Don't die. I would notice you were gone. {PRIVATE}

[glow=maroon,2,300]"There's a vigil first. You're meant to be at peace during that time, but your life's about to change." Cullen responded, setting his pen in the ink he had and looking to her, "When it's over, you give yourself to a life of service. That's when you're given a philter - your first draught of lyrium - and it's power. As templars, we are not to seek wealth or acknowledgement. Our lives belong to the Maker and the paths we have chosen."

The extemplar then looked back down to his report and took his pen in hand again. He began to write once more, picking up right where he left off, then setting that aside to dry as he continued on another piece of paper. [/glow]

[glow=maroon,2,300]When she said that, Cullen's face immediately went bright red, and the hand he was writing with jerked to the side so quickly it ripped his paper all the way across and splattered ink all over the paper and his desk as he exclaimed, "Physical?" and looked up to her.

"Why..." He began, flustered, before clearing his throat and slowly moving things out of the way to try and redeem his dignity, "Why would you..." He paused a moment before letting out a sigh and trying to calm his heart, which was beating a thousand miles a minute with embarrassment, "That's... not expected. Templars can marry - although there are rules around it, and the Order must grant permission... Some may choose to give up more to prove their devotion, but it's, um... not required..."[/glow]

[glow=maroon,2,300]'Me? I... um... no. I've taken no such vows." Cullen said, seeming to become more flustered by that, moving his things around quicker as he felt his face become hotter... which meant he was blushing more. Shit. "Maker's breath - can we speak of something else?" [/glow]

[glow=maroon,2,300]"We set up as best we could at Haven, but you can never prepare for an Archdemon - or whatever it was. With some warning, we might have..." Cullen began, but stopped, sighing and shutting his eyes, looking down. "If Corypheus strikes again, we may not be able to withdraw... and I wouldn't want to. We must be ready. We will not run from here."

"As for being relieved that you-- I mean... I m-mean that as many people that made it out of Haven made it here... as am I." Cullen said, voice dropping low. "You wanted to stay behind... I could tell. You were worried for him, you didn't... If you'd stayed back, you could've.." He paused, letting out a shaky breath and pushing blond curls back.

"I will not allow the events at Haven to happen again... you have my word." [/glow]

[glow=maroon,2,300]"I see... I must tell you though..." Cullen said, tralining off for a moment as he tried to make his desk a bit more presentable after he... well, got it covered in ink. "Josephine is expecting you in her office. She's has a personal tailor here to take measurements for those going to Halam'Shiral and they will be making our garments for the evening. When you design your outfit, though remember that it must be versatile. Either easy to alter into proper armor in a matter of seconds or easy to take off and change into armor from. You, Dorian, Blackwall, Varric, and the Herald will be investigating the assassination plans, trying to find what you can, and if you manage to sneak away, you'll need to be able to quickly switch from evening wear to something that is suitable for battle. Who knows what The Game will bring to the table... I won't... they won't take you, if you are attacked... I will ensure it. If you take it into consideration as well, you will ensure it for yourself as well. Now go. Josephine and the tailor should be finished with Varric soon and your turn is after."

Cullen then looked down to his report, beginning to write again as he had when she came in.[/glow]

[glow=darkgreen,2,300]"Vishante kaffas, Varric, stop moving!" Dorian exclaimed, crossing his arms and holding the tape measure in a tight fist.

"I'm sorry Sparkler, but you expect me to be able to stand still while you're shoving a tape measure up my---"

"Do you want ill-fitting pants that chafe you all night long or not?!"

"How about I do it?"

"Fine! Just do it right. I don't want to have to instruct you." Dorian huffed, crossing his arms. He held the tape measure to Varric with frustration and much more sass than he intended, and the dwarf took it. If Varric wanted a saggy crotch on his pants, that was fine with him, but he would not enjoy seeing his work slandered so. He was going to put effort into these, so they might as well be well done.

When Varric got the measurement, he relayed it to Josie, and he jotted it down quickly on one of the papers Dorian had already prepared for her. "Was that the last one, Josephine, or have I gotten all the numbers?"

"For Varric, yes. You're done. I had the Inquisitor measured early this morning so his duties wouldn't be interrupted, so his numbers are on the table. Another tailor attended to that."

"Pity. I was looking forward to him in particular. But, what is done is done. Who is left?"

"Let's see... Sparrow, Blackwall, and myself."

"Then let us begin your measurements, my dear ambassador. I have something I think will be perfect for you. It'll bring out those lovely eyes of yours."

Josephine smiled and chuckled a bit, saying, "You flatter me, Mr. Pavus."

"I do love to please." The mage said, smiling as he took the clip board from her and set it to the side, taking his tape measure and looking at the list. "Where would you like to begin? I'll let you decide... and before we begin, pants or skirt?"

"If you have a skirt in mind, then a skirt it will be."

