A cold inquisitor

The Gift

" I heard I was requested?" Evelynn spoke as she walked into Josephine's usual place of residence. She had been busy with yet another form or letter, a quill quickly coming to a halt on the parchment as the dutiful ambassador looked up. 

" I have a letter, it was addressed to you specifically, your grace. Quiet odd actually, it was received in the early hours of this morning. "  

She pushed back her seat, opening a drawer and carefully pulling out the envelope. It looked simple enough, nothing overly grand or sloppily put together. What was truly odd was as it was placed in Evelynn's palm she heard the faint rattle of metal on metal, and given the bit of weight it was clear this wasn't an actual letter. Even Josephine looked on with curiosity as she broke the wax seal and carefully dumped the item into her palm. It was a golden necklace, a pendant that shined in the light. But it looked dull in comparison to the bright red gem that the chains were attached to. A glowing, beauty in the form of an oval imbedded in a bed of gold to hold it. It was clearly a beauty to behold. 

" Its lovely, looks rather expensive and I.. don't see a note. Any guesses as to whom and why someone would send me such a piece?"  

" Fraid not your grace. As lovely as it is, I don't think its from Val Royeaux." 

" Wherever its from I don't much care to know. I'm more concerned with whomever thought to give it to me." 

" Well you have spent quiet a bit of time at the war table as of recent. Perhaps this is a gift from someone whom wishes to express their gratitude?"

" Plausible.. It is rather lovely. It goes well with my attire, I'v always loved the color red." 

" Then if you're happy with it, sounds like all is well Inquisitor." 

" I'll return my duties and allow you to return to your own. Thank you for your time Josephine." 

As she thanked her ambassador and left, she clasped on the pendent to its new place around her neck. It felt heavy, but with time she was certain she'd become used to it and likely not even realize its weight. It was weirdly comforting, and there was a growing heat over her collar bone, even through layers of clothing she could feel it. She brushed her gloved finger tips over it, and immediately she knew she would never take it off. A few minutes ago she was apprehensive, eager to know who sent it. But now, such concerns seemed as if they had never been and she was enjoying the presence of her latest gift. 

' Warm and beautiful. Whomever sent me such a comforting and lavish piece should be properly thanked. Ah, suppose they already know my gratitude and that is enough for them. Vivienne will be incredibly jealous, maybe Dorian will squirm in envy. I'm curious as to what Varric will say, the man always has something to say about everything.'

She thought to herself as she continued about her way, brushing her thumb against the lovely gem all the while. She just couldn't for the life of her to leave it be, even as she attended to the demands of the people or assisted in petty political matters on paper. She felt as though passing eyes pried on her new beloved piece, and she would feel a good deal of processive and protectiveness over it. 

' How odd.'