Leliana closed the door to the war room after they left and turned to Rubeus.
"My concern is that Michela could be an unwanted leak to our enemies in Tevinter. She has not been shy in telling me where to look and I found something interesting I need to speak with you about." Leliana said and walked back to the table.
"I'm glad you also have that concern," Rubeus expressed. "The captain does seem to have some workaround though."
"Have you ever heard of the Black Salts?" Leliana asked. Rubeus shook his head.
"Michela mentioned it when we first met, a strange term don't you think? I wondered what kind of beach would be called by such a name, and found out it was a code. There is a guild of assassins known as the black salts. My friend in the crows confirmed it." Leliana said and took out an envelope from a bag under the table.
"They aren't related to the mage killers in Tevinter, are they?" Rubeus asked.
"It is possible, and I received this, not long ago." Leliana opened it and poured out a handful of volcanic sand into her palm. "It seems as if they have already sent me a threat," Leliana said and poured it back into the paper. The elf's eyes widened.
"My people discovered this sand is not a compound they are familiar with, perhaps you know of someone who can figure it out," Leliana said and handed it to Rubeus. Rubeus took the envelope.
"We can look into it. Keep me up to date on this," he ordered.
"Of course, I have my agents working on where this sand can be found," Leliana said.
"Cullen is going to give Josephine and me a report on the captain before we turn in. I can ask him to listen for any mention of Black Salts. But not to bring up the topic himself." Rubeus looked exhausted.
"It's a good idea, she is being dodgy around the term for a reason. I wonder if there is anyone else from Tevinter who might know of their inner workings." Leliana asked.
The inquisitor shook his head.
"If you could ask Dorian if anyone has heard of these assassins. Any information would be helpful." Leliana suggested.
"Of course. I already need to speak with him for help with finding dreadnought schematics," Rubeus said.
"Make sure to get some rest, perhaps sometimes as well. This Magister is patient, for while he is in discussions with us he is safe until we move against him. Remember you have an advantage." Leliana said with a motivated grin.
"I'll take a break after I get the plans together. I'm going to ask Sera about the dreadnaught pieces. Might need to talk to Michela about the barnacle's schematics…. And then blueprints." Rubeus smirked.
"Speak to Josie, she has something in a plan to help things simmer down a bit." Leliana smiled.
"I'll be sure to speak with her on my way out. Thank you, as always." Rubeus dismissed himself from the war room.
Josephine busily worked at her desk, scribbling down notes while reading documents.
"Leliana said I should speak with you?" Rubeus asked, approaching the desk.
"Oh! Inquisitor!" Josephine exclaimed. "Yes, things have been so tense and complicated. I thought it would be a lovely idea to set up a little tea party." Rubeus looked at her like she was mad.
"I know Varric usually sets up little card games for everyone, but he isn't here. I thought I would try to fill in." Josephine explained.
"I'm not sure how well an Orleasian styled tea party would go over with everyone," Rubeus replied.
"We could all just go to the garden for a quiet cup of tea together. It does not need to be a large affair," Josephine clarified, very intent to make this tea party happen.
"Show me the details beforehand and we can go from there." Rubeus gave in. Josephine smiled brightly.
"I'll have the details ready at tonight's meeting."
Rubeus left the office and made a quick stop in the library to speak with Dorian and steal a kiss before heading to the tavern. The Herolds rest had become surprisingly busy in the midday. Refugees mingled with off duty soldiers and mages. A few arguments arose, but nothing that would be considered out of hand. Sera stayed away in her room pouting after being reprimanded by Josephine. Rubeus made a beeline for Iron Bull who was at his usual spot with Krem and the Chargers.
"What did you want to tell me?" He asked.
"Boss! Hold up, it's too busy here. Let's go upstairs." Iron bull said and stood up leaving Krem to watch the crowd.
"Fair point," Rubeus commented.
"Skyhold is getting more populated by the day, too many ears to keep track of," Ironbull warned as they climbed to the upper levels where Cole was lurking.
