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open rp post

MOSTLY ACTIONSPAM ★ PICTURE PROMPTS OR OTHERWORDLY PROMPTS WELCOME ★ TELL ME WHO YOU WANT IN THE HEADER

★ MUSELIST

( code from supersuits | gif from ahgiffers )

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[elderflowers]

[ There's a tension in the air as Arthur makes his way through the throngs of people to the infirmary, uneasy stares and watchful eyes fixed on the book in his hand. Despite having vouched for the man, even the Inquisitor's attention is hawklike as he looks from Arthur to Cullen. The Commander offers a solemn nod, short and hopefully reassuring — though perhaps the hand still resting on the pommel of his sword might allay more of the Inquisitor's uncertainty; Cullen is nearby, ready to act if this happens to bite them in the ass, but... he'd rather it didn't come to that.

(But he's seen the worst of magic, and he's far less willing to blindly trust something new and unfamiliar, even if what Arthur has offered is help.

Unfortunately, their options are exceedingly limited at this point.)

He isn't the only one watching intently as light and shapes begin to emanate from Arthur's book, and though they all seem stiff, on their guard, no one moves forward to stop him or take the codex away. Instead, they let the spell do its work, and much to the relief of everyone still in the infirmary, they can see Sera's wound closing over.

After a few drawn-out moments, the light vanishes and Sera slumps with relief back against her bedroll. ]

Think I'll keep everyone else on the pointy end next time, yeah?

[ There's a communal sigh as the near-palpable tension starts to dissipate, and the Inquisitor returns to Sera's side to check on her as Cullen turns his attention back to Arthur and the proffered book. ]

... Well, then.

[ Cullen reaches out to take the tome (because while he's impressed, he's not inclined to let Arthur keep it just yet). ]

Perhaps thanks are in order.

[ They most certainly are. ]

[inklongdry]

[ Arthur lets Cullen take the book without argument, offering only a small shake of his head. ]

If anything, I should be thanking you for placing your trust in me.

[elderflowers]

[ Cullen tucks the book securely in the crook of his arm, casing Arthur a somewhat dry look. ]

Given how little choice I had, I’m afraid I can’t necessarily claim it was an act of good faith.

[ Their resources being what they were, it largely came down to “how much did he want to risk Sera’s life” — and with the Inquisitor breathing down his neck and the condition the elf appeared to be in, the answer was “not nearly as much as he might otherwise.” ]

So— thank you.

[ There’s a tug of something at the corner of his lips that might be a smile — though there isn’t much in the way of joy in it. ]

I’m sure you’ll soon find yourself beset with more thanks than only my own.

[inklongdry]

Considering my current circumstances, I’ll take whatever I can get.

[ Not that he was hoping for someone to become gravely injured for a chance at saving them, but whether by choice or desperation, that little bit of trust was a welcome change from the constant suspicion. ]

I don’t do what I do for the thank-yous, Commander, so if it’s all the same to you, I would rather extract myself while I can.

[elderflowers]

I don’t blame you at all.

[ Which is entirely true. Cullen doesn’t do well with genuine gratitude either, not when he’s lived so much of his life in service to the Chantry.

Templars, after all, don’t work for the expectation of thanks.

(Especially since they’ll rarely find it.) ]

Then you might want to—

[ —go quickly, is what he was about to say, but before he can finish his sentence, a familiar voice comes up beside them, and the Inquisitor claps a hand on Arthur’s shoulder. ]

Maker’s breath, but I’ve never seen anything like that. An incredible show of magic, truly. We are in your debt, Ser.

[ Cullen straightens up respectfully as the Inquisitor stands next to them, though he does offer Arthur something that might almost look apologetic for not letting him beat a hasty retreat sooner. ]