Cullen forced mouthfuls down in an attempt to be polite.

"This is atrocious." He finally chocked out. Synara's eyes shot to him – if looks could kill. "I mean…" He tried to redeem himself but the sound of her laughter saved his hide.

"It seems I do need you around after all." She teased shooting a sheepish smile Cullen's way, which made him melt as if he were ice in the fire. It made him remember the first time he had ever received a smirk like that from her. It was a few years ago, he was still pretty new to the circle but had received all his training and taken his vows. He was both excited and nervous to finally begin his duty. Cullen had been asked to watch over the exams in the library. Two apprentices were lining up for their fire spells to be tested. One a beautiful girl, she stood proud and confident, the other was a messy dark haired boy, he looked terrified. The girl went first, her mentor instructed her to first ignite the flames herself and with complete easy the fire arose from no where. Cullen was amazed at how much control she had over the element, she commanded it and it obeyed her every whim without hesitation. He watched almost entranced by the movements of her hands, the simple gestures that made her look as if she were dancing. He couldn't help but get a closer look, and as her hands fell, the flames vanished also.

"Beat that Jowan." She gloated with a sheepish smile as she spun around. Only Jowan had moved aside for the templar, her cheeks turned a slight pink colour as she giggles nervously.

"Sorry." She said, her words a little embarrassed.

"Cullen." Synara called. His mind shot to the present. "You looked really… spaced out, are you okay?"

"Fine." He replied simply, he dare not tell her he was day dreaming about her.

"I'm going to wash up then, if you wouldn't mind getting some more wood for the fire, I don't think it will last much longer." He got to his feet, handing his bowl to Synara before he headed into the tree line. Cullen watched Synara from the shadows, the soft breeze played in her hair, her nose ever so slightly pink, her skins, without any flaws; she really was his gift from the maker.

Cullen gathered the wood and returned to their little camp. He stared at the bedroll for a few moments before calling over to Synara, "Is there only one?" She looked in his direction and then at what he was pointing at. Upon seeing what he meant she grinned.

"I guess we'll just have to share it." Cullen was going to suggest they headed to Denerim and rented a room there but the idea of being so close to his love had its appeals.

Cullen removed his armor while Synara was finishing off the cleaning up, still looking in the other direction, before quickly hopping into the bedroll. It was cold against his skin. Synara turned around; she couldn't hold back a cheeky grin as she saw the Templar's shyness. That was always what she liked about him the most and she was grateful he retained this even after everything that had happened to him.

The Templar tried to hide his blushes as Synara approached him; he wasn't sure if he was imagining it or not but he could have sworn she was teasing him, swaying her hips a little more than usual, a devilish glint on her lips. She even seemed as though she were undressing slower than she would have if he wasn't with her. Cullen couldn't help but watch; his eyes all over her body and as his gaze fell on to her face, he saw she had been watching him admire her this whole time. The look on her face told him she quite liked it. Synara stepped closer to him, wearing nothing but her underwear, she squeezed in beside him. His body was warm against hers – it felt good; he felt good.

"Goodnight." Synara whispered as soon as she was comfortable.

"Goodnight." Cullen replied wrapping his arm around her body. She smiled up at him before tucking her head into his chest.

Cullen wasn't tired quite yet; he watched as Synara slept, she looked so peaceful, so innocent and harmless; it was hard to believe she had saved the world. Her eyelids started to flutter and Cullen smiled to himself, happy to finally have her in his arms. He places a gentle kiss on her forehead before closing his eyes.