"Look at the state of my desk! I need to get to work at once!"

"Cole! Mr. Cole! I have a question! Are you why the cats in the kitchen have been so happy?"

Frantically scribbling on parchment.

“It is enough of a hassle trying to get the court to entertain the Inquisitor. Despite her divine association, many will still see her as an elf. I am hoping also having the Champion of Kirkwall as an ally will sway those more impressed with titles and heroic stories.”

"Oh, well," looks down and tries to cover her laugh with her hand. "'Great' may be a generous word, but they certainly do have hidden gems!"

"Wonderful! I have a recipe from the Anderfels that mixed spinach with artichoke. Who would have ever considered such a combination? The Anders, that is who!"

"Oh, Cassandra! Of course. I would not forget one of your favorite snacks. Please, please! Help yourself. I was afraid people were being too polite to partake."

“Do you eat meat? If not I have some vegetables and dip!”

“Of, of course, right away, Ser Hawke.”

“Yes! And frilly cakes. And honey dipped treats. And sweet rolls and of course some savory deviled eggs.”

“Maker, Skyhold is so lively tonight. Should I put out hor d'oeuvres?”

GIGGLES

“I like big boats, I cannot lie.”

"Yes! Quite right. I saw you gave the Inquisitor some. Poor things has been dreadfully ill. I enjoyed speaking with you. It's funny, we've been in Skyhold so long and, I can't quite remember when you joined. >

“No need! The Inquisitor graciously agreed to help me sort out my not-so-little problem.”

"You are kind, and I like you too, Cole. Always so polite." Her finger tapped against her chin as she through aloud. "Hmm, you are good with people. Especially sussing out their hidden interests. I cannot think of anything at the moment, but you are very appreciated, Cole."

"Bull asked for WHAT?" Sighs. "We are running a proper organization here, not a brothel. Kindly remind him that I will only send in requisitions for supplies and not...'sexy redheads.'"

Val Royeaux was shining, the markets buzzing, the day going on a usual. The city paid little mind to all the drama in the skies to the south, and it seemed, to its own civil war outside the city limits. >

“Oh, well, that would be quite a feat! But you know, I’m not sure why it’s called butter and not a spread. Maybe they churn it to make it.”

“I’m sure a giant hole in the sky like the Breach is something even you may not have made up.”

Kicking her feet. “Oh! Just like the heroes the old songs sing about! You are quite skilled with your words, Ser Tethras. I wonder what you will write about us? I do not mean to be presumptuous, of course.”

"I've tried everything, but I can't get the mirror to do anything. It doesn't even reflect. That's probably bad." "If I get the eluvian to work, I wonder where it will show me..."

“I wonder, in these tales in your book, is it true that Hawke truly fought a dragon, tamed it, then rode it off into battle like the wardens of old with their griffons?”

“Of course. Hawke is an experienced fighter. I trust he will be of great benefit to the Inquisition.”

“It is a welcome addition to the Inquisition. With times as dark as they are, it’s good to have a bit of character to lighten the mood.”

Scribbling notes at her desk.

“Oh, it’s like meeting nobles I’ve already heard about but never first hand! I suppose that is a credit to your writing.”

“Is that pirate lady the one from Varric’s book?!”

“It is quite foreign to anyone who has not grown up around it, yes. But they wear masks to show it is all a game. Say what you will about Orlesian, but they are honest about their deception.” She pats her hands on her lap. “Oh, yes! And not just peanuts. Apples can be butter. And pumpkin!”

Josie giggles. “Yes! It is not always doom and gloom, and the Game. Life can be so wonderful, Cole.” She finished her snack, and cleans up with a napkin. “Anything you like can go on. Jelly. Jams. Butters. Do you enjoy peanut butter?”

“Yes! And those little holes are wonderful for capturing just enough honey for every bit.” She hums as she indulges in another smile bite.

Brushes the fresh honey over toasted crumpets. “Oh, it smells divine!” She sits across from him and hands him a plate of crumpets. The honey glistens. “Please! Let’s try one.”

Giggles. “Certainly, a bumpy word fitting for the food.” Another chair pulls up to her desk. “Sit, please.” She opens the jar and fixes them a snack.

Gasps. “This is a beautiful jar of honey. Oh, thank you, Cole.” Smiled and watches him. “Would you care to try some with me?”

“Of course not as extreme as The Great Game, but honey is a wonderful suggestion, Cole. Maybe with some tea. And spread over a crumpet. Or over some cheese!”

“Perhaps with the sky falling, and demons pouring every which way, it is making people remember what truly matters. After all the politicking and wars, love is what is truly important.”

“Hawke! Sir Hawke!” She holds her skirt up a little as she trots over in her heels. “Did you find the mounts and carriage to your satisfaction?” @shanehawke.bsky.social

Giggling. “Oh! Maker, pardon me, Serah Hawke. I’ve just heard some…rumors.”

“So many new guests at Skyhold! Welcome, welcome!”

“A new story! That is exciting!” Swoons. “A magical romance built against the backdrop of war! How romantic!”

“Oh, well…yes, I was. Blackwall had his appeal. I suspect he was the one who left flowers for me in my office. It is only polite to thank him!”

“That is why I avoid the at stables. Mud and silks do not mix!”

“I mean, yes, maybe I should? Ser Blackwall would surely enjoy a warm cider on this cold day.”

Sighs. “Love is in the air! Perhaps I shall go down to the stables and…oh, no, no, no. I couldn’t possibly. Could I?”

“You speak in such riddles! Maker, I can see why Master Solas has taken a shining to you.” Hums. “I think it is all terribly romantic. And sweet. To think, she was hunting him down this entire time, unknowing they would both hit it off so splendidly.”

“Just like the romances!” Sits at her desk, hands folded over her lap. “Goodbye? Cole, what do you mean?”

Clutches her chest, holding her quill to her breast. “Oh, it is like a fantasy novel! The charming rouge dashing in and capturing the heart of the shield maiden!” Happily sighs. “Or, mage in this case. Oh, how utterly romantic!”

“There's power in stories, though. That's all history is: The best tales. The ones that last. Might as well be mine.” ~ Varric Tethras

“I heard you were under the weather, my apologies for disturbing you.” Flips through parchments on her board. “The invitations for the Winter Ball are secured. The trade deal with Denerim is established. I’ve sent word on behalf of Dorian in seeking out Coryheus’s true name. >

“Where has the Inquisitor been?”