{p}lanning has never been my strong suit

[glow=brown,2,300]Jowan's face flushed, and he scratched the back of his neck with a flustered laugh, "No, no- not exactly. There aren't many templars in there and... and it's quiet..." he began to trail off, already out of excuses. Desperate to change the subject, he gave Riley a defeated look, "There's nothing to do without you around. If the templar's don't kill me first I'm sure boredom will." Hopefully they could move on to griping and groaning about being locked up in the circle, as opposed to poking into what he did in his spare time. [/glow]

[glow=brown,2,300]Jowan laughed, but it was hallow, "If is right..." The tower had begun to feel more and more like a prison lately, especially since he had learned what true freedom felt like through his relationship with Lily. He had never really been content, but now? Oh, he yearned for the outside more than ever. Blinking as he came out of deep thought, Jowan realized he'd nearly sucked the fun out of the conversation. The uneasy look Evangeline wore was enough to get him moving conversation topics once more.

"I think I heard one of the senior mages say they're making sweet rolls in the kitchens- do you think if we help they'll let us take some?" Riley always seemed to like helping (well, that was an overstatement- more like cause trouble) in the kitchens, maybe they could spend time there until they came up with something actually fun to do with their free time.[/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]"If we can convince them to let us in, that is." Evangeline tried to sound stern, but it was obvious her smile was hiding a laugh as she recalled the bread roll incident. At the time it wasn't amusing, but looking back one could only be amazed at the sheer number of bread rolls one apprentice had managed to steal without getting caught.[/glow]

[glow=brown,2,300]Jowan snorted, rolling his eyes as he began in the direction of the kitchens, "Like they'd let us take any sort of poisonous substance into the kitchen's. I'm sure half the templars in the tower would be sick to their bellies if they did."[/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]Following along at Jowan's side, Evangeline could only shake her head at Jowan. Though she hated to admit it, many mages and apprentices alike would leap at the chance to incapacitate, or even mildly inconvenience, the templars. But she couldn't understand why. She knew many apprentices grew homesick, missing the families they had been taken from, but couldn't they see they were all there for their own good? And it wasn't as if mages could never leave; once you took your Harrowing the circle could allow you leave from the tower from time to time. What was so grand about Ferelden anyways? Templars she had asked before never seemed overly fond of it, always agreeing that mud was the most prominent feature. Oh well... at least Anders would have found the idea funny.

The clanking of armor snapped Evangeline out of her thoughts, having only been half listening to Riley and Jowan banter as they walked. Looking up, her eyes immediately found Cullen's. She almost smiled as he made his way over to them, but his nervous look turned her lips downwards instead. He looked like he wanted to say something, but couldn't quite get it out. With a slight tilt of her head, Evangeline stopped, gesturing for the others to wait for her. "Is everything alright, Ser Cullen?" Trying not to seem overly concerned, she kept her tone more formal than inquisitive.[/glow]

[glow=gold,2,300]Cullen visibly relaxed as he found his words, seemingly encouraged by her even responding. "Your presence is required." Expecting her to come without question, Cullen grew visibly uncomfortable as Evangeline gave him a confused look. His discomfort shifted to annoyance as Jowan piped up, "What for? I thought Irving had given her the day off!" Shooting him a look, he repeated himself firmly, "That's none of your concern, apprentice. Her presence is... is required. That is all." It was clear Cullen was already beginning to lose confidence, though his frustration was keeping him where he was.[/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]Jowan was getting ready to protest again, and Evangeline had placed a hand on Cullen's arm in an attempt to calm him down. He was nervous- that was all, he wouldn't do anything rash. Besides, if she was really needed...[/glow]

[glow=brown,2,300]Riley's quiet voice shocked all three of them. Evangeline's eyes were wide, suddenly afraid. Jowan was frozen mid-sentence, finger pointing accusingly at Cullen. He instantly retracted it, his confidence riding solely on Riley. He seemed worried now, scanning Cullen quickly for any dangerous signs he might have missed. It sunk in with him that he had made an almost lethal mistake in arguing. Cowering behind Riley now, he nodded at Evangeline, "We'll... save you a sweet roll."[/glow]

