Mornings with Eleri in Skyhold were always the same, really any down time in Skyhold was similar. But mornings were Josie's favorite. The younger elf made it a habit to go out of her way for the Antivan and Josie was quick to admit it was nice to be waited on for a change. As ambassador she spent most of her time making sure the various visiting dignitaries were taken care of. A duty the elf was well aware of and often expressed that Josie worked too hard, that she should delegate the smaller tasks to others who were equally as capable so the woman could rest. But, true to her nature, Josie would wave off the suggestion with the mantra of "there is much to be done and no time to waste, others are just as busy."

On one such lovely morning, Josie was gently woken up to the smell of tea and fresh bread by a light kiss to her forehead. The Antivan hummed her approval but didn't open her eyes. An impressive feat that the elf was up before her since it was earlier than she normally woke up. And Eleri would be the first to complain about just how early Josie normally started her day.

"You are up early. What time is it?" Josie asked, sleep slightly slurring her question. Her hands reached out to find the elf sitting on the edge of the bed next to her. Clumsy fingers slid across an armored knee, up the side of Eleri's leg and hooked themselves in the laces up the elf's side that kept her armor together. She tilted her head toward Eleri's accented voice as she spoke.

"Not quite dawn, ma vhenan" was quietly accompanied by another kiss.

As Eleri's lips left her cheek, Josie opened her eyes. She blinked a few times before bringing her free hand up to wipe away the sleep, sending a sleepy smile to Eleri who had not pulled too far away from her kiss. The elf was still in her armor, a fact that Josie's sleep-dazed mind didn't piece together at first. An armored Eleri was a sign that she had not woken early but arrived early. Brown eyes swept toward the window across from Josie's bed where she could see the sun was just starting to peek around the mountains surrounding Skyhold.

"The sky looks lovely."

"As do you."

"Oh, hush. I have not even had the time to brush my hair yet." Josie replied with a blush as she propped herself on elbows. The easy way compliments for her rolled off Eleri's tongue never ceased to fluster Josie. Eleri remained close and Josie seized the opportunity to fully kiss her, innocent and sweet. Josie was not awake enough for anything else. A hum of approval and contentment came from Eleri as she leaned into the contact.

"I smell tea and…sweet nut bread?"

"You are correct. I found a merchant in Val Royeaux who was selling some from the Free Marches and had the kitchens prepare it when I arrived so it would be ready for you once you woke up. We didn't have it often but it was my favorite growing up."

"And what time did you arrive?"

Eleri gave a sheepish smile as she ran a hand through her hair; an expression that exposed her jerky movements. As her brows knitted together with concern, Josie looked more closely at her love's face and saw the dark bags under green eyes, the paler than normal skin. Eleri admitted quietly, "A few hours ago."

"Have you slept yet? I would assume no since you are here." Josie sighed. A shrug and that same smile were Eleri's only answer. She berated herself for not remembering the hour she had gone to bed and that there had still been no Eleri. From the look of her, Eleri must have been awake for multiple days and yet here was Josie, content to spend the morning with her when she needed rest. "Amor, why do you do this to yourself?"

"I wanted to see you."

"But you need sleep."

"And I will. I'll sleep all day but it's been too long since I've seen you, Jo. I needed you first."

Eleri knew the effect comments like that had on Josie. The ever romantic Antivan who loved romance novels, grand gestures, poetry, and the softer side of things. A vulnerable warrior melted her heart more than anything. Josie scooted to the side and patted the bed next to her, tugging the laces where her fingers still hung as she did so.

"Lay down."

The younger elf did as asked, quickly taking off her outer armor that would have hurt Josie and ruined her bed. Thin, pale arms wrapped around Josie's waist as Eleri snuggled into her side. Josie adjusted her own arms so that one hugged Eleri to her as the elf's head rested on her shoulder and the other so her hand could draw patterns on the arm draped across her waist.

"I cannot stay long." Josie started as she glanced out of her window again to gauge the time. "But I will stay as long as I can."

Eleri nodded as her eyes started to droop. Soft snores soon drifted around the otherwise silent room. A peaceful start to the undoubtedly busy day ahead of the Inquisition's royal ambassador. Josie's mind quickly went through the day's tasks as her hand idly ran along Eleri's arm. A sense of contentment spreading through Josie's chest. A feeling she could get used to as it made the busy day seem more manageable. With a start, Eleri's eyes popped open. The jerk caused Josie to jump.

"Sorry," Eleri mumbled. "What about your tea and bread?"

