[Pel has to read this letter a few times. Then she reads the ones before it and finds she is perplexed. This man uses hyperbole so often it almost sounds sincere. Like she is actually his dear friend and he is actually excited to correspond with her. Like something about her has excited him. And she does not think it is because of her, but because of Val. Val is a veritable fountain of enthusiasm. He is smug, of course, but the cracks appear in the paragraphs where he feels he is snubbed. Is he oversensitive about minor injuries to his pride? Yes. But he also cares what Pel thinks of him, or he would not bother. That alone is a vulnerability--a vulnerability he has put to paper. A vulnerability he has revealed to the one who makes him vulnerable. And she has the feeling that's just how he is. He is a fountain of many sensibilities. He must believe she is very cold indeed. Should she be more emotional in her letters? She is not insincere, but she is prone to understatement. Should she try to match him?
She does not know the answer. But she writes a letter.]
My dear friend Val de Foncé,
I have made up my mind to absolutely trust you to turn out whatever spectacle is appropriate for the occasion, and I will learn by watching. Only tell me what I ought to wear, for I have acquired an array of clothing for occasions formal and informal. Nothing so fine as I saw in the Winter Palace (I was disguised as a servant, though my true function was as an agent of the Nightingale and the story of that night may have reached you already), but one gown is very suitable for daytime in the streets of Val Royeaux, as ensured by the kind Araceli Bonaventura. I would prefer as little likelihood as possible of being mistaken for a servant, although such things inevitably happen.
Speaking of Val Royeaux, I can't sufficiently express what it means to me that you are enjoying my book. I tried to deliver copies to bookshops in Val Royeaux, but I was laughed out of each one. The trouble is not only that it was originally published with my clan name (something not present in current copies), but that the subject of the Dalish, if it is not written disparagingly, is ordinarily a good way to get a book banned. Thus far this has been avoided with my book, as there is no Divine to do so, and the remaining Grand Clerics cannot agree on the color of an orange. My little book has, fortunately, escaped their notice.
My book also contains a whole chapter on the halla and their significance to the Dalish, and are mentioned throughout so that they may be read of in the context of clan life and the wider picture. I hope you find its information useful, and that your Freddie enjoys the book as well. She sounds like a delight, and if she has questions, I am at her disposal.
I am sorry I did not consult you with regards to the bids, but I am confident you will not be disappointed. The Dalish are excellent craftsmen, and I know quality when I see it. However, next time we work together (Commander Cullen has expressed interest in creating more such artifacts for use in other Inquisition keeps), I will be sure to consult you. It is your right, for this is your project as much as it is mine.
'Dareth shiral' is our customary farewell. You will no doubt notice that 'shiral' is also a part of 'Halamshiral,' which means 'end-of-journey.' 'Dareth shiral' means 'safe journey.' It is, upon reflection, indicative of what a goodbye means for an itinerant folk like the Dalish. Perhaps in our current situation it is more appropriate of me to say 'Mythal enansal,' or 'Mythal's blessing." If you would prefer a different god, I can accommodate.
no subject
She does not know the answer. But she writes a letter.]
My dear friend Val de Foncé,
I have made up my mind to absolutely trust you to turn out whatever spectacle is appropriate for the occasion, and I will learn by watching. Only tell me what I ought to wear, for I have acquired an array of clothing for occasions formal and informal. Nothing so fine as I saw in the Winter Palace (I was disguised as a servant, though my true function was as an agent of the Nightingale and the story of that night may have reached you already), but one gown is very suitable for daytime in the streets of Val Royeaux, as ensured by the kind Araceli Bonaventura. I would prefer as little likelihood as possible of being mistaken for a servant, although such things inevitably happen.
Speaking of Val Royeaux, I can't sufficiently express what it means to me that you are enjoying my book. I tried to deliver copies to bookshops in Val Royeaux, but I was laughed out of each one. The trouble is not only that it was originally published with my clan name (something not present in current copies), but that the subject of the Dalish, if it is not written disparagingly, is ordinarily a good way to get a book banned. Thus far this has been avoided with my book, as there is no Divine to do so, and the remaining Grand Clerics cannot agree on the color of an orange. My little book has, fortunately, escaped their notice.
My book also contains a whole chapter on the halla and their significance to the Dalish, and are mentioned throughout so that they may be read of in the context of clan life and the wider picture. I hope you find its information useful, and that your Freddie enjoys the book as well. She sounds like a delight, and if she has questions, I am at her disposal.
I am sorry I did not consult you with regards to the bids, but I am confident you will not be disappointed. The Dalish are excellent craftsmen, and I know quality when I see it. However, next time we work together (Commander Cullen has expressed interest in creating more such artifacts for use in other Inquisition keeps), I will be sure to consult you. It is your right, for this is your project as much as it is mine.
'Dareth shiral' is our customary farewell. You will no doubt notice that 'shiral' is also a part of 'Halamshiral,' which means 'end-of-journey.' 'Dareth shiral' means 'safe journey.' It is, upon reflection, indicative of what a goodbye means for an itinerant folk like the Dalish. Perhaps in our current situation it is more appropriate of me to say 'Mythal enansal,' or 'Mythal's blessing." If you would prefer a different god, I can accommodate.
Mythal Enansal,
Lady-called-Pel