Inbox -

[the_effect_she_has]

In one of the broken down towers of Skyhold, you will find an area meticulously cleaned and turned into simple living quarters. Here, you will find a simple bedroll put on a carefully put back together bedframe, a small table with small idols made from ram horns of the elvish gods, clearly newly cared, and one small idol of Andraste, probably given by one of the sisters. You will also find an angry yellow cat that will snarl at you if you come too close to the bed. There is a crude workbench that has a faint stain of blood on it, but herbs cover up the rest. Herbs are hanging here, as well as skins, and there's a spot cleared at the far end where a clumsy looking small cup and a well worn quill rest.

Do you wish to leave a note for the cold huntress? Or do you simply care to wait?

Comments

While in Emprise du Lion

[perseverances]

[Cullen doesn't play favorites when it comes to scouts and soldiers, but he will play favorites when it comes to people he cares for. He wants to make sure that she's well taken care of, and not because he wants to buy affection. It's simply because he cares.

In her tent, there's a small package left on her bedroll. Nothing too fancy, since that isn't his way. Inside is a warm cloak, probably a bit finer than something he should have bought, but the merchant back at Skyhold had insisted that whomever he was buying it for would appreciate its warmth in the coming months.

Laying on top of the fabric is a simple note, with Cullen's quick handwriting.]


Katniss,

I hope you don't think me forward. I thought of you. Stay warm.

Deepest Regards,

Cullen

Re: While in Emprise du Lion

[the_effect_she_has]

[Anyone who had seen the duty roster knew that no one was getting any kind of special treatment, especially when Everdeen usually showed up on the outlook roster more times than most. That she had some of the sharpest eyes wasn't lost on her fellow scouts either.

Late night guard rotation was the coldest. She had warm enough gear - she supplied all her own after all - but in these temperatures she still managed to have chattering teeth by the time she got back to her tent. She slept alone by preference - her nightmares had lessened but they were still severe, although it helped when friends came over and shared her tent. For now, it was empty. She was blowing on her fingers to bring back some feeling, when she spotted the package.

She dropped down on her bedroll, retrieving the note. She read it once, then twice, a faint smile coming over her face. Then she frowned as she opened the package, wondering what in the Maker he had given her that it would be considered forward ... winter undergarments?

No ... a cloak. A warm, thick cloak, at that. Richer than anything she had ever been given. She ran her fingers over the material, her smile widening. She slipped the cloak on, fastening it into place and pulling up the hood, before slipping out of her tent and back into the shadows.

It didn't take her long to sneak into the back of Cullen's tent -- where she tapped on it softly in a 'tap taptaptap tap'. Distinctive enough for him to know it wasn't an animal, or an assassin either.]

[perseverances]

[No animal would alert their presence, nor would any assassin or enemy. Zevran, maybe, but that was here nor there. Any scout or soldier handing in a report would use the front of his tent. No, it had to be someone who wanted to not be seen entering, and of those he knew were in this area, he can only think of one.

He looks up at the tapping, seated on his bedroll with nothing but a small candle lighting the inside. His armor off to the side, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He's quick to his feet.]

Katniss?

[the_effect_she_has]

[Well yes, because Zevran liked cuddling up with ... just about everyone when it was this damned cold, with no shame. Something she honestly loved about him. Even if it was with Cullen. Tonight though, he'd have to find someone else to warm.

She smiled in the darkness, before slipping through the tent flap, whispering quietly.] Right in one.

[She put her finger to her lips as she straightened, the cloak he bought her settling down around her ankles. She hugged it to her for a moment, her lips curving up again, grey eyes soft.] Thank you, for this. It is ... the most beautiful thing I have ever been given.

[perseverances]

[Well, he had certainly hoped it was Katniss. It would have been quite awkward should it have been Jim.]

You've got it. I- [He rubs the back of his neck, suddenly not knowing what to say.] I had hoped you'd like it. If it is too much, just tell me so. I had assumed something practical would be better.

[Gifts, he meant.]

[the_effect_she_has]

[She's fairly certain that Jim would use the front of the tent. Her smile deepened a little, as he stumbled a little. She stepped closer, letting the cloak flow behind her.]

I did. I had to come and thank you, the moment after I put it on. [She ran her fingers over the lining, looking down at the rich, red color, before back up at him.] I like practical, and it's so warm. I'm very toasty right now.

[She bit her own lip, almost hesitant, before she reached out to brush her fingers over the back of his hand.] See? Although you seem a little, ah, chilly.

[perseverances]

The cold doesn't discriminate. [He says flatly, her warm hands sending goosebumps up his arm.

He takes her hand, tugging her into his tent more.] It's warmer the further in you get, I promise.

[the_effect_she_has]

Heh, wouldn't you know it, the weather puts us all on equal standing ground. [She smirked faintly, but then he has her hand.] Oh, I bet it is ... I mean! Ah, of course it would be. What with it being, inside.

[Well, now she's the one who is stammering, so at least they're even. She does come all the way into the tent, though, and her hand stays in his.]

sending crystal.

[dalishious]

Hey. Let's go hunting.

[ Too much crazy has been going on. He needs something that makes sense. ]

Re: sending crystal.

[the_effect_she_has]

[It's a few minutes later when the response goes through, and her voice sounds tired, but quietly relieved.]

Yeah. I'd like that. When?

[dalishious]

Now.

[the_effect_she_has]

Meet you in the courtyard.

[dalishious]

[ No more words are said. He pockets his sending crystal and gets his hunting supplies together, then dutifully heads out to the courtyard.

He sees Katniss waiting there and decides to show off his assassin skills (and spook her) by hopping up the nearby wall and walking along silently before dropping in front of her. ]

[the_effect_she_has]

[Katniss is leaning against the wall, hands folded over her chest. She has her bow on her shoulder, and her quiver down by her feet. She's looking across the way, trying not to stare at the Commander's tower. Which is why as Merrick hops down in front of her, she jerks with surprise and muscle memory takes over as her blade is already in her hand before she can truly process it.]

... Son of a Whore, Merrick. [She growled, as she shoved the blade back inside of her coat.] Are you crazy? You don't silent sneak up on people like that - wait - how did you do that?