Josie rolled her eyes with a smile. Of course Eleri would scare her half to death just because she hadn't eaten yet. All of Thedas rested squarely on her shoulders and the elf was still worried about Josie's breakfast. The warm feeling of contentment spread farther through Josie's body, mingled with several other emotions she couldn't put a name on but knew what they added up to.

"Have you eaten since your return." A nod was Eleri's answer, her eyes fighting to stay open. "Then I will get to it later and instead, stay here with you as long as possible."

The protest that would usually follow from the stubborn elf was nonexistent. Her eyes finally giving into the weight pushing them down. She gave a low hum that Josie assumed was meant to agree, causing Josie to laugh quietly at her elf. Eleri's arms tightened in, again what Josie assumed, annoyance around her at the movement. Josie gave a hushed apology then resumed the tracing of a pale forearm.

Her fingers stuttered along scars and scrapes; most in between the two categories, few were new, and several were raised and ropey. Josie counted the bruises she could see then brushed brown hair back from Eleri's face to inspect for any new injuries she may have missed. The morning hadn't seen Josie's most observant self so far. Besides a long, bruised cut that didn't seem serious and scars Josie's eyes had traced countless times, the skin was untouched. The dark bags and pale skin that Josie worried over signaled harsh traveling. A shiver ran the length of Josie's spine as she tried to imagine what the definition of "harsh travel" was for a previously nomadic Dalish elf, whose entire life had been traveling.

Eventually, it was time to get up and get ready for the day. Josie had already stayed in bed longer than she normally did. If she waited any longer Leliana was sure to come looking for her. As she started to reluctantly slide from Eleri's embrace, the long arms tightened. A muffled whine came from the elf pressed into the Antivan's side.

"I have a busy day, amor. I must get up. You know I would stay if I could." The hold loosened but Eleri made sure that Josie had to work to get out of it. Her head stayed firmly in place and her arms rested heavily around Josie, forcing her to move them herself with a smile and shake of her head. A playful smile rested on pale pink lips from the stunt as Josie leaned back over to kiss them, putting off the day for just seconds longer.

Eleri rolled onto her back and watched as Josie roamed the room preparing for the day, hair free from its daily hold and flowing behind her. Josie stoked the fire so the room remained warm, asking Eleri to rest there so no one would disturb the elf who so clearly, desperately needed the rest. A nod was her answer, eyes shining with the smile she wore.

Anytime the Antivan would pass close enough, her elf would reach out a slender hand to pull her back into bed with sweet kisses that were getting harder and harder for Josie to pull away from. Giggling scolds from Josie were met with a shrug and toothy grin each time. Eventually, with her morning routine taking far longer than it normally would, there was a knock at Josie's door followed by Leliana's voice.

"I really must go now." Josie whispered as she pulled away from Eleri, her hands on the bed propping her up as she leaned over the elf who had her own hands framing Josie's face.

"Or you could stay."

"We both know I cannot; no matter how much I want to." Josie replied.

Eleri leaned back in to leave a lingering kiss. "Then have a good day, ma vhenan."

With that Eleri pulled away, settling back on the pillows. Josie smiled slowly, wanting to strangle Eleri for making it that much harder to leave. Instead she turned toward the second round of knocking but stopped at the door, hand on the knob, as Eleri gently called her name.

"Jo?" Josie turned to look at the elf who nodded at the desk in her room. "Your clipboard?"

"Oh!" Josie's face flushed as she hurried back to grab the item in question as the knocking became insistent. Josie called out "Leli! I am coming!" as she headed back toward the door, a smile thrown to the elf still in her bed.

"You are hours past when you are normally in your office!" Leliana started when the door closed behind Josie. "I know that Eleri was gone quite a while but we have important matters that require our attention before Halamshiral that cannot be put off. This ball can make or break us, Josie."

"And they will be taken care of, Leliana. I am well aware of what is at stake." Josie bristled at Leliana's tone, at the hint of the truth that resided in the words, and looked pointedly at her friend before stalking off, knowing she would follow. Of course Josie was well aware. If they failed, it would cost Eleri her life. An outcome that Josie's mind had spent plenty of time pushing to the back. "I will not neglect my duties. You of all people know that."

"And I also know that you worry for our inquisitor and do not get much time with her," Leliana started again, softer, "I am not scolding you for wanting peace of mind. But hours, Josie?"

"It wasn't planned." Josie's annoyance collapsed as worry replaced it. "I don't think their journey back went well."

"It didn't." Leliana stated. "But she can tell you of it later because she is here and safe, do not worry. We have too much to concern ourselves with beyond that, Josie. The Game awaits us and it cannot find us unprepared."