[glow=gold,2,300]Cullen cleared his throat, standing up straighter. Removing his hand from the hilt of his sword, he tries to recall ever putting it there. He can't help but feel a pang of regret, though more for worrying Evangeline than for spooking Riley. In fact, some templars would have considered bragging rights for getting Riley so quiet. But Cullen was more concerned with Riley's sister, who offered no more than a stiff nod to her companions. He almost considered apologizing to them, but through the viewpoint of a templar he had done nothing wrong. He'd requested her presence kindly enough, and he had interfered, so he stood his ground. Nothing wrong with that.[/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]Watching Cullen nod curtly to Jowan and Riley, she gave one final apologetic look to them before following Cullen down the hall. Though he was visibly relaxed, she couldn't help but be on edge. Looking up to him, she asked, "What am I being summoned for?" Cullen stopped at that, his eyebrows furrowing for a moment, as if perplexed by the very nature of her question. When realization dawned on him, he shook his head quickly, "N-nothing, actually. I-" He looked around, glad to find the hallway clear. He takes her hand in his, an embarrassed smile slipping onto his face, "I just wanted to have some time. With you, that is."

Evangeline, too, looked around the hallway when Cullen took her hands, unable to stop herself from blushing. For a moment, she practically melted as he gazed down at her, but thoughts of her sister made her straighten up, "But what if we're caught? Won't someone notice you missing?" Cullen frowned at that, threading her arm through his as he began to lead her down the hall. He kept his voice low, suddenly taking on the demeanor of a templar again as he guided her down the hall, "I've only so long between stations but..." he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his voice lowering considerably, "I can't stop thinking of you."

That was enough to color her cheeks a bright red, her eyes darting to the floor as she let out an embarrassed giggle. He chuckled as well, but stiffened up when another templar on guard rounded the corner. In that moment, the two were rigid, and didn't relax until Cullen pulled Evangeline into one of the many empty rooms lining the hallway. Wasting no time, Cullen was immediately upon her, desperate to feel her in his arms. She let out a squeak of surprise, but was soon kissing him back with the same amount of passion. Oh the things this woman did to him... The armor was annoying, and Cullen swore at it the longer her lips were away from his. But she was surprisingly nimble with her hands, and soon enough they were on each other once more.

---

She could have stayed there forever, her head on his chest as she reveled in a post-loving glow. But the dangers of being caught were too great, and soon he was untangling himself from her to reequip his armor. They both moved slowly, kisses sprinkled in between each buckle he tightened on his uniform. Her robes were simpler to get into, and she could feel his eyes on her as she reclasped her bra. Coming from behind, he wrapped his arms around her middle, the coolness of his metal armor making a shiver run up her spine. He nipped at her neck lovingly, but as she stared at the door a feeling of dread overcame any affections she might have given him. Turning around in his arms, she put a hand on his cheek, "We can't leave together... truthfully I'm not sure I want to leave." Cullen chuckled at that, but it was more nervous than anything. She was right in that leaving together wasn't an option. They both looked at the door for what seemed like eternity, debating silently who should be the first to go.

Letting her go, Cullen buckled his sword onto his belt, "I should go first. It shouldn't take long to get to my post, but it would be best if you wait for a few minutes before going yourself." She nodded, pulling her robe over her head with a sigh. As she tied on her belt she expected to hear him leave, surprised when he cupped her cheek. Pouting up at him, he pressed a kiss onto her forehead, "Have you any need of me, you need only ask." And with that he went out the door, leaving Evangeline to sigh blissfully as she relived their meeting in her head. A good five minutes pass before she leaves the room herself, heading to the apprentice chambers with a spring in her step and a smile on her face.[/glow]

