Sisters of Tevinter

Contracts and Concerns

    "Morning, all," Jor sighed, taking up a seat on the stool left for her at the long dark table lined by dancing sun. 

     Cassandra took a seat beside the Inquisitor, crossing her legs. Josephine smiled warmly. "Good morning, Inquisitor." 

     Leliana grinned from where she perched on the edge of the table, turning to the sleepy commander leaning on his elbow. "That does sound nice, doesn't it. It has such a lovely ring to it, it suits her face." 

     "Mn," Cullen offered with an absent smile. He gave Jor a small nod, forcing himself to sit up with obvious effort. 

    Jor smiled slightly, amused. "Out all night, commander? What will people say?" 

    "No," he sighed, a bitter grin tugging at his lips, as if the suggestion was funny. "Pardon me, Inquisitor. I am... weary." 

     "Clearly." Jor inclined her head to him. "You're pardoned. I do recommend an afternoon nap in the sun, commander. It does wonders for the skin." Her nose wrinkled slightly as she smiled, hoping he would take her advice. The poor man looked exhausted, his complexion sallow. Had he lost weight? In a single day? Impossible. 

   Cullen cleared his throat and straightened. "Thank you. I might just do that. Shall we begin?" He laid a gauntleted palm over the map.

    Jor folded her hands, interlacing her fingertips against the lip of the table. "Yes, please."

    "First, I believe we should address commerce." Cullen tapped a metal talon on the parchment, glancing up at Josephine with a weary smile, giving her the floor. 

    The ambassador beamed, turning to Jor in her seat. "Well, you'll be pleased to know that offers of aid have come flooding in from all over Thedas. We were contacted by the Blades of Hessarian, who are honored to be considered an extension of Inquisiton. They report nothing amiss along the Storm Coast."

     "That is good news," Jor hummed, her leg beginning to jounce. Already, her mind was starting to wander back to the notes she'd left in bed. 

     "We've also received invitations to reach the Tradesmen as well as the Tethras family. Already, new supply lanes have been established through the Frostbacks." 

   That made Jor smile. Good old Varric. She'd have to remember to thank him. "That's wonderful. We have sufficient coin?" 

    "For now," Leliana said succinctly. "It will be a struggle keeping up with beginning transactions, but I have people working on that as we speak." 

     Relief washed over Jor as she glanced up at the Nightingale. "Thank you." 

     The spymaster smiled. "Of course, Inquisitor." 

      "And the soldiers?" 

      "Are settling nicely," Cullen said. "This place is a marvel of defense, with walls like these we'll see Corypheus coming from miles away if he decides to show his face again. Morale is... well it could be better, but it's improved significantly since you took this position." The Lion cast the rogue a smile. 

       "How can we improve upon the improvement?" 

       Cullen nodded. "That will be taken care of when the extra casks are brought up from Val Royeaux. My men are stubborn, but easy to please."

      Jor laughed softly. "Good. Their equipment?" 

      "Satisfactory for now. Again, the merchants will be helpful. We're sharing rations and blankets at the moment, the sooner we receive more the better."

     "Noted. Thank you, commander." Jor nodded, rubbing her wrists. "Is that all?" 

     The council looked at each other. Cassandra tapped idle fingers in a steady rhythm against her knee. 

      "I guess not. Well, spit it out." The scholar smiled slightly, though she feared the worst. We don't have enough people. There's news of Corypheus. The world is crumbling and we have two days to fix it. The Breach reopened. 

    "There have been disturbing reports of activity in the Western Approach," Leliana said slowly.

      "Define disturbing. Who have we lost?" 

    "No one," Josephine reassured quickly, evidently hoping to soothe the look of despair on Jor's face.  "Not yet. But there are sightings, spikes in supernatural activity."

      "Demons?" 

      "Some." Cullen nodded. "Enough to be a concern. Lingering weaknesses in the Veil. But that's not all." 

      "Oh?" Jor cocked her head to one side. 

      "Within what was once called the Forbidden Oasis, there have been reports of strange sounds at night, things disappearing from Inquisition campsites, strange lights and fires on the horizon. Along with the demonic appearances and periodic attacks in the desert, this is something we should see to. I suspect bandits." Cullen's expression was grim. 

     "Don't believe in ghosts, commander?" Jor smiled. 

      "I believe in what I see." He gave a stiff shake of his head. 

      "So you propose I seal the Veil if needed in this Oasis, protect the camps and such. Investigating this... activity?"

      Leliana nodded. "The abandoned mines laced beneath the Oasis would also be a valuable resource to the Inquisition. No doubt there is much to be discovered beside such things. The Oasis has long been a mystery to many, its people are long dead." 

    Jor smiled slightly, already weary at the prospect, but the idea of mystical ruins tugged insistently at her attention. "I will go."

     Josephine's dark lips twitched up at the corners. "Our fearless Inquisitor." 

    "You're too kind to me, Lady Montilyet. But the next time you want to hand me a sword, tell me first instead of handing me over to my sister." 

     The ambassador blushed a becoming shade of bronze. Cullen looked sheepishly at the ceiling as Leliana chuckled. Jor gave them all a playful glare as she stood. "I'll ask around, see who's available and ready for a fight. Good day everyone. Cullen, your nap." 

       "Yes, Inquisitor," the commander murmured in resignation, making Josephine giggle. 

       Jor beckoned to Cassandra with a small smile. The Seeker rose to follow her as she strode out the door. I guess that wasn't so bad. It was an easy beginning. Not much had really changed, she hoped it would stay that way. 

      They crossed the great hall. "How about it?" Jor asked, folding her hands behind her back as the Seeker fell into step beside her. "Want to come to the desert with me?" 

     Cassandra laughed. "I have no love for sand, Inquisitor."

      "That's a shame. Neither do I. But I think I need you here anyway. Promise to look after Cullen and the soldiers?" 

       "You have my word." 

       "Thanks, Cassandra." 

      The Seeker nodded, smiling slightly. They came to the courtyard, descending the stairs. 

     "I have to go find Bull. I promised I'd take him with me the next time we went places. Don't tell Varric." 

      Cassandra gave a soft, bell-like laugh. "Yes, Inquisitor." 

     Jor nodded. "I'll talk to you soon." 

      "I look forward to it."