ic contact; (eudio)

[arla]

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[detoxifying]

Nasrin,

Might you possibly consider going for an hour or two long walk once a week in the evening? To clear your mind.

If you would rather not, I understand.

-Cullen

[arla]

[ Cullen, are you signing your text messages. Really. And if you think she's not aware of what you're doing... ]

That's very kind of you to worry about my state of mind. We Dalish often have to commune with nature to keep ourselves level-headed and wise.

I can always go try to speak to the concrete or plant a tree.

[ She's really just pulling his leg. ]

[detoxifying]

[ Perhaps it's because he's used to always signing his messages to the inquisition. ]

Planting more trees seems like a good course of action. This city is rather lacking in shrubberies.

[ And then sometime later. ]

That was a joke.

[arla]

[ She actually laughs at that one. ]

So it is! Perhaps I'll look into planting an apple tree or something that will be of substance here. Living off the land, etc. And yes, that was a joke too.

[ Somewhere in the void, Solas is chortling. ]

If you would like some privacy of your own, Cullen, you need only ask. I'll let Dorian know so he can come with me.

[ Yep, someone's not oblivious to what's been going on in the apartment. ]

[detoxifying]

There are times that many have not believed me capable of joking. Thus, the reason I thought to clarify.

[ Oh Maker, how did he think this was a decent idea.

And so. ]

Actually, I was hoping to get a moment or alone with Dorian. To practice chess moves. And improve relations between Ferelden and Tevinter.

[arla]

[ Oh Creators, this is too much. She's so glad she isn't home right now or Dorian would hear her dying of laughter. ]

Josephine would be so proud of your diplomatic efforts. Now, would that be before or after you have him in your lap? What is that called... Bedroom diplomacy?

[detoxifying]

[ Cullen is also glad he isn't at home so they cannot see him groan as he pinches the bridge of his nose. ]

It was me attempting to be diplomatic, Nasrin. I only ask should such a thing happen between the two of us again, as it has been increasingly prone to do as of late.

[arla]

I'm not entirely oblivious to it, you know.

But that's fine. I'll make myself scarce whenever you need. If there's any extra time the two of you might require or want, just let me know.

[ Oh, that sounds a little bit sardonic. ]

I'm being serious about that last part, honestly.

[detoxifying]

I was hoping that we were being discrete.

I do not wish to inconvenience you, Inquisitor, particularly when it is difficult, at times, to understand just where Dorian and I stand. But, thank you.

[arla]

It's hard to be discrete when you're Dorian Pavus. Especially when I haven't seen him smile so much before.

[ She might not have known either of them for very long, but she's observant enough to know when Dorian's enamored with someone. That someone just happens to be Cullen Rutherford. ]

There's no Inquisition here, Cullen, and I'm not your commanding officer so long as we're in this world. You understand that, right? You don't have to follow anyone's orders but your own.

[detoxifying]

Is he? Smiling more, that is. If that's the case, then I am glad. If it has something to do with the two of us.

[ For he really doesn't wish to presume anything, as fond as he is growing of the other man. ]

I know that. However, I do not wish to exile a friend from their own home.

[ For, he can certainly admit all of them are that. ]

[arla]

He is. And as much as Dorian likes my company, I can assure you that much of it is your own doing.

[ But she doesn't want to make Dorian sound like some lovestruck pup. If nothing else, he feels safe and glad in Cullen's company and that is more than enough for her to be satisfied. ]

You're right about me needing to have my own time, as well. You're not exiling me. Besides, I'm glad my absence will make things better for the two of you.