Sisters of Tevinter

Diverted

    The Denizens were settled among the soldiers in Skyhold after a lengthy briefing with Commander Cullen. 

     Maxwell was very civil, thank the gods, and quarters as well as tents were arranged for the party of mercenaries who now spent most of their time training and drinking with the Chargers. Bull had already taken Eadrik under his wing, and Krem seemed pleased with this arrangement. 

     There were precious few moments of rest for Jor in the next day, arranging meetings and coming home to a stack of papers a mile high on her desk. Varric had spoken to her briefly about the incoming merchant shipments, for which she thanked him profusely. 

   Now, in the early light of dawn, Jor was leaning on her elbow at the table in the War Room, surrounded by lit candle stubs and poring over the droning letters of nobles. The words were starting to blur together, all Dearest Inquisitor this and If you would find it in your heart that. 'We would be honored and humbled to supply aide for the forces in the South, in exchange for the smallest of favors...' 

    Josephine was sitting in the adjacent chair, her clipboard lying in wait at her side and her third inkwell half empty as she pored over the sheaf of correspondences in her hand. She looked up as Jor heaved a sigh, smiling slightly. "Inquisitor?"

    "The maybe pile." Jor placed the letter from Sir Drescal in the centermost stack between them. 

      The ambassador nodded. "Wise. A middle ground is most often the simplest choice with the lord, he is quite the fickle ally." 

     "Good to know," Jor murmured, smothering a yawn. 

     Josephine slit an envelope with her gilded letter opener. She read it. Then read it again. "Oh dear." 

     Jor lifted her head with a groan. "Oh dear?" 

      The ambassador frowned and wordlessly slid Jormungandr the letter. In elegant black script was an invitation; 

        'Dearest and Most Acknowledged Inquisitor,

         It has come to my attention that you are sorely lacking in political support as well as competent allies. There are rumors circulating of deceit within your ranks, as well as a disturbing amount of amateurish magicks set loose amongst your forces. I am holding a gala at my salon in Val Royaeux this week, I do invite you to attend. There is much we should discuss. 

          Cordially, 

              Madame Vivienne De Fer

         First Enchanter of Montsimmard, Enchanter to the Imperial Court of Orlais, Knight Enchantress of the Circle of Magi

      "Maker's mercy," Jor groaned, dragging her hands over her face. "She sounds delightful." 

       Josephine gave a half hearted smile. "...It can't be that bad. Madame Vivienne is first enchanter to the royal regime, and therefore an advisor to Empress Celene herself. This would be a chance to press our ear to the Imperial Court, to prevent..." The ambassador trailed off, watching the color drain from Jor's voice as the sound of corpses and clawed feet struck green stone. 

        "Inquisitor?" 

        Jor blinked away the visions of blood and death. "Hm?"

        "Will you accept the invitation?" 

        "Oh. Will I have to wear a corset?" Jor gave a nauseated smile, and Josephine laughed. 

        "Not necessarily. Though we would do well to find you some new clothes."