"Excellent choice. I promise, you'll adore it. It's something I've had in my sketchbook for years but never quite found the right person to make it for. Today, I just might have."

And so Dorian set to work, taking Josephine's measurements and jotting them down as he went, working diligently and making small notes on a picture in his book, on the picture he was to show her of the design he thought would fit her. When he got the required measurements, he brought her over to the book and showed her the design. Many ruffles, but not too many, elegant drapes, a headpiece he could make himself specially fit for her, and he was positive it would blow even the Empress herself away. Josephine was sure to look better than even her. Or at least, he would like to think so. Josephine loved it, and she told him what colors she suggested he use, and he gave some input as well, and she either rejected it or accepted it. He took it as she did. He even suggested custom jewelry. She nearly declined it, but he told her to stay put and wait for him to come back, and he ran to his room, which was connected to the library, and got his jewelry making supplies, showing her some of his custom work. She ended up agreeing to let him make her a necklace, but he had to promise to keep it simple. He did, but he would still make it simply extraordinary... as he was going to do with everyone else. He'd need to talk to Sabrae about design, but no matter on that for now... besides, if Sabrae looked through his sketchbook... how embarrassing would it be to see all the pictures of the elf in it? Quite, if he were thinking correctly.

Once he finished that up, he sat down. "I'm going to assume I wait here until Blackwall or Sparrow is to show, yes? Oh how I love waiting." [/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"A-actually, Dorian I... I need to speak with you..." The Inquisitor's voice came from behind him, and when Dorian turned, there was the elf, standing in the doorway. "I need you to... um... Well let me just... Sh*t, wait let me start over."[/glow]

[glow=darkgreen,2,300]"Dearest Inquisitor, whatever is the matter? You are fully aware I have given you full permission to speak with me if anything is wrong, don't be afraid to tell me."[/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"It's not about me it's... I-I just wanted you to um... to come with me to this u-uh... this meeting..? That I have to.. attend to..." Sabrae said, not sure if he was phrasing it right. He couldn't... f*ck this was harder than he though.[/glow]

[glow=darkgreen,2,300]"Sabrae, I don't understand your fear in asking for my company. You know better than anyone in Skyhold that I do so enjoy your company. I would like to finish up these measurements though, so if you could find Sparrow and Blackwall and bring them here, I would be able to get their numbers and be able to set out with you within the day." [/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"Right... right. How foolish of me to think you wouldn't come with me..." Sabrae muttered, face turning a bit pink at the mention of how Dorian enjoyed his company.[/glow]

[glow=darkgreen,2,300]"Ah! Right on queue!" Dorian said, sounding genuinely pleased, "Of course it's me, who else would you expect. There's no one of good taste in all of Thedas but me... and Vivienne, but you don't see the Grand Enchanter daring to pick up a needle for herself." [/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"Wait, before you get started, can I steal her for a moment. It will only be a moment, I just... I have to ask her something..." Sabrae asked, looking to Sparrow. She could help him decide if what he was doing was right. He couldn't be sure if this was best. He wanted to tell Dorian, but at the same time, he might not come with him if he knows... oh, Creators, this might ruin their friendship, him keeping this a secret. Dorian said he would come, but would he still come with if told the true intents of the meeting? he didn't want this to go down wrong, or to mess things up... he wanted it all to be ok... He just wasn't sure if the path he was taking to achieve that was right or wrong.

Sh*t, hopefully the panic and desperation wasn't showing on his face. He really liked Dorian. Really, really liked Dorian... he could even say he LOVED the man, for f*cks sake. He didn't want to make even one wrong move. He didn't want to hurt Dorian. He didn't want to hurt what they had... he needed another opinion, form someone he could trust wouldn't tell. Sparrow was that person. Strange, that this would be one of their first conversations since Redcliffe... he'd have to apologize for his behavior around her before getting too far into it. [/glow]

[glow=darkgreen,2,300]Dorian sighed, crossing his arms. "If Blackwall shows up in the next two seconds, then yes."

As if by fate itself, there was Blackwall, poking his head through the door. "I was told I was needed in Josephine's office..?"

"Yes. You are. Come here and simply... simply stand there. Yes, like-- wait no, Blackwall what are you doing? Stand up straight, you're a man not a potato!" Dorian said as Blackwall slumped his way in front of him, "I thought proper posture was something you people knew! Ugh... nevermind. Simply put your arms out... oh, Inquisitor, you can speak with her, though as soon as Blackwall and I have finished up, it's her turn, so don't take too long." [/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"Thank you, Dorian," Sabrae said, grabbing onto the other mage's wrist and pulling her out the door. He shut it behind him and said, "I need... I have to ask... F*ck I.. Sh*t. How do I even begin on this..."[/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"Ok... ok. Mother Giselle came up to me this morning and told me she had something to show me and ask of me. Then she gave me this," Sabrae said, trying to keep himself calm with all the terrible possibilities rushing through his head as he took the letter out of his pocket. "It's a letter from House Pavus, in Tevinter... They know Dorian's here, with us, in the Inquisition, and they... oh, Creators, they're sending someone from their house to speak with him. He's not on good terms with his family; he gets extremely bitter when he speaks of them. Mother Giselle told me I should consider taking him, and I am, but I..." The elf paused, sighing and rubbing his temples.

