Dorian stared at the ceramic jar on the table. He turned it to the left. Then right again, scrutinizing the dark velvet ribbon twisted about the glazed vessel. The fingers of a perfectionist pulled at the limp loops, amending a section that was just a tad too long. But that only made the opposite side seem off yet again.
"Look at you, fussing over a decoration like an enamored youth." The Tevinter man chided himself as he returned the jar into the small basket of other sundry goods. A massive pair of silky socks rolled carefully together and bound with twine. An unopened decanter of amber liquid with a few spots of dust settled inside the embellished crevices. A bag of candied fruits, sweet and tangy enough to suit the Qunari's bold palate. The jar was particularly special, a rare treat that couldn't be purchased at just any little stall. He placed it centrally, marking the gift's importance.
With one long glance in the mirror, Dorian inspected the groomed hair atop his head and smoothed down his moustache. The rest of him was impeccable, as always. Not a spot on his boots or a shining buckle out of place. He aimed to impress from the moment he rose out of bed though he would be needing far less time to preen over the next several weeks. It wasn't every day one left for a winter's long excursion to the Western Approach, not that escaping the chilly clutches of Skyhold had been deemed a poor perk.
But Bull wasn't coming on this trip. He'd be spending the entire season at the home base with his fellow Chargers, making themselves useful while Inquisitor Lavellen was gone for the extended tour with a good deal of troops being repositioned.
"Best move along handsome, you are wasn't daylight." The mage collected the assortment and left his apartment, bags packed and loaded, this was the last item on his to-do list. Down the frozen garden stair he went, doing his best not to shiver in the biting cold. Turning the last flight, however, he spotted a wide-set pair of horns thrust high over one of the many icy bushes placed around the inner wall.
"You could have come upstairs to say your goodbyes. I might've indulged you in something a bit warmer than that cold stone bench beneath your ass." He chirped as he strode into the snowy plot to stand before a haggard old mercenary resting his haunches for a stretch.
A flat grin toyed with Bull's mouth when the basket was unceremoniously thrust towards his face, held out by one tightly gloved hand. "You know I don't take bribes." He teased.
"This isn't a bribe you loaf. Just take it before I change my mind." Dorian said, his chest puffing out. Oddly enough, his face no longer felt the chilly mountain air quite so sharply.
Iron Bull accepted the small offering with his good hand, taking it from the mage with one large finger that stole a chance to slide over the buttery leather. His functioning eye scanned the contents as he settled it into his lap. "What's this all about? That red rope you gave me last month was nice enough, gotten plenty of uses already."
Dorian fidgeted, his heels churning in the fresh snow. "I don't want you to get cold at night. This might keep the serving girls out of your bed while I'm away."
He observed with feigned indifference as the huge man lifted the fine ceramic jar. With the remaining, full-length digits on his hand he removed the fretted ribbon and lifted the knobbed lid. He brought the canister up to his nose and gave a deep sniff, his brow rose high when the rich scent hit his gray nostrils. Bull licked a fingertip and took a dip, bring up a coating of fine, dark brown powder to run over his tongue. "Chocolate eh? Has some heat behind it too."
"It's better than that drivel you've been adding to hot milk. I had to get that imported all the way from Antiva, but the spices are from Tevinter."
"That's… that's real nice of ya…" Iron Bull cleaned his finger and replaced the lid. For a time, he looked up at the distracted face of the tidy man whose eyes flicked back to meet his own. "Can I… I'll write to you."
"Of course you will. I'd hate to forget you will I'm off trouncing through the desert. Who knows what exotic creature I might stumble across for entertainment." Assured Dorian, his face only grew warmer when he saw a white flash of teeth behind thick mauve lips. He took a half step away, intended goal met, but he turned back abruptly to steal an impulsive, flaunting kiss before that smile dissolved. "I expect a letter the day after I get there."
"Course." Answered Bull with a throaty chuckle. "But I already sent one yesterday."