The weight of the assignment bore down on Cullen's shoulder as he tirelessy spoke to each new recruit, trying to stop them from harassing the locals. Some believed he sympathized with the mages, others lisented without question. Still, he couldn't help but feel that having Hawke by his side would have made this task easier. Going about it alone only reinforced his belief that he couldn't trust a mage, no matter how capable they might be, especially how he acted towards Hawke, there would never be a bond of trust.
The thought of it all made him even more miserable. Not only had he defied Meredith's orders to work alongside Hawke, but he managed to get her to hate him in the process. It truly had not been a good week for him. He knew he had a job to do, a responsibility that demanded his attention, but there was something else gnawing at him - an addiction he tried so desperately to deny. Cullen's mind swirled with conflicting emotions as he continued his duties. The weight of the assignment, coupled with the memories of his strained relationship with Hawke, fueled the nagging desire to succumb to his tendencies. He knew he shouldn't let himself, but the allure grew stronger than ever in moments of weakness. It clawed at him to give in and seek solace in its clutches. He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away.
As he interacted with the recruits and witnessed their mistreatment of the locals, Cullen's frustration grew. He felt like a lone soldier in a battle against not only external threats but also his internal demons. The constant reminder that he had defied Meredith's orders and pushed away someone who had once been a trusted friend only added to his misery. Just as he was on the verge of subcumming to his cravings, his attention was drawn to a commotion in the distance. He spotted some fellow templars harassing someone who appeared to be protecting a child. Letting out a heavy sigh, this sight became the final straw for him.
As he got closer, Cullen's heart raced with a mix of worry and anger. His eyes burned with fury as he witnessed the Templars harassing Nereida, their stances filled with arrogance and prejudice. How dare they treat her with such disdain? His hands clenched into fists, Cullen stormed forward, his voice filled with a seething rage. "Stop this at once!" he bellowed, his words echoing through the alleyway. The intensity of his presence startled the Templars, causing them to momentarily freeze in their tracks. The Templars turned to face Cullen, their expression shifting from smugness to surprise as he boldly interrupted their cruel antics. However, their surprise quickly morphed back into arrogance, and one of them who seemed to be leading the group scoffed at Cullen's interference. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Knight-Captain Cullen," he taunted, sneering at him. "What brings you here? Trying to join in on the fun?"
Nereida's eyes widened in recognition as she locked eyes with Cullen. There was a mix of surprise, relief, and tension in their exchange. "This is not the behavior I expect from Templars under my command," his voice firm and commanding. "Explain yourselves. How can you justify abusing your authority and mistreating innocent people?" The Templars exchanged uneasy glances, the leader spoke again his tone mocking. "Oh, so you're suddenly the champion of justice now? We are only doing our duty," he retorted. "This pathetic knife-ear was on her way to hide that apostate, no good mage sympathizers." Cullen's fists tightened at his side as he listened to the harsh words. Anger welled up inside him, fueled by the injustice of it all. He looked at Nereidaa, silently urging her to explain herself and defend against the accusation.
Nereida shrank back, her face pale as she met Cullen's furious gaze. "I... it's... It's not like that," Nereida trembled as she spoke while standing protectively in front of the child, "I am not hiding any apostates, I'm just trying to protect her from this madness. Her family cast her out the moment she started her magic. She's only a child, please you can't take her to the gallows." Cullen's anger softened as he looked at the frightened child standing behind Nereida. His heart ached at the thought of condemning an innocent life to such a harsh fate. He took a step back, his voice filled with a mix of compassion and firmness. "Nereida, I understand your intentions, but we cannot ignore our duty to uphold the law."
Her eyes welled up with tears as she pleaded with Cullen. "But she's just a child. She doesn't understand her powers, and she's scared. I can't let her suffer for something she didn't choose." Cullen sighed heavily, torn between his duty and his compassion. He knew she was right, but going against the law was a hard decision to make. "I'm sorry, but we have to consider the safety of the people. This child's power are too dangerous. I've made up my mind." Nereida's voice cracked with desperation, "Cullen please, there has to be another way. Please don't take her there." Cullen's face grew stern, unwavering in his decision. "I appreciate your concern, but this is bigger than just one individual. The templars must uphold the law and protect the innocent. This child poses a significant risk, and we cannot afford to allow her powers to potentially hurt others."
As Nereida continued to plead, Cullen interrupted firmly. "This is not up for debate Nereida. I will take it from here." He turned to the other Templars who had been standing idly observing the conversation. "Leave us. I'll handle this matter alone." The other templars looked confused, reluctant to let go of their authority. The leader stood his ground, his voice now filled with defiance. "We weren't finished with her yet, Knight-Captain. We need to make an example of those who dare interfere with Templar matters." Cullen's gaze narrowed, his tone carrying a warning. "I've made my decision, and I suggest you respect it. Leave now, or there will be consequences. I will not ask again." He could see the leader of the group and the rest looked as if they were about to retaliate but decided to comply, unwilling to challenge his authority. They looked between Cullen and Nereida, giving them both disgruntled looks before turning around and walking away. Once they were out of sight Cullen turned his attention back to Nereida.
His eyes met hers, his expression filled with uncertainty and concern. He seemed to be contemplating his next words, his mind seemingly wrestling with an idea that he deemed absurd. After a moment of silence, Cullen let out a sigh and spoke in a quieter tone. "Nereida, I...I can't... Just take her, get her out of here." Nereida's eyes widened in surprise and hope flickered within her. "You mean...you're not going to take her to the Gallows?" He nodded, his voice now hesitant. "I don't want to know what you do with her, but she needs to leave now before I change my mind." Relief washed over her as she gathered the frightened child and made her way through the alleyway. She looked back at Cullen, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Cullen. I won't forget this." He simply nodded, his gaze fixed on the ground. "Just... make sure she never comes back. And if you see Hawke... tell Hawke what happened here."
Without looking back, she nodded and hurriedly left, taking the child to safety as per Cullen's unexpected decision. He stood there for a moment, lost in his thoughts, questioning his choices and the path he had chosen.