Josephine whisks into the room, then, and says loud enough for Cullen and Leliana to hear, Orlais and Ferelden are demanding that the negotiations resume this morning, with Inquisitor Lavellan in attendance. I have tried to hold them off, but I cannot do that without telling them --
It's all right, Josephine. Lavellan sounds beyond exhausted. Vivienne tsks under her breath; Sera mutters it bleeding well isn't under hers. Get started. I'll join as soon as I'm able. Vivienne will ensure I'm put together enough for Duke Cyril and Arl Teagan.
Do you mean your toilette, my dear, or ensuring you won't bleed out all over the carpets? Vivienne inquires. Cullen can't help but snort at that. Dorian's mustache twitches.
Both. Lavellan waits for Vivienne to lower her hands before grabbing Sera's hand, and squeezing. (Cullen has to look away for a moment.) Bull? Dorian? Can one of you fetch that rotten uniform one last time?
Sure, boss, Bull says easily, and slips out of the room. He squeezes Dorian's shoulder on the way. Gives a nod to Cullen.
Inquisitor, I appreciate your resolve, but if there's a chance you will show any physical weakness in front of the Exalted Council --
For just a moment, Lavellan's arm twitches -- like she wants to hold up her other hand to stop Josephine's words. A shadow falls across her face, quickly replaced by grim determination. You have my word, Ambassador. That shall not happen.
Cullen, watching this, can tell: Lavellan has a plan.
He doesn't need to be present at the Council. Word will escape quickly anyhow. Before he returns to Alistair, Cullen figures it would be well to have a word with Varric.
If there are any plans, he says to a point somewhere over Varric's shoulder, to -- bring the Inquisition to heel by force, especially the inner circle --
We'll get you out, Curly. The name isn't serious. Varric's tone is. And anyone else they want to shove the lyrium on. Our Nightingale's got demands on her attention. I've got my ear to the ground. He can see Varric grimace. If there's any way we can get this story a happy ending, I'm on it.
Not long after, Cullen appears on the balcony. He troubles to make noise, at the least, and -- because he can, because he has the chance -- rests a hand on Alistair's hip, meaning to pull Alistair back into his arms.
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It's all right, Josephine. Lavellan sounds beyond exhausted. Vivienne tsks under her breath; Sera mutters it bleeding well isn't under hers. Get started. I'll join as soon as I'm able. Vivienne will ensure I'm put together enough for Duke Cyril and Arl Teagan.
Do you mean your toilette, my dear, or ensuring you won't bleed out all over the carpets? Vivienne inquires. Cullen can't help but snort at that. Dorian's mustache twitches.
Both. Lavellan waits for Vivienne to lower her hands before grabbing Sera's hand, and squeezing. (Cullen has to look away for a moment.) Bull? Dorian? Can one of you fetch that rotten uniform one last time?
Sure, boss, Bull says easily, and slips out of the room. He squeezes Dorian's shoulder on the way. Gives a nod to Cullen.
Inquisitor, I appreciate your resolve, but if there's a chance you will show any physical weakness in front of the Exalted Council --
For just a moment, Lavellan's arm twitches -- like she wants to hold up her other hand to stop Josephine's words. A shadow falls across her face, quickly replaced by grim determination. You have my word, Ambassador. That shall not happen.
Cullen, watching this, can tell: Lavellan has a plan.
He doesn't need to be present at the Council. Word will escape quickly anyhow. Before he returns to Alistair, Cullen figures it would be well to have a word with Varric.
If there are any plans, he says to a point somewhere over Varric's shoulder, to -- bring the Inquisition to heel by force, especially the inner circle --
We'll get you out, Curly. The name isn't serious. Varric's tone is. And anyone else they want to shove the lyrium on. Our Nightingale's got demands on her attention. I've got my ear to the ground. He can see Varric grimace. If there's any way we can get this story a happy ending, I'm on it.
Not long after, Cullen appears on the balcony. He troubles to make noise, at the least, and -- because he can, because he has the chance -- rests a hand on Alistair's hip, meaning to pull Alistair back into his arms.