(no subject)

[serves]

Who: Cullen
Broadcast: Fleet wide audio
Action: on the Huntress
When: Nowish

[This is the voice of a worried man that's trying to not sound as worried as he feels. The crease in his brow is almost audible.]

I understand that sometimes people fall into deep sleep here for no reason known to us. [Maker, he's praying that it's like what happened to Varric and not something to do with their new fleet addition.]

It seems to have happened to Elize. She's in good hands, but... I felt I should let people know, in case this isn't just happening to her alone.

Comments

private;

[openhands]

Do you need anything?

[She asks after Cullen rather than Elize because a) there is nothing she can do for Eliza, b) she believes Elize will be fine, and c) Cullen does not have the best track record of taking care of himself when there's someone he cares about that needs attention.]

private;

[serves]

Not currently, no. Thank you, Cassandra.

[He sounds like he's fifty.]

private;

[openhands]

[She's not sure how much she believes him. So, she'll run down the list of basic needs if that's what it takes to be sure he's giving honest answers.]

When was the last time you had something to eat?

private;

[serves]

She and I had supper together. [So... a while...]

private;

[openhands]

[...Bro.]

And slept?

private;

[serves]

I'm fine.

["Not in a while."]

private;

[openhands]

I will be over in a few minutes then.

private;

[serves]

I suppose arguing will get me nowhere fast.

private;

[openhands]

You suppose correctly.

[Unless you want a lecture, Cullen. But either way, that won't make her change her mind.]

private;

[serves]

If it makes you feel better.

[Weh weh I'm not five.]

private > spam;

[openhands]

[She is not even going to dignify that with a response because wow, this is so not about her. If you would just take care of yourself, idiot, she wouldn't have to. Cassandra cuts the feed and heads on over to Cullen's ship. She doesn't come to Elize's room right away, however, and makes a quick stop in the kitchen to get food and something to drink to bring down to him. When she does come to Elize's room, he's being passed along what she's collected from the kitchen.]

Here.

[This is not a debate. She feels for him, as much as she is able, but he's no use to Elize if he's not taking care of himself.]

[serves]

[It's about what he expects. Cullen takes the food and drink with a small nod, the lines on his face already deeper than they were.]

Thank you.

[Look, he'll even take a sip.]

[openhands]

[Cassandra leans against the wall with her arms folded. The sip is good, but she's not going anywhere any time soon.]

Of course. You should get some rest after you are finished with that.

["Should."]

[serves]

[Oh, he hears the implication, but he chooses to ignore it.]

Sitting in a chair isn't exactly strenuous.

[openhands]

No, but sitting in a chair worrying certainly is.

[serves]

I'd be worrying no matter where I was.

[openhands]

Then you can do it from your bed once in a while.

[serves]

I need to be here when she wakes up. [If.]

[openhands]

You want to be, [Cassandra corrects.] Do you not think she would not immediately seek you out if you were not by her side?

[serves]

[Stop being logical, Cassandra.]

She shouldn't have to do that. This is where I'm needed right now.

[openhands]

[No can do, Cullen.]

She is asleep, Cullen. Unless someone chooses to play a very cruel joke, she isn't going anywhere and she does not have much need of anything. What she will need is you at your best when she wakes up.

[Not if.]

How do you plan to give her that when you've worried yourself so much that you're not eating or sleeping enough?

[serves]

I'm eating, and I will sleep. [Eventually. You're not his mother, Cassandra, though he certainly needs one.]

We don't know how long this will last. Or... what it's like, for her.

[openhands]

[He sure does. Stubborn shit.]

Cullen, do you trust me?

[serves]

[He stares at her.]

Of course I do, Cassandra.

[More than most people. There's a reason he confided in her about his struggles with lyrium, and it wasn't just because of her abilities as a Seeker. She's strong, capable, and wise--she'd act accordingly, if need be.]

[openhands]

Then trust me when I say that you need to take care of yourself, Cullen. I will watch over her while you get some sleep if you would like, but you need sleep either way.

If you will not do it for yourself, then do it for her.