PSL with Dorian!

[cullen_stanton_rutherford]

Who: Cullen and Dorian
What: At Skyhold, before "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts" mission
Warnings? None yet, will update if needed


As Cullen descends the stairs from Leliana's aviary, he clearly does not look pleased. When he heard that he was expected to attend the ball at Halamshiral, he had hoped that he could convince the others that he would be more useful if he remained here in Skyhold. Josephine shot that idea down instantly, but he thought at least Leliana would listen to reason.

He was wrong.

Here he is, Commander of the Inquisition's entire army, yet powerless to excuse himself from one frivolous party. Of course, he understands how vitally important this mission is, but that's all the more reason to excuse himself. Diplomacy should be left to the diplomats.

Mind burdened by all his concerns, he doesn't really pay any mind to anyone else as he storms through the library. It could be easy for a bystander to get caught up in Cullen's flustered stampede...

Comments

[cullen_stanton_rutherford]

Hearing his title, Cullen freezes and raises his eyebrows, as if being yanked back to reality.

"Ah, Dorian. My apologies." There may not be any actual reason to apologize, since he thankfully hadn't crashed into anybody, but Cullen realizes it may have been a bit rude barreling through the library as he did. His frustrations are his own, and the people who might cross his path shouldn't suffer for it.

"It's nothing," he continues with a sigh that shows it clearly isn't nothing. Cullen knows that Dorian comes from nobility, so he'd rather not make himself look like an uncultured peasant by revealing his ignorance of high society and The Game. "Just thinking over everything that needs to be done."

[cullen_stanton_rutherford]

Cullen is grateful that Dorian isn't pressing the matter, but he does pause to consider the offer. There's always plenty work to be done, so he's hesitant to take any time for himself. Though, he really wouldn't mind relieving some of this stress over the upcoming mission.

But Dorian actually might be able to help. He does come from high society, after all, so he might be able to offer some insight to help put Cullen's mind at ease.

It's almost funny how at first, the mage's background was a caution, yet suddenly now seems useful. The Commander never expected to consider anyone from Tevinter as an ally, but despite his initial suspicions, Cullen believes Dorian really is loyal to the Inquisition. Even more, his wit and sense of humor makes for unexpectedly good company.

"Er, speaking of things to be done, will you also be attending Empress Celene's ball?" Cullen asks, trying to casually approach the topic without confessing to his cluelessness. "I suppose it wouldn't be the first time you've been to this sort of social event?"

[cullen_stanton_rutherford]

"Not quite so many, no." Cullen hesitates a moment, but continues, "I've never been in a position to receive an invitation, anyhow."

It's not like his background is much of a secret, so there's no use skirting around the topic. Not that he's ashamed of his social status, but Cullen would still rather not give himself - and especially the Inquisition, by association - a bad image. But he's not in a crowd of strange nobility right now. He knows he doesn't need to put on airs for Dorian, he just doesn't know why he would even care what the other man thinks.

"Actually, I'd prefer to keep it that way," Cullen admits. Though, he still isn't quite ready to give his full reasons. "Someone needs to remain here in Skyhold. While our defenses are impressive, I'd rather not be away from the troops for so long. With all leadership away from the castle, we'd still be vulnerable."

With a sigh, he rubs the back of his neck as he moves to idly glance out a nearby window. "I'd be much more useful if I remained here."

[cullen_stanton_rutherford]

As Dorian laughs, Cullen can feel his face start to heat up. Thankfully, only the tips of his ears start to turn a little pink, for now. He should have known he couldn't hide the truth behind why he really didn't want to go. These people raised in high society know how to pick up on things and read between the lines - which is exactly why Cullen would rather stay in Skyhold.

Still, he is determined to stick to his story. "This is simply a matter of military strategy," he insists, though not entirely certain if Dorian will even believe him. "Although it seems I have been overruled in this decision," he adds with a sigh.

With all his worrying, Cullen hasn't quite caught on yet that Dorian actually paid him a compliment. "I don't see how I could possibly be of any use, though. It's doubtful I'll do much more than stand on the sidelines."