he calls himself a fan of mine and swears he’s read every word i’ve put down.

[trouvaille]

FORM: A published work, and a letter.
SENDER: Gwenaëlle Vauquelin
RECIPIENT: Anyone who acquires a copy of her work, which will be circulating from Orlais and Skyhold initially. (And Gregoire Leblanc.)
WHAT: The first part of Gwen's great work; a gossipy letter home.
WHEN: Early Bloomingtide.
WHERE: Orlais, Skyhold.
NOTES: Since I am too lazy to literally write a monthly newsletter in Gwen's voice, I'm going to helpfully summarize its content, tone and quality here for anyone who would like to reference it later! Regarding notable omissions - in exchange for an as-yet-undecided favour from Alistair, Gwen agreed not to mention the Wardens at all. She didn't mention elves because who cares about elves tho.

Intended as an informative piece regarding the work of the Inquisition, it begins with a brief outline of the facts of the situation they face as they are known; the Herald's death at Haven, the revelation of Corypheus, the dangers that are faced not only by Orlais and Ferelden but all of Thedas. She consciously and explicitly does not linger on Trevelyan as a woman - apologising politely to readers for not having personally known her, and feeling it inappropriate to speculate - but considers the position of Andraste's Herald as a symbol, and what the loss of that means. What follows is a smartly, sharply worded persuasive argument that each day the Inquisition proves it doesn't need the symbol even as it mourns, fittingly, the loss of the woman. Clever and interesting individual anecdotes of the way that Skyhold lives and operates are woven into a narrative that's clearly more interested in the larger whole as a whole; the Inquisition as an organisation, as an ecosystem, as a part of broader sociopolitical context. (Not in so many words. Gwenaëlle has probably never heard the word 'sociopolitical'. It's just what she's talking about.)

Her writing voice is intelligent, dryly self-aware and a little bit sly where she feels she can get away with it; at a polite remove from the reader while inviting them to feel as if she isn't, as if they're being invited to share her intimate thoughts (as if she might care what their opinions are). While she focuses less on specific names than on the ways that they contribute to something more than the sum of its parts - there's no blatant shill for support, but the way she discusses the allocation and importance of support they already receive does paint the purposefully tempting picture of being a part of that whole in even a small way - she does take the time to explicitly praise the advisors for remaining steadfast to their cause and shepherding those who follow their banner.

(Observant readers within Skyhold might notice glaring omissions: if you were to judge by this writing alone, 'those who follow their banner' would include no Wardens and no elves, neither group receiving even a footnote or cited name.)

She signs off with the anticipation of following up in the months to come, that readers might consider this an introduction to something that might interest them. She speaks in terms of offering transparency about what is being done, and why, and by whom - with what resources and under which banners. (And if what she's permitted to discuss of those things serves very conveniently as contrast to the ways in which they are underfunded and underresourced and demonstrate where a generous and thoughtful person might fill a gap, why, she is just an art critic who wished to be of use, ser, no politician.)

“As, and I can speak only for myself, I do find the fate of the world in which I live a sort of pressing concern.”


A copy of said work is enclosed in a letter to one Gregoire Leblanc, who is probably by now accustomed to the stark difference between her public and private writings -

G,

Skyhold appalling. Your sister acceptable. My cousin is here; Aleron Darton, Mirielle's man. You don't remember her. Terribly pretty, very sad and romantic. You may not write about them, he'll be wounded and we'll have to stop being friends. You cannot imagine who I shall immediately replace you with if I'm forced to give you up for family loyalty: I have made the proper acquaintance of the Empress's arcane advisor and she is the most remarkable person I have ever met. I admire her in everything and she likes me extremely. You may envy me accordingly.