"It's going to get busier. I wanted to speak with an ally about Skyhold being a drop-off point for former slaves. Taking the refugees from the Barnacle is a bit of a test run to see how it goes," Rubeus explained. Cole silently stalked around and joined them.
"Exhaustion and doubt. You haven't been sleeping." Cole said, "you should rest."
"I will once I get things organized," Rubeus assured the spirit.
"Oh good, Kid needs to hear this too. That Tal-vashoth you brought in is going to be more trouble than I thought. Rumour has spread around the nobles and he is the talk of the court. You need to keep him locked up under close guard."
"I'm sure he's thrilled. He seems to love attention." Rubeus sighed, "I'll make sure we double his guard."
"I knew him back when we were both members of the Qun a long time ago. I was Sten at the time, and so was he." Iron bull explained, arms crossed and confused recalling the memories.
"Why did he become Tal-vashoth?" Rubeus asked. "Do you know?"
"Not really, that was kept hush. His brother was murdered and everyone suspected it was him. No one could prove it, but he was exiled as a result." Iron bull narrowed his eyes. "I want to keep an eye on him myself, see if he might have any Ben-Hassrath connections. Last we need is a leak." Iron Bull said, looking at Cole.
"Now I'm curious about him. I hate this!" Rubeus fumed. "I can't pin him down. It's infuriating! He has to be hiding something big."
"I think so unless you noticed anything." Iron Bull asked. He patted Rubeus on the shoulder and eased him to sit down. A rare moment to relax with the massive bodyguard who remained loyal to him rather than his homeland. Rubeus took a deep breath and exhaled, "Thanks."
"Uncertainty, it's uncomfortable. Not knowing if this is friend or foe. Like a ghost, he lingers causing fear." Cole spoke.
"It still weirds me out how you know that, but I trust you kid." Iron Bull said. Sitting next to Rubeus for a quiet moment. "Listen, I know things are rough. Let me help, I know we're doing this for the sake of your people. I want to be more involved." Iron Bull said firmly.
"I can help too," Cole offered. Rubeus smiled at the two of them.
"Thank you. I appreciate any help you can offer." Rubeus replied and leaned back.
"I wouldn't be opposed to you taking charge of guarding Fritigern," Rubeus stated. "You already have an idea of what you're dealing with. I know it's less active than most assignments. But if you need to hit him I'll allow it."
"You got it, boss," The Bull said with a grin. "I'm on him like blood on a blade."
"What about me?" Cole asked.
"Oh, you've been helping the refugees get comfortable and calming, right? That's been an excellent help," Rubeus smiled.
"You noticed?" Cole seemed surprised.
"Of course!" Rubeus laughed.
A chair squeaked against the floorboards, and Iron Bull got up quickly to snag an Elvhan teenager by the scruff of his collar. Hiding nearby eavesdropping on the conversation
"Hello, who do we have here?" Iron bull said.
"Let me go!" The kid squealed with a voice barely through puberty. Iron bull held him out for Rubeus to see the same punk who flipped him the bird on the journey to Skyhold. Rubeus sighed and got up.
"Put me down!" The kid yelled.
"What's your name kid?" Iron bull asked, setting him down in front of Cole. "Be honest, you're in danger kid."
"Kyo…." The elf replied. He had short black hair with a grey stripe on his temple. "I don't know anything man. Let me go."
"He's not in 'danger'," Rubeus clarified. "Just in trouble." The stern gaze of the inquisitor bore down on the teen. He visibly gulped with wide eyes of awe."How long have you been up here?" Rubeus asked.
"Uh… a few minutes." Kyo lied.
"This is Cole's room. It is not a place to wander around. Understood?" Rubeus stated. Cole lurked behind Rubeus, eerily. "You don't want to be put on trial like the first mate was, do you?"
"I dunno, he's pretty popular now. Hey, is it true you're going to tear down the faithful?" Kyo asked with a wicked grin.
