Tales From Thedas: Dragon Age One Shots

Looking Beyond the Surface

"How many bottles?"

"14!"

"Maker..."

"I heard Josephine's locked him out of the wine cellar."

"What do you expect? I heard that's why he came to Ferelden in the first place."

"What are you talking about?"

"Obviously he's a drunk. The liquor's cheaper down here than that fancy shit they got in Tevinter. Not like he's got coin to afford it either way."

"Mmm. He does seem to be in the Herald's Rest more often than not."

"You're daft man! I've never seen him there and the Inquisitor can always find him in the library. It ain't him."

"Can't be. I see him there all the time. Usually drinking alone."

"Well I see him in the library. Maybe you're the one spending too much time in the tavern."

"Well I see him playing chess in the garden with the Commander. He can't be in both those places half as much as you claim."

"I heard he trades barbs with that uppity mage from Orlais. Practically next door to each other... and the entire grand hall can hear them too!"

"You're all wrong. I see him comparing notes on magic with that elven apostate."

"Pah! The elf hates that Vint. They'd never work together."

"Shows what you know. Just the other day I delivered a message to the elf and had to interrupt one of their conversations."

"Why the blazes do I care about any of that? I thought we were talking about him drinking?"

"I'm just saying... I think you're wrong. I've never seen him at the tavern drinking alone."

"Maybe that's cuz you're always too busy staring at that oxman."

"Am not. Besides you stare too, I've seen you! And he can't be in there as often as you say, he's always with the Inquisitor when they leave the keep. If I didn't know better I'd think his Worship was sweet on him."

"Andraste's flaming balls! That's not why! He's takin 'im with em to keep an eye on him is all. Make sure he ain't no filthy blood mage."

"Hush up idiot! Don't be saying things like that, the Nightingale has ears everywhere! Besides there's no way the Seeker would let him wander 'round free if there was even a doubt."

"How'd you know? Maybe the Seeker's possessed."

"I knew you didn't have a brain. Seekers can't be possessed, they're immune you daft nug."

"Who you calling daft?"

"Hah! Insulted by daft but missed the nug!"

"Nugs aren't daft, they're tasty."

"Ugh. Keep that to yourself."

"I think all of you should shut up. What if the Inquisitor hears you talking about his friend like that?"

"No one's going to hear. You worry too much. I heard the Warden talking about the piss-flavoured ale with the Vint. Said he was surprised he drank it."

"Hah! That just means the Warden knows what the Vint was drinking. Maybe he was looking for a drinking buddy."

"Well I heard that snooty Orlesian mage complaining to the Vint about the horrid wine here in Ferelden. She said it would be a shame for some of the Inquisition's supply were to run out. Especially with so many nobles here... what would they say if the Inquisitor served that to a visiting Lord?"