Undue influnce is it?
I walked around Skyhold, checking up on my friends and my last stop was Dorian for whom I... developed some feelings. Ever since we went to talk with his father, my friend was different, but in a good way. Perhaps one day, he will forgive his father and they will reconcile. But right now, I wanted to chat with him. And possibly... make a request. As I was ascending the stairs, I heard two voices. I instantly recognized Dorian´s voice and the Chantry woman as I called her, because I always forgot her name. Back to the main point – they were arguing over something and I stopped to listen in their conversation.
"I don´t know what you think you´re doing."
"I am being clucked at by a hen, evidently."
"Don´t play the fool with me, young man!"
"If I wanted to play the fool, I could be rather more convincing, I assure you."
"Your glib tongue does you no credit."
"You´d be surprised at the credit my tongue gets me, Your Reverence."
Ookay, this was getting out of hand, so I decided to step in. I approached them and stood with Dorian. Someone might say defensively, even. Whatever that woman had to say, it seemed like she wanted to accuse him of something. And I couldn´t have that. I will protect my friends. I was ready to do war. Verbal war, of course. I´ve had enough battles for today. When the Chantry woman saw me, she was clearly surprised and a little... nervous all of a sudden. "Oh, I..." She stuttered. "What´s going on here?" I asked her to explain and it was Dorian who responded. "It seems like Revered Mother is concerned about my "undue influence" over you."
What undue influence? Dorian is such a witty, smart, loveable and charming man. How can he be a bad influence to me? Oh my, sweet Maker! I am grateful that the Tevinter man can´t read my thoughts or he would expose my... ulterior motives for standing up for him and trying to get closer to him. I admit that I might feel something more than just physical attraction to him. I´ve been thinking that I might love him. And... well since I learned about his preference with men... I´ve grown jealous of every man who approaches him or gets him his beer in the tavern or when Dorian smiles at someone. Heck, I am jealous of Solas when he´s talking with him about something when I go out with them. I am thinking of him so much that sometimes I can´t fall asleep and just stare at something, thinking about telling Dorian my feelings. I have never before realized that I have also prefered men over women... not before I met him. Maybe I should thank The Maker for bringing us together. However, my flow of thoughts was disrupted. "It is just a concern, Your Woship. You must know how it looks." I was genuinely confused at that statement. How exactly did it look?
"You might want to spell it out, my dear." Dorian said with his arms crossed.
"This man is of Tevinter. His presence at your side, the rumors alone..."
This struck a nerve inside me. What is wrong with these people? Judging somebody because of where they are from? How utterly idiotic! "What is wrong with him being from Tevinter? Specifically?" I unknowingly raised my voice at her.
"I am fully aware that not everyone from the Imperium is the same. "
Dorian observed her with mistrust. "How kind of you to notice. Yet still you bow to the opinion of the masses?"
"The opinion of the masses is based on centuries of evidence. What would you have me tell them?" The Chantry woman retorted.
Dorian used one of his best traits – sarcasm. "The truth?"
"The truth is that I do not know you, and neither do they. Thus these rumors will continue."
I have heard enough from her. I know Dorian and he´s... a brilliant man. And deep down, he´s a kind, caring person. He just shows it in another ways. "The concerns of the Chantry are no concerns of the Inquisition. "
"I am aware of that. You risk, however, not only the Chantry´s opinion." Aaagh! I´ve heard more than enough accusations from this prude old woman. It was about time to shut her up. "And if I asked from where these rumors originated?" I was certain she was starting them. Whatever they were about. My plan worked, because she deeply exhaled. "I...see. I meant no disrespect, Inquisitor. Only to ask after this man´s intentions. If you feel he is without any ulterior motive, then I humbly beg forgiveness of you both." She bowed and left us alone.
"Well, that´s something. " Dorian said. I thought that maybe now I could tell him my feelings... but wouldn´t it be too daring? What if he... rejects me? I don´t know if I could handle it. Best not to think about it... so instead I decided to let him know that one opinion of someone or group of people was no big deal. My opinion of him was positive. Very positive. "Don´t listen to her. She doesn´t know what she is talking about."
"She does, are rumors, and her concern is well – meaning - if misplaced."
I said out loud my honest reaction. "It doesn´t matter."
Dorian giggled. "Listen to you. It´s good to be the Inquisitor. I don´t know if you´re aware, but the assumption in some corners is that you and I are...intimate."
Oh, Maker, if only these rumors were true! I had to mask my feelings... somehow, so I resorted to humor. "That´s not the worst assumption they could have, is it?"
"I don´t know. Is it?" Dorian retorted. I thought that two people can play this game. "Do you always answer a question with a question?"
"Would you like me to answer in some other fashion?"
I laughed nervously. "If you´re capable."
Dorian approached me and I instantly knew what would follow. His lips touched mine. At first, it was somewhat of a peck and then he softly kissed me. To say I was happy right now was an understatement. The man I love is kissing me. I closed my eyes, savoring, no embedding this moment into my memory. But alas, it ended too soon to my liking. I was tempted to initiate another kiss... but one gaze into his eyes proved me of his passion. I wasn´t the only one lusting for him? He wanted to do this all along , no since we first met, too?
"If you´re capable. The nonsense you speak."
"You realize this makes the rumors somewhat true?" My voice was cracking a bit with emotions I could not hide anymore.
"Evidently. We might have to explore the full truth of them later. In private."
The insufferable man marched away, beaming with happiness and left me with my beating heart that was on the verge of bursting into million little pieces. The man had undeniable charm, that I must admit. I was happy with how the things were progressing. After all, he granted me my request. And I didn´t even ask for it.
He shared with me my first kiss.
