Sisters of Tevinter

Deceit and Depart

   "Dorian." 

   The mage was curled catlike in his usual armchair by the window, a heavy book open at his knees. "Hm?" 

    Jor hesitated, taking a seat on the ottoman. "I've got to tell you something."

   "Ooo, anything good?" Dorian smiled slightly, idly turning the page. 

    "I don't think so." 

     The mage paused. Slowly, he looked up and turned his head to glance at her, a curl of dark hair falling into his eyes. "What is it?"

    Jor swallowed and drew the letter from her coat, holding it out to him. With cautious coffee fingers, Dorian reached for the envelope. 

    "Before you take it," the Inquisitor said quietly, "Mother Giselle gave it to me." 

    Dorian scowled. "I see. Do you know who it's from?" 

    "No. Well..." Jor tapped the Tevinter seal with her forefinger. Dorian's eyes widened, some of the color drained from his face. Then his scowl deepened as he carefully took the envelope. 

    "She asked me not to give it to you until we reached Redcliffe. Apparently, that's where they want to meet you. A retainer, she said. An agent of the Pavus family." 

    The mage scoffed, moustache twitching irritably, but his fingers were gentle and wary as he tore open the parchment with a few deft movements. "You refused?" 

     "She was..." Jor's lip curled. "She knew you and I-- At least I think-- There's trust between us, yes? She asked me to abuse that. To lead you into a situation we knew nothing about. So... Here's the letter." 

    Dorian laughed softly. "You are too good to me, Inquisitor." But his voice was bitter. He lifted the expensive, creamy stationary from the folds of its envelope, his silver gaze flicking over the spidery scrawl of dark green ink. "It is not addressed to me." He scowled. "Though it seems it is about me." 

     He handed Jor the letter. 

     Most Esteemed Inquisitor,

           It has come to my attention that you have come in contact with my son. You have accepted him into the growing ranks of Inquisition, placing him amongst your inner circle. I know my son. He is talented in the ways of magic, yet his reputation is in tatters. There is growing concern in House Pavus that he has lost his way. We wish to speak with him, to learn of his exploits, to invite him home. 

           We have a representative waiting for him at The Gull and Lantern, a quaint establishment he had been known to frequent and enjoy. Please consider bringing him there, we have no wish to alarm him. We have spoken to Mother Giselle, who will in good faith bring you this correspondence so that you may deliver my son to our representative. 

         Until we meet,

                Halward Pavus

          Lord of House Pavus, Tevinter Magister of Qarinus

       Jor scowled slightly. "Your father assumes much." 

        "Tell me about it." For the first time, Dorian couldn't seem to meet her eyes. He looked nauseous. Irritated. Angry, even. 

        "Is there something I should know?" The scholar asked softly, reaching out to touch the mage's hand. He sighed heavily, uncoiling slightly at her contact.