[glow=brown,2,300]"What if they put chocolate in pies? Think about it! An entire pie filled with chocolate and-" Jowan was cut off when Riley sat up, his eyes immediately looking toward the doorway. He was relieved to see her smiling, as opposed to bruised or... not there at all. Of course, it was Evangeline, he shouldn't have expected her to be called in for punishment. Ever since that mage Anders had gotten locked up Evangeline had begun living by the rules as if her life depended on it... and with tension in the air it just might. In any case, she was definitely more fun when she knew how to bend the rules. [/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]Making her way over to Riley, she sat down between her and Jowan with a satisfied sigh. A blush rose on her cheeks when her sister pointed out her smile, the smile itself only growing bigger. "Oh- am I? I hadn't noticed." Caught up in her trace, she suddenly realized her and Cullen never made a real excuse. Faltering, she began picking at her sleeve. Think Evangeline, think! What would Cullen have called her away for... remembering the younger apprentices in the library, Evangeline looked up quickly, her explanation tumbling from her mouth before she forgot it, "One of the Senior Enchanters needed help with... teaching the children. Just a simple shield spell see." Quickly changing the subject before Jowan or Riley had time to pick apart her story, she poked Riley's side, "Speaking of going well, no one's said anything about the kitchen being up in flames. I take it you listened to Lomo about the proper cooking time this time around?" [/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]Evangeline laughed, glancing at Jowan as his expression changed to one of exasperation as he remembered Riley's juggling act. "Well a few broken eggs is certainly better than a fireball... much easier to clean up, hmm Jowan?" As they gave each other a mutual nod, Evangeline's attention was grabbed Riley's offer. Beaming, she took the sweet roll gratefully, "You really saved one? Thank you!" Getting ready to take a bite, she stopped short, "You didn't make this one... did you?" [/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]After sticking her tongue out at Riley, she kept her manners and nodded in acknowledge at Riley's comment before taking an eager bite. She practically melted into the taste, closing her eyes blissfully as she savored the taste. Riley was right, they were better. Food in the circle was never bad, but it was never truly good either. It was a rare treat when something had any added flavor or taste. It made Evangeline wonder if perhaps someone was coming to visit the tower; she knew Greagoir was always one to make the circle seem more impressive than it truly was to outsiders.

Minding the manners she'd demonstrated before, she ate carefully, one had cupped under her chin from crumbs. Never one to speak with her mouth full, she waited in between bites to speak, "By the Lady, you're right... these are much better. Surely there must be an occasion or something!"[/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]"It's a nice change from what usually comes out of the kitchens, that's for sure!" Splitting the remainder of her sweet roll between Riley and Jowan, she finished her bit happily. Jowan seemed more than grateful to accept his share, having been eyeing the roll for a good part of their conversation. As she chewed, Evangeline looked up in thought and tried to recall hearing mention of any visitors to the tower. "Come to think of it... I think Irving mentioned something about an emissary of the King's army. Coming to recruit more mages, though Greagoir swore he'd sent seven of our finest just last week."

She nods to confirm her statement, now sure that she had recalled it correctly. Wynne had been one of the seven, and rightly so. She was one of the best healers in the tower, and one of Evangeline's biggest role models.[/glow]

[glow=lightblue,2,300]"I suppose not. There are always the windows, if you're that curious... the templars have said there's not much beyond the lake. A lot of mud." She scrunched her nose, wiping her hands with the napkin as she did. "Once you go through your Harrowing there'll be more to see- more to do too. It's only a matter of time, really." Passing the napkin to Jowan and Riley, she took care to wipe Riley's face, as she'd left a large glob of frosting on her cheek with no intention of cleaning it herself. Though it didn't feel like it, it had grown quite late. Templars on duty began to poke their heads into the doors to declare curfew, and apprentices began streaming into the rooms willingly and unwillingly.

"I should go to my room..." Jowan sighed, standing up with a stretch, "I'll meet you two tomorrow, in the library?" He waited only for one of them to nod, scurrying out the door before any templars could scold him. Not watching him go, Evangeline laid down across Riley's lap and looked up at her. With her hands resting on her stomach, she turned her gaze away. She had hoped Riley forgot her outburst in the hallway, but it ate away at her now. "Riley... remember earlier in the hall? When I told you I had something to tell you?"[/glow]