"Bull, do you mind escorting Kyo elsewhere? I still have business here," Rubeus asked.
"Sure thing boss." Iron bull said and picked the kid up by his belt. Carrying him like a luggage bag down the stairs.
"Hey! Wait! Herald! I wanna be a dalish elf too!" The kid shouted as Iron bull took him away.
Iron Bull brought Kyo out of the tavern and carried him over to the duelling dummies. He hung the kid up on the stand by the collar of his shirt and stood in front of him.
"Listen, I want you to tell me everything you know about the first mate of the Hateful Barnacle. Or we're going to enemies, you understand." Iron bull said.
"Get me some beer and some gold and I'll tell you what I know," Kyo said and crossed his arms, not intimidated by the Charger leader.
By the time the sun rolled past the wall and lit the garden up with cosy warmth, Josephine's little tea party had been set up. A casual affair where the servants handed out treats and teas of various varieties.
Rubeus rushed over to Dorian who was waiting at the door. The inquisitor looked completely exasperated.
"Everything alright? You look horrible," Dorian commented. The mage fussed with his partner's collar making sure it was straight.
"I thought this was happening tomorrow. I didn't even approve the plans!" Rubeus moaned.
"That's because you wouldn't be able to relax if you did," Dorian pointed out.
"Touché," Rubeus replied. Dorian hooked the elf's arm in his and led him out to the garden.
The servant handed Rubeus a teacup and graciously filled it and presented him a tray of treats.
"Your grace, we have a spot reserved for you and your partner under the royal elf root. This way." The lovely human servant curtseyed and walked them over to their table. A new musician he had never seen before playing a string harp producing a calm melody. There were so few people invited, but the Captain was one of them. Rubeus looked around uneasily.
"All this time and you still can't handle having someone wait on you," Dorian commented. He helped himself to one of the tiny sandwiches.
"And I don't know if I ever will," Rubeus remarked.
"I guess it would be jarring for someone who didn't grow up Nobel," Dorian replied. He put a tart on Rubeus's plate. Rubeus quietly drank his tea and listened to the music. Dorian's hand on his knee helped him relax and besides the server, they were left alone to enjoy the afternoon's sun.
Michela was at the gazebo with Cullen still, the two of them have drawn a few onlookers as they had set up a ridiculous chess game involving multiple boards stacked on stands. Together they faced off in a difficult match of advanced chess and a serious staring contest.
"You will not best me again," Cullen said. He glared at Michela. The captain had just secured two wins in a row and the two were now tied for victories.
"I will not be bested again, commander. I promise you if you beat me here, I will holler from the rooftops that you are the superior chess master. If I win, I get to wear this fluffy collar everyone wants to take from you so much." Michela gambled, and her smile was infectious.
"My rook takes your bishop," Michela said and moved a piece up the floors of the board in an aggressive advance on the defenders around his Queen. Cullen's brow deeply creased with a worried expression as he scanned his pieces. Michela lining up for an assault on his king. He moved his knight defensively.
"You need to stop being so aggressive," Cullen said, his voice calm but a hint of worry in his eye.
"You scared?" Michela asked, In an amateur move, she rushed her assault distracted by his snarl. The pirate exposed her knight to a hidden pawn on the second board of their wonky wet up.
Cullen swiftly moved his pawn up to the top level and took her knight as she gasped in horror. He grinned playfully.
"Oh no! Shit! How did I miss that!" Michela said and stood up knocking her chair back.
Michela scrambled to line up her defences on her king, but it was too late. Cullen quickly had her queen and locked the King into Checkmate.
"FINALLY!" Cullen cheered, "I believe that is Checkmate?" Cullen looked at Michela with a smug sense of victory. He then purposefully fluffed the fur of his cowl.
"No!" Michela cried out in agony at the defeat. Locking eyes with his handsome smile and she resisted the urge the express her true feelings.
Rubeus looked up from the table.
