therookery | (no subject)

FORM: Sending crystal.
SENDER: Twisted Fate.
RECIPIENT: Everyone!
WHAT: The party returns, and Fate has a request.
WHEN: Backdated to Cloudreach 29.
WHERE: Skyhold.
NOTES: N/A

Ah, Skyhold. Terribly good to be back home. I'm certain you all missed me, didn't you?

In any case.

Clan Frandruil has notified me that they wish to send halla our way. Terribly considerate of Keeper Shoshanna to show such gratitude. I don't particularly care what the Inquisition wishes to do with them, so I defer to those part of Clan Ashara. They are yours, as far as I am concerned.

In any case, something of more immediate concern and interest to me: I've received a mark from the rift we dealt with. As terribly excited as I am to be blessed with this, I'd like to do a little more research on this. [And maybe remove it, but he has a feeling that's impossible.] Those of you already familiar with your own magical glowing green marks, please, enlighten me with whatever you know.

And before I forget: Sera, I've placed your things back in the room in the tavern. If you happen to find anything of mine left in there, it's yours to do with.

I think that ought to do it. I'll be in the tavern, drinking myself silly.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ That definitely remains to be seen.

She doesn't move to sit, though. The tavern is far too loud and public. ~~Too many witnesses.~~ ]

No. I thought we might walk together.

[ A pause, and then, as if she's suddenly realizing what kind of impression she might be giving - ]

...If you do not mind.

I do not.

[Twisted Fate stands up and adjusts his hat before he gestures faintly.]

Please, lead the way. I will follow.

[ Cassandra nods, satisfied, and leads him out of the tavern, ignoring any curious glances they attract along the way. She waits until the light and noise from the tavern have faded before she speaks, clasping her hands behind her back and tilting her head down slightly to speak to him.

She continues walking as she does, leading him, by coincidence or by design, towards the stairs to the battlements. ]

I wished to congratulate you, on your - [ Luckily, the dusk hides the faint blush that rises on her cheeks. ] Your recent - happiness.

[ Happiness? She cringes, but only inwardly. ]

[It is a curious thing, to be led out here by Cassandra as it is. He was not under the impression that Nerva and Cassandra were particularly close, but he might be incorrect. That, or something else. Why else would Cassandra be so invested in their romance?

But, he offers a polite smile and tips his hat as he nods to her.]

I am immensely flattered you took me aside privately to congratulate me. I'm equally surprised at how invested everyone has been in the matter. [Cassandra included.] But nonetheless, I am grateful.

But I did not think you took me out here simply to congratulate me personally, Madame Seeker.

It is - good, to be reminded of such things in the midst of such fear and uncertainty.

[ She says stiffly. She hadn't meant to overstep or intrude. ]

No. I did not.

[ She glances at him sharply as they begin to ascend the stairs to the battlements. ]

I came to warn you.

Hmm, I see.

And does Nerva know you've come to warn me?

There is no reason for her to know!

[ And in fact, it had never occurred to Cassandra that she ever would, and so her voice is perhaps a little high-pitched, a little panicked. She regains control of herself quickly, frowning down forbiddingly at Twisted Fate. ]

This is between you and me.

[Such a vivid reaction. Twisted Fate folds his arms, but despite that he looks patient, trying not to grin too obviously.]

As you say, then. I'm listening, Madame Seeker.

[ Cassandra frowns, her expression turning closed-off and forbidding. She's used to intimidating people even without trying, to scaring them whether she means to or not, but Twisted Fate is different. Even after everything, even after Galadriel and the Dalish, he has never seemed afraid of her. That in itself is fine. She had never wanted anyone to be afraid of her.

Well, maybe a few people. It does have its uses.

It would be useful now, in fact. She's meant to be warning him, after all, but things are not going quite as she had thought they would. Not only does he not seem properly cowed at the idea of being tracked down and threatened by the Seeker, he seems almost...amused. As if he is enjoying this. As if he is trying not to...to laugh at her.

Her expression darkens further. She must take back control of this situation, and soon. ]

This is not a joke. [ Her voice is sharper now, disapproving. ] Not this conversation, and I hope for your sake, not any part of this situation. Nerva is... [ She pauses, not wanting to give away too much, to share insights and confessions that are not hers to share. ] She has risked much, for this, and she would not do so lightly.

[ She looks down her nose at Twisted Fate, using every bit of the few inches she has on him to loom. Her voice goes low, dangerous. ]

Be aware of what you have started here, Twisted Fate. Do not break her heart. If you do, if you ruin this -

[ yeah she heard you flirting with andersofallpeople on the crystal, buddy ]

- remember that it is easy to make a philanderer and a Dalish disappear, and no one will ask questions.

[Well, now. Here Cassandra is, looming, determined, and looking quite intimidating. He doesn't doubt for a second that if he did anything she did not approve of, she could attempt to toss him away into the dungeon and keep the key hidden. She is in control of much in the Inquisition, and often time for good reason. Her intentions are good, even if she stumbles diplomatically.

In this, she threatens. She threatens for Nerva, and in that he can almost respect it. If he is frightened, Fate refuses to show it.

Too often has he kept his facial expressions schooled; a poor face at a cutthroat game of Wicked Grace is liable for many losses.

Though this is of the heart, something he could not take lightly.]

One person would ask questions. [He doesn't immediately think of Nerva, alas.

Twisted Fate bows his head faintly.] Your warning is taken to heart, and known. I assure you, the risk is on the both of us, though hers more valuable.

You are a considerate friend. I am impressed.

[ Cassandra, naturally, does immediately think of Nerva, and woe be unto Fate if he ever lets it slip that the same was not true for him.

She stiffens immediately, jaw clamping shut tightly. Nerva would ask questions, and she would never approve of Cassandra approaching Fate this way. Even if it is for her own good.

She shakes her head, staunchly rejecting the elf's praise. Praising her, after she had threatened him with his very life. She does not know what to make of him. ]

We are not friends. I simply -

[ They are not friends, not because Cassandra does not wish to be, or has any particular objection to the idea. Quite the opposite, in fact. But the fact remains that their relationship is still one of commander and soldier. Strictly professional. And for all that Cassandra might wish to change that, to get to know the woman better - for all that she herself has precious few friends, and could sorely use another - she has no idea if Nerva feels the same way. ]

She saw fit to...confide in me, somewhat. It was my duty to ensure that her fears would not come to pass.

[Twisted Fate smiles wryly.]

I can't exactly think of many commanding officers that would take the time to properly threaten a man's well-being on behalf of their soldier when there is romantic entanglement.

It's quite all right. I know Nerva respects you immensely. Trusts you. Likely, I ought to follow her example a bit in that.

[A brow is raised at Cassandra.] Should I do anything to break her heart, I know whatever it is you would do would be warranted.

You don't know me. Which is mostly intentional, granted, but I will tell you one thing about myself: I don't take this decision with her lightly. I am not stating it in a way that is meant to sound offensive. Just know how important this is to me as well.

[ Cassandra has no response to his strange compliments - if that's what they are - and so she merely scoffs, masking her uncertainty and embarrassment behind a frown. ]

I am not offended. I am glad to hear that this - means something to you.

[ She pauses, and then inclines her head, studying him thoughtfully. ]

You are right, I do not know you. It is why I thought this conversation might be necessary.

But I believe she might have chosen well.

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'stumbles diplomatically' might actually be the most diplomatic way anyone's described cassandra

he's good like that sometimes

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