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[fledglingenchanter]

| Missive | Sending Crystal | Private Visit |
 

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[degenere]

Dear Sadira. Please tell me you did not go to wretched Halamshiral. I have a matter of great importance to speak with you about, and it cannot wait.

[fledglingenchanter]

I'm sorry to Disappoint Val, but I am indeed in Halamshiral. Can we talk about it over the crystal or can it wait until I return to Skyhold?

[degenere]

No....

[Misery. He sighs.]

I mean, yes, of course. But the company is so lacking when it is only a crystal that you speak to.

[fledglingenchanter]

Well, I could make plans to return sooner rather than later if it is that important. Otherwise, what is it you wanted to talk about?

[degenere]

Oh, no, it is nothing so important as to cut short your mission. You are doing Inquisition work! Very important, mademoiselle.

[So gallant! And he almost sounds as if he means it. Except...]

I resign myself to poorer company if only so I can hear the sound of your voice. It is a small comfort. I have been thinking of mages.

[fledglingenchanter]

[Although he can't see it, Sadira is rolling her eyes, though the smile lingers in her voice.]

Well, I hope so. Currently, it's a lot of standing around and smiling at people, so they think I'm not a threat. What's this about mages?

[degenere]

You do have a lovely smile.

[--Said absently but not insincerely. More like ah, yes. This makes sense.]

But to business: mages. Should we require portraits to be submitted before judging? I think that would be unfair. Not everyone possesses the means by which to commission portraits of themselves.

What's more, sitting for portraits is terrible. I would not ask that of anyone.

[fledglingenchanter]

[How do you do it, Val? Once again she is slightly flustered at his casual praise.]

Right portraits. [ record scratch ] Wait. Are you going to actually hold a beauty contest on mages? Err, no I wouldn't have people submit portraits. Also, I think a few people would object to being judged on their appearance. Perhaps have people send a missive addressed to you saying they're willing to participate and then meet with them on a one on one basis? Such an excellent researcher and scholar as you should have no difficulty taking notes and then comparing them in the end?

[degenere]

[It's a gift.]

An interesting point. And to it, I'll counter: would you nominate yourself?

[fledglingenchanter]

[There is a small, but noticeable pause as she thinks about it.]

I would if you asked me to.

[degenere]

Really?

[He doesn't sound surprised, necessarily. But he does sound pleased.]

That bodes very well for our contest. Though I think that you should lend your effort to convincing.

[fledglingenchanter]

[Why did she agree if he asked? Why.]

I don't know how good I am at convincing other people to do something. I certainly don't have your skill. If I didn't know better I'd begin to suspect you of blood magic.

[ Or maybe he was too damn attractive. ]

[degenere]

No magic. It's my face.

[So, yes to attractive.]

People like to do things because I ask. I am very charming and convincing. Sometimes it amazes even me, especially with my knowledge of my lineage. A great deal of cousin-marrying.

But you must help me. You were the one that convinced me to embark upon this undertaking in the first place.

[fledglingenchanter]

[ Soft groan. ]

I did, didn't I? Alright, I'll try to convince people but don't expect much.

[She certainly expected to get laughed at to her face for asking people.]

[degenere]

I expect nothing more than what I believe you are capable of, mademoiselle. Which is more than I think you realize.

Besides: we will be working together.