"I don't know if I should tell him or not... I want to take him. I think he should speak with someone of his house, but how would he feel if I didn't tell him? How would he feel if I did tell him..? I don't know what to do, but I want everything to go well... I care about him, and I don't want to make a wrong move and have everything go to hell. I just want him to be happy, and I think he should talk with his family, try and patch things up, but... I don't want him to be angry with me. What do I do?"

There. That worked... he sounded too panicked, but sure. That would suffice.[/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"I know he... he's my best friend right now... right at this moment he's the best friend I've ever had and I... Sparrow, I don't want to * up. He could get so angry with me that he decides to ignore me. He could get so bitter with me that when I try and speak with him, he gives me nothing but short, cold answers. I don't want that..." Sabrae sighed, running a hand through his hair and shutting his eyes. The letter from House Pavus seemed to be burning in his pocket now; the thought it was there wouldn't leave his mind. He could just hand it to Dorian and see what he said, pretend he hadn't read it... but...

"I'm not going to tell him... If I tell him he might not go. I don't know what his family wants but... I don't have... He... He shouldn't distance himself so much. He might be angry at me for saying nothing and knowing what was happening, but I don't think this is something he nor I can ignore. He has his reasons for being away but they're reaching out to him, and they wouldn't do that without just cause.. and if there is no just cause, I'm going to be there to stick a dagger in their throat if they try. Whatever the problem is, it shouldn't be too terrible, right?" The elf sighed, looking to Sparrow, "You could come, if you'd like. You are another friend of his.. or at least I'm assuming you're both on good terms?"[/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]Sabrae sighed and said, "Thank you... I really don't want this to f*ck anything up between us and I bet if all goes wrong and a sore topic he'll want the support."

Sabrae chuckled at that, saying, "Oh, believe me when I say Dorian's more than likely already throwing a fit over Blackwall's beard. He hates how it's shorter in the center and longer on the sides. He's more than likely trying to convince him to trim it." Then he pushed the door back open, and what do you know, Dorian was suggesting it be trimmed. Blackwall was refusing and Sabrae simply laughed a little, going over to the mage and putting his arms around him, "Give it a rest, lethallin. You've already invaded more of Blackwall's personal space than he usually lets anyone into, let him be."

"Thank you, Inquisitor." Blackwall sighed softly, though Dorian put an arm back around Sabrae and sighed, saying, "Fine, be on your way Blackwall, unless there is something you'd like to add to our discussion."

"Well... why are there so many pictures of the I--" Blackwall started, reaching for the sketchbook before Dorian's face flushed red and he snatched it up, saying, "Be gone, Blackwall."

The warrior looked a bit confused before giving a nod and turning, walking out the door. As he passed Sparrow, he gave her a small bow and said, "My lady," then exited the room, more than likely returning to the barn.[/glow]

[glow=darkgreen,2,300]"Excellent. Come stand here, and we'll get this done quickly. I'll also refer you to my sketchbook to see if you see anything you like." Dorian said, "If not, we'll sketch out something new."

Then Dorian took her measurements, doing as she told if she was uncomfortable with him doing something a certain way or at all, letting her take a measurement herself even if she wasn't comfortable with him doing it for her. He would recite the numbers to Josephine, and she would write them down for him. Once he finished the measurements, he handed her his book to look through, saying, "I've marked the pages with actual designs on them with colored pieces of paper which I've glued to each page. The other pages have... random drawings that I've made in my free time."

Then Dorian sat down beside the Inquisitor and put his arm around him, asking, "You know, you've never told me what that fancy elvish word means." [/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"Lethallin?" Sabrae asked, "It's a term for someone you're familiar with, like a very good friend... I've only ever truly used it for a friend I had long ago before... well, I'm not going to get into that. But the term seems... fitting, for your stance in my life, Dorian." [/glow]

[glow=darkgreen,2,300]"Well, now I'm quite flattered." The Tevinter said, smiling, "It's surprising I hadn't figured that out by now." [/glow]

[glow=red,2,300]"It's surprising you Tevinters don't have a word for your friends. Names work, but it feels more special when you're so important that you hear someone call you that word, and you know your important." [/glow]

[glow=darkgreen,2,300]"I see. If we had a word for that, I would have used it by now. We don't know much of old Tevene. Only the.. colorful phrases."[/glow]