bringspeopletogether: ([misc] in another life)
Alistair ([personal profile] bringspeopletogether) wrote2018-06-23 09:32 pm

[sandbox]

The letter he finally sends is maybe a little more impolitic than it ought to be, but if he doesn't send something now, he'll still be writing when his Calling arrives.



Fiona,

Ivette Cousland is looking for you. The name might ring a bell. Hero of Ferelden? Slayed the Archdemon some years ago?

Anyway. She's not having any luck, so I thought I'd try my hand at getting in touch.

Cousland's been searching for a cure for the Calling these past five years or so; she even retired as Warden-Commander of Vigil's Keep so she could pursue her research better. She knows your leaving the Wardens wasn't like mine. You didn't just walk away from Weisshaupt: you managed to un-Join somehow, with no ill effects. You're our last, best lead on the matter, so you can understand why she's rather eager to speak to you. It's very likely she doesn't have much time left, what with it being almost a decade and a half since her Joining and living through a Blight.

Frankly, I don't expect I have much time left, either.

Cullen and I are in South Reach these days. I'll always know where to find Cousland, if you'd rather speak with her directly. For all our sakes, I hope you'll be in touch.

--Alistair






Two weeks later, a raven knocks its beak against their window frame.

This is a matter best discussed in person, says the note attached to its leg. I can be to South Reach by the end of the month.

It's signed only with the letter F. Alistair spends the next few hours talking up a nervous storm, hands digging in his hair, half anxious, half furious. (This is exactly what he didn't want: for her to read this as an overture. For her to think she could have any claim to Alistair's time, Alistair's space, outside of giving him and Cousland the information they needed.)

Then he writes a letter to Cousland and sends the raven on its way.
howtoactfereldan: (temptations of the wicked)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-19 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
Wry, gentle:

"Maybe wait until she's done all she can for us. But then... why not?"
howtoactfereldan: (to rest in the warmest places)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-19 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
Cullen lifts a hand to stroke Alistair's hair. "Wise, Theirin. Very wise."
howtoactfereldan: (temptations of the wicked)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-19 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
"Muddle along just fine, I should think." With affection. "Eat far more cheese since no one would express any concern for your health."
howtoactfereldan: (temptations of the wicked)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-19 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
"You're saying you couldn't take it?" With interest.
howtoactfereldan: (temptations of the wicked)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-19 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
"And you're certainly older than me," Cullen agrees.

(And ruffles Alistair's hair. A little.)
howtoactfereldan: (temptations of the wicked)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-19 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
Dreamily:

"I'll set it on fire."
howtoactfereldan: (temptations of the wicked)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-19 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"Char it, Theirin. Ashes."
howtoactfereldan: (to rest in the warmest places)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-20 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
A content sigh.

Then, softly: "Better now?"

He would like some tea. Maybe. And not that he'd ever accuse Alistair of procrastinating, but...
howtoactfereldan: (to rest in the warmest places)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-20 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
Who then promptly picks up his tea. "Inside?"

(He does keep hold of Alistair's hand.)
highnever: (Default)

[personal profile] highnever 2019-03-20 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
Ivette looks up at the door, focusing quickly on Alistair.

Lightly enough:

"Given everything, it seems likely that we should ask Morrigan to join us. Would you like to contact her, or shall I?"

(She's betraying nothing with her expression.)
howtoactfereldan: (the one who repents)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-20 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
Cullen leans against the door jamb, sipping his tea.

No louder than Alistair:

"The Inquisition's arcanist made a study of blighted lyrium. Should we need something fabricated, she'd be the one to ask."

Pause.

"And our comrade Dorian Pavus was recently raised to the Magisterium, in Tevinter. He's well positioned to make inquiries in the Tevinter Circles and in their archives. I can also write to the Inquisition's former ambassador for the same thing, but Dorian would be the safer choice."
highnever: (Default)

[personal profile] highnever 2019-03-20 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
"...Dagna?"

Ivette gets a fond, far-away half-smile. "Of course. Suddenly I don't mind running all around Lake Calenhad to secure her permission to study."
howtoactfereldan: (temptations of the wicked)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan 2019-03-22 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
"I won't tell him if you won't," says Cullen, mildly enough.

(no subject)

[personal profile] highnever - 2019-04-07 02:10 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] highnever - 2019-04-13 22:56 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] highnever - 2019-06-05 00:26 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-06-08 03:07 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-06-17 04:31 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-11 00:48 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] highnever - 2019-07-11 00:51 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] highnever - 2019-07-30 00:31 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-30 00:34 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-30 02:14 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 00:25 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] highnever - 2019-07-31 00:27 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 00:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 01:18 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 01:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 02:00 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 02:09 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 02:15 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 02:36 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 19:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 20:03 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-07-31 20:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-01 00:28 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-01 00:53 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-01 02:18 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-01 23:21 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-02 02:01 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-03 20:10 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-04 01:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-04 02:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-04 21:37 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-05 01:45 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-06 20:03 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-12 04:23 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-12 11:53 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-12 14:37 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-13 11:49 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-13 12:33 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-13 19:10 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-14 00:48 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-14 20:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-15 01:32 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-15 18:24 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-15 19:08 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-16 02:07 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-17 13:00 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-17 13:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-18 03:20 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-18 23:15 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-19 16:33 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-08-20 14:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-08 01:46 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-08 23:25 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-08 23:36 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 00:00 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 00:14 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 01:21 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 01:41 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 01:51 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 02:09 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 02:32 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 02:47 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 22:27 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 23:17 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 23:27 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-09 23:46 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-10 00:25 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-10 00:39 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-10 00:57 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-13 17:39 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-15 03:00 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-17 09:23 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-22 20:12 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-27 20:35 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-29 15:34 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-29 22:49 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-09-30 00:12 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-10-24 05:05 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-10-24 15:59 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-10-31 03:45 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-11-01 20:20 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2019-11-13 04:02 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] howtoactfereldan - 2020-01-27 01:35 (UTC) - Expand