Sisters of Tevinter

Wingspan

   The Inquisitor woke to the soft caws of ravens in the upper towers, sunlight streaming in glittering amber slats from the window. 

    She was lying in bed, Max's chin resting on her head, his arm wrapped around her protectively even as his breath eased in sleep. Dorian's toffee hued wrist was draped over the mercenary's shoulder as the spellbinder curved his body against Max's back, his other hand tangled loosely in the young man's shirt. 

    Jor lifted her head sleepily, her hair mussed and her eyelids heavy. She caught sight of Kaisen, a quill tucked forgotten behind her ear, red tresses falling over her shoulders as she rested her head against the window frame, fast asleep. 

     Dane had curled up beside Varric, the hound's head resting in the dwarf's lap as the author dozed, his fingertips stained with ink. It was all very picturesque, a fresco paused in time, painted in golden sun and dancing dust motes. Warm. At peace.

    Wearily, Jor smiled and laid on her back once more, folding her hands over her aching stomach and breathing in the scent of silk, warmth, Dorian's cologne and ink on parchment. Max murmured something in his sleep, his hand found his sister's. 

    She laced her fingers in his gently, silent for fear of waking her companions. The ease, the blankness of her mind, the absence of terror and lingering nightmares had her melting. She wished she could stay here. Just like this, forever. 

    Sadly it was not to be. 

     Max shifted once more, his thumb brushing over Jor's palm as he smothered a deep, endearing yawn. Jor smiled slightly, though at his movement, Dorian's eyes flickered open. The mage sighed, pressing a rueful kiss to Max's shoulder. "Morning, all."

   Max practically purred, arching his back slightly. "Good morning." 

    Dorian hummed. "Shh, you'll alarm the birds." His wrist still perched on the captain's shoulder, he flicked a sun bronzed finger in the direction of the slumbering Crow. 

    Jor rolled onto her side, her legs dangling off the bed. "I should get going," she whispered. She had much to make up for today. She would summon her counsel. It was time this Western Approach business was sorted. 

   Max patted her arm absently. "Good luck." 

   "Thanks." Jor tugged her scarf up from where it had fallen on the floor, tucking it carefully around her neck. Kaisen shifted sleepily with a soft sigh on the windowsill, her breath slowing and resuming its peaceful slumber. 

    Dane lifted his head, snorted dismissively, and settled back in Varric's lap. The dwarf's eyes peeled open and he smiled slightly. "Well what do you know." 

  "Have a good day," Jor whispered with the softest of smiles, slipping out the door. 

   She descended the stairs, tying her hair back as she moved. She was surprised to find herself humming softly-- Empress of Fire again. It made her grin, thinking of Halamshiral and Albion. Well maybe they could all take a step forward in cutting Corypheus and his false ministers quite deep today. 

  She passed through the kitchen, snatching up a roll and a handful of raspberries as she made her way to the War Room. She crossed through Solas' study, glimpsing the newest mural as she walked. 

  A flowering glade, blossoms white as snow dripping from the boughs of a willow tree. A black bird had settled in the branches, a spider shadowed its rim in a jarring silhouette of scarlet and silver. Beautiful, as always. 

 She smiled slightly around the roll in her teeth as she passed the elf at his desk. 

  Something in her air, maybe the humming, made him look up. He blinked as she passed him. "Good morning, Inquisitor." It was almost a question.