Varric Tethras, on the other hand, not even slightly so charming as we had been led to believe. Atrocious rude and overly convinced of own importance. He called me a second-rate biographer and said awful things about my name. It's a stupid name, but he didn't have to say so. At least my lord was persuaded away from calling me 'Clothilde' outright. A fate worse than marrying a Fereldan. How is your charming fiancee, on marriage? Adelaide asked after her character, your happiness. I suppose she can't have much of the former if she's settling for you, but we must put our best foot forward. I would say that I was kind. I did speak with her promptly - not immediately (I saw her the first evening) - and it is just as well. I don't know that she much cares for me, but perhaps that's just what her face does. Apparently your other sisters are telling tales out of school about how we would have married. Would actually sooner marry a Fereldan and/or Corypheus. Would you attend my wedding to Corypheus? We would obviously all wear red.

The Templars here are quite astonishing. Well; I have never seen so many. But they are mostly to be admired; a man of rank I spoke with was rather heartening. And he had detailed pictures of the demons - do you think that he would let me put them in my next edition? You don't know, you haven't met him. I will ask. But not gratuitously. It will have to be fitting. There's another that I know better, a younger man, Bellamy; that one walks a line. Any line, I expect, he has the mouth for it. I have promised to help him with the large words in this edition, as you know I am such a charitable woman. Well, you know, I am actually, because I even gave time to some absurd man talking nonsense about what Seeker Pentaghast (who is much better looking in person I would dearly like to lay my head upon that bosom) is "allowed" to do as if she owes him an explanation! It's ingratitude. I am sure the Seeker acts only in our best interests. If I simply must be here then at least I may trust her entirely. In fact I would be delighted to do so. You could do yourself an injury on those cheekbones.

I suppose it hasn't been as awful as I feared, but I miss you terribly. Do not send me any of your books as consolation, I will scream.

Your only friend, probably,
G.

PS
If you want a souvenir I have to steal you're going to have to be reasonable.

Comments

a note addressed to lady vauquelin

[rowancrowned]

Lady,

I suspected I would not make a grand impression with so brief a meeting, yet it seems that none of my people are due a mention in your little musing.

I must confess I am insulted, especially when I so carefully wrote my name for you. Was it simply too difficult to reproduce on your printing press? Or was there another reason? Pray tell me, to soothe my most wounded of prides.

Yours,

delivered by katell, her (elven) lady's maid

[trouvaille]

( 'little musing' -

it isn't as if that phrasing would have incited any ire if not for my people just a few words before. as if they are. as if he has any right to them. as if he can speak to her about--

he's no subtler in this than she is stupid, and she knows exactly what he means; early, angry drafts in response make no bones about that. but she is a little calmer, each time she tosses a page into the fire, and finally she hits upon an answer that doesn't contain anything she would be distressed to have surface later. she even gives a courtesy title; )

Lord,

Nothing would please me more than to announce the swearing of your allegiance to the Inquisition's cause. If I am mistaken in believing that this has not yet happened, then I apologise profusely, but I feel certain that I have represented those rifters in the Inquisition ranks to the best of my ability. I believe if you consider the nature of my contemplation, you will understand why I felt it appropriate to devote time to those who have had the opportunity to prove themselves in their service.

Thoughtfully,

G.

( they both know he didn't mean rifters.

- it's only after katell has already been and returned that she realises she might have to put her money where her mouth is if he ever does. )

the questions he has for katell!!

[rowancrowned]

My lady,

I am afraid you will have to announce an alliance instead. I am far too proud to allow any Man that much sovereignty over Mirkwood-- such a thing would set a precedent I do not want.

Naturally, I shall seek to better your ability to speak firsthand about the events of the Inquisition outside Skyhold's walls. Have you any skill with knife or bow? Unless my eyes fail me, you do not have the shoulders to be swinging about a sword as the Seeker does. With reassurance that you can defend yourself without constant supervision, I would invite you to accompany me on the next party that leaves Skyhold to defend or help the Inquisition in whatever capacity is needed, be it scouting or etc.

Perhaps you might also aid me in memorizing Orlesian verb tenses on the way? I find myself struggling, especially with the past participle.

Cordialement,

T

[trouvaille]

( blah blah blah - )

My lord,

Your offer is a very kind one that I will have to decline, as I can offer no such assurance. I have no such ability. I am, of course, happy to offer you my assistance with my native tongue within Skyhold's walls.

Yours,
G.