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

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You are quite welcome, Mia Dama.

[ He gives the slightest of bows, the barest scrape of deference before leaning against the nearest wall, not quite prepared to leave just yet. ]

I noticed a few absences in your writing, however. Not one word on the Wardens? Considering the glowing praise you offered Cassandra and the advisors I am surprised. I would have thought you to offer some manner of educated opinion on the state of things.

( a shrug, as she returns in the large part to what had occupied her - she has letters to read, and had wanted out of her room a while. not looking up from them, she says, )

They do not want to be spoken of.

Ah, so it is professional courtesy that stays your informative hand?

[ Now that is something of a surprise. ]

( although she'd been immediately and unrepentantly mercenary in making sure she gets to choose what favour alistair owes her, the truth is that she'd have left the wardens out at his request if he'd only requested. she doesn't need to draw the ire of anyone in skyhold - to burn a bridge straight out of the gate for no more reason than, what?

she's already being edited. if she plays her cards right, she can parley this in the future, and ... she has no desire to write anything that gets anyone hurt. if it's important they aren't mentioned, that's enough. so she feels perfectly comfortable answering, )

Yes,

( without elaboration. )

...You know.

[ Still light, still easy, still slightly amused while just on this edge of wary. She is Orlesian and noble and articulate and of The Game. Any cost for her silence may come back to bite the Wardens and, in turn, Alistair later. That? He cannot have. ]

For someone that is quite eloquent with her pen, you do not seem to have much to say. Or would you be more talkative if my ears were rounded?

( after a slight pause, Gwenaëlle sets her letter down in her lap and looks up. )

Varric Tethras' absurd display of somehow, simultaneously, his insecurity and his ego was an embarrassment. I'm not flattered by your insulting encouragement of his ridiculous and unkind behaviour because you've decided that I won an imaginary competition existing only in his head I wouldn't ever choose to dignify. That does us both a - a stupid disservice, as much as I don't have any desire to defend him. I don't want your money or your company and I've absolutely nothing to say to you about my work.

( he's right, though - if he were human, if she'd been willing to treat him equally, she'd have said as much and more sharply the instant he told her what he was doing and why. it wouldn't have been any friendlier - she means every word of it, he's only repeating what hurt her in the first place - but it would have been quicker and more honest. )

There she is.

[ There is that amusing and intriguing vicious tongue that had him poking at the pot in the first place. That she is so terribly polite while being so thoroughly dismissive is half the charm- it probably does him no favors that his smirk grows to a proper grin the longer she speaks. ]

Ah, well. If you've no desire to compare the Inquisition with recent historical attempts to likewise save the world and add a bit of depth with contrasting the situations- that is your choice. But I thought, perhaps, if you though to do so you might wish to hear from someone that took part in both.

[ But if she is content with her current plans and perspective? He is content to leave her be. ]

As you like, Mia Dama. I shall take my coin and take my leave.

( that merits both a pause and the most immediately exasperated response, undercutting at once the dignified way she'd said her piece in a way that would despair but not shock Annegret - )

Why didn't you say that, then? That has nothing to do with anything else you've said! Of course I want to do that. For pity's sake.

( are all men just stupid except (usually) Gregoire, is that what this is. why couldn't Varric just see that they've both something to offer, that it could be better if they talked - ) That's the opposite of a competition. That's what it ought to be.

Because this was more amusing?

[ He cracks a smirk, turning back to once again lean against the stone, but he did pocket the coin. If she would not have it? There is no need to part with it. ]

Varric is...oddly possessive of his experiences, I suppose. Something about writers, I honestly cannot say I understand his upset. I had thought to give the tale to him but he is often busy with Inquisition business or a great many missives from Kirkwall- and he's some familiarity with those directly affected now. But you? Are fresh. you have at most a passing acquaintance with anyone involved.

( resolutely uncharmed, she says very dryly, ) No, it's just him, ( of that "writers" remark.

how she feels about getting this information from an elf and what she'll actually do with it once she has it, how exactly she intends to make use...those are concerns she tables, for now. she doesn't like it, but she'd like passing up an opportunity to know more even less; she can agonise over the details later, when she actually has any.

he is exceptionally irritating, though. )

I need to go and get something to take notes, if you mean to start now.

Of course.

[ Said in such a way that he totally believes her.

But someone who is more or less impartial and willing to listen to the tale? He can offer over what he recalls and do so happily. ]

It is a very long story to be told in full, if you are available now? We might begin. If you have another time that would be preferable? We might do that as well. My schedule is somewhat fluid.

( "impartial" might be pushing it, but "willing to listen"? gwenaëlle is interested as much in the shape of a tale told as the content - more, even. you can't trust anyone's version of events, but what a person wants you to hear...

that's worth knowing. that teaches you something. )

Now is fine.

( she gathers her things, rises - pauses, thoughtful. )

I can't promise it will fit neatly into my project, of course. But more information is better than less.

Then now it shall be.

[ Whatever the lady likes. He had considered, briefly, putting pen to paper for this but- that takes forever, it is dull work, and no one would purchase anything written by an elf with any intent save mockery. ]

Whatever use you have for it shall be yours to make, provided it does not upset those that are examining your work prior to it's publication.

( so long as they've their expectations clear, she thinks. )

Then I'll be a moment. There is probably a better place than this -

( her lips purse; she'd prefer to do something like this from her quarters, where she can easily reference what she's already been working on and organise things as she goes, but

that's obviously not an option. )

An alcove of the library. I can meet you there.

Mm. Somewhere more private but not too much so, yes?

[ He has a reputation and she? her own. After a moment's consideration he nods to himself, flicking his fingers to the windows beyond. ]

There is a pavilion in the Garden where the Commander often plays chess. At this time of day it will be quite abandoned.

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

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