faderift | (no subject)

WHO: Josephine Montilyet and YOU
WHAT: Catch-all log for August.
WHEN: Latter half of August.
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: There's a couple of prompts but feel free to PM/ping me @

ziskandra if you'd like a personalised starter!

1. THE AMBASSADOR'S OFFICE

The stack of papers on Josephine's desk has grown even larger in the past few weeks, but that does not deter her from methodically ploughing through the pile. Most of the time, she is still keeping her office door open, partly for any inquiries members of the Inquisition might have, but mostly because it feels less lonely that way.

2. GARDENS

While Josephine might not have much time to smell the roses as it were, it does not stop her from spending what little free time she does have in Skyhold's main gardens. It is a change of routine for the Ambassador, who had previously taken to strolling across the battlements when she had fancied a breath of fresh air.

While the Skyhold gardens may not have quite as many roses as Josephine would like, there is, in fact, a larger array of plants than she had expected and they seem to be thriving.

"I did not expect much of anything to grow here," she murmurs as she enjoys the beauty of the scene around her.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

She finds it oddly difficult to maintain her usual composure under his scrutiny, and she was sure she would be flushing if she could. Instead, she smiles, not one of her usual smiles of genteel curiosity but an embarrassed smile that goes all the way to the crinkle of her eyes. "It is still not enough, I fear, but it is nice to know that my efforts are appreciated."

She is embarrassed, and he finds it fascinating to watch -- fascinating, also, to know that he is the reason. There is a moment longer of scrutiny and then the Outsider offers a hand, to help her up if she chooses to take it.

"Perhaps a discussion with the quartermaster to obtain some items will help keep you from worrying about me when you ought to be sleeping. Besides- sitting in ones office all day only gives the illusion that you are aloof, unable to be approached. Being seen would, perhaps, do you well."

There is a moment where Josephine merely stares at his outstretched hand, dumbfounded, before she realises what he's actually suggesting. "What, now?" she asks, more out of reflex before anything else because before she can decide against it, she is accepting his assistance and getting to her feet.

"You will worry, otherwise." There is a faint almost-smile. If she'll accept it, the Outsider will change from the hand hold to offering his arm. He's perfectly aware of how the upper class acts, both the polite ways and the less so, but he tends not to do so. In this case, it feels- appropriate. It almost feels like he wants to.

That is true enough, and Josephine acquiesces with an incline of her head, accepting the offered arm after walking around to the outside of her desk.

Still, some anxiety remains. "This will not take too long, will it?"

Not that she doesn't want to give the mages the time they deserve, but leaving her office for too long makes her feel rather... fidgety.

That's a thought to be examined at a later date.

"I expect that depends on you and the quartermaster." He smiles faintly as he says it, glancing at her. "I have no doubt, however, that the ambassador of the Inquisition will be able to finish such a job quickly, and with ease. You will be back to your papers in no time."

The opposite hand reaches over, briskly, daringly patting her on the hand.

"Though I suspect you will enjoy being away from them more than you think. A chance to spar with the tongue instead of the pen, and see what your words have helped to mold."

If Josephine has anything to say about the way he touches her hand, it goes unspoken; she finds, in fact, that she is grateful for the reassurance.

The observation about the level of enjoyment she takes in her work, however, brings her up short, and she cannot help but arch an eyebrow as she glances sidelong at her companion. "It is not my enjoyment that causes me to worry."

But it is not right to take that frustration out on him, who is affording her this opportunity, so she smiles, instead. "I suspect you are correct."

"The papers will remain. And I have no doubt a scout will find you, should you be needed urgently. You have your sending crystal?" He can do verbal reassurance, too -- or at least he can try. Mostly, he feels it's just logic.

But she does smile at him, says she thinks he's right, and there is a slight smile in return. He's bad at smiling, he feels, but it's getting more easy, more natural.

"Do you not spend much time simply walking?"