"I should check on that…" he muttered. Dorian grabbed his arm before Rubeus could stand.
"Cullen has it handled. Just relax," Dorian ordered. Rubeus submitted and shuffled in his seat.
Michela stomped her feet and marched in a circle on the spot, her face red in embarrassment. "Ugh! A pawn! A lousy pawn…" she rambled before taking a big long breath.
"I told you to be less aggressive," Cullen responded.
"Now I understand why Orlesians wear masks." Michela snapped and turned to Cullen. "Congratulations, how do you like your victory chant. Loud? Or obnoxious?" She asked.
"Wait, a victory chant? I never agreed to a b—" Cullen was cut off.
Without his answer, Michela hopped over the gazebo fence and climbed up the lattice. On the tiny roof, she summoned a veil of magic within her fingers. She tried to speak, but the spell broke and sparked in her face.
"Stop, get down!" Cullen bellowed.
"Shit, hold on." She did it again, this time a blue ripple of magic sustained in her grasp.
"Excuse me, everyone, your attention please," Michela said, the volume of her voice magnified to the booming power of a god. Rubeus looked up at the sound, Dorian paid it no mind. Cullen looked embarrassed as he watched on.
"Commander Cullen, fierceness in his assault on my temple, has defeated me in combat. For yes it was long. The tiresome struggle between two of the worlds finest minds, but truly his brain is as thick as his skull. Congratulations commander, you are the true chess king." Michela said and started giving him a one-man applause, which quickly turned to two as Leliana clapped along. Cullen shrank back, mortified. His face turned red. Rubeus started applauding between snickers.
"Good work, Cullen!" Dorian cheered.
Michela did a rather unnecessary backflip dismount off the gazebo and skipped up to him.
"A rematch, next time we play on my war table and use fleets," Michela said with a genuine smile. "That was a lot of fun, thank you." She added and extended her hand to shake. Cullen shook Michela's hand. His face still flushed but smiling.
"I look forward to it," he replied.
"Awe, they're getting along," Leliana said to Josephine who was sitting across from her. "This was a fantastic idea, everyone is already much more relaxed." The spymaster smile as she stirred her black currant tea with a spoonful of sugar.
"Thank you," Josephine said. "This has gone very smoothly. Despite the duchess' sudden display." She took a bite of her strawberry tart. Leliana was correct. Even the Inquisitor seemed to be at ease.
"We should get some tea and food before it's gone," Cullen suggested. "Is there anywhere you'd like to sit?"
"As long as I'm sitting with you, I'll survive," Michela said, before adjusting her hat to cover her face.
"I mean… food. Those cakes look good." Michela awkwardly said before rushing the servant with the tray.
"You don't think they'll get along too well right?" Leliana asked Josephine.
"Cullen is just being hospitable with her. You are reading into this too much." Josephine brushed the comment off.
"You're right I'm overthinking things," Leliana replied.
Cullen and Michela found a table to sit at for the rest of the tea party. Distracted by the many cakes that Michela had made a mission to try one of each. Generously splitting them with the commander so it didn't look like they were pigging out. Though they didn't talk much, the silence of the party was peaceful as the voice of the bard became the focal point of the afternoon.
"Look at those two. If they sat any closer you'd think they were sleeping together," Dorian gossiped.
"Don't you dare start that rumour!" Rubeus exclaimed.
"I'm not starting any rumour. They are starting it themselves," Dorian commented. Rubeus looked over at the templar and mage.
"Fenedhis—- you're right. I don't know if this should be encouraged." Rubeus worried.
"Enough of this topic," Dorian moved the conversation along. He poured himself another cup of tea.
"I know you have strong feelings about Orlaisians but they do know how to make a good tea." Dorian took a drink from his teacup. Rubeus declined another cup.
"I don't want to be up all night." he stated, "at least not from the caffeine," Rubeus said playfully and put his hand on Dorian's thigh.
"I love it when you are forward," Dorian replied.