She is quick. She might even be better off consulting a particularly enterprising rogue, like Hawke's friend the pirate (who kept leering at him). He makes a mental note to tell her that, once they're done.

In the meantime, however --

Ysalwen is trying to go for his hand. It's a stupid move for him to make, but he'll bet it's not one she's expecting: Cullen waits for a brief pause, no more than a heartbeat's span -- and when he watches her change her footing he turns, quickly, withdrawing his sword and putting his shoulder behind the shield to push back against her attack.