Belathen had far too much work to get through. She was not used to constant reading and writing- as a hunter in the clan, she had been privileged to even learn the skill, so daily use and practice was not her highest forte. She did try however; Solas had been a patient guide, as had Dorian when her fellow elf was unavailable. It did however mean that a mountain of unanswered correspondence remained on Bel's desk awaiting her hand. Josephine would be pleased that the elvhen Herald was taking time to return the letters. Finally.
Bel was just picking up her quill to pen her responses when there was a knock resounding at her door. Curious she set the writing utensil down and stood to open her door. Cullen wouldn't have knocked- not anymore- and anyone cleaning up was much quieter. More surprising than the fact someone had trekked up here was the identity when she opened the door.
"I was hoping you might have a moment." Dorian had an uncertain, pensive expression as he leaned against the doorframe.
"Of course, lethallin." She stepped aside to allow him passage, closing the door as the Tevinter entered. "What do you need of my time then?"
"Your Commander came to see me earlier." With those words, Dorian settled himself on the couch by her fireplace and met her eyes cautiously. "I found our discourse very... intriguing."
"So I would imagine," Belathen chuckled as she settled down beside her best friend.
"I care for you, Bel. More than I presumed possible. More than is likely wise." Dorian shifted a bit uncomfortably. "That is to say I see you as... a sister. Of course. If you have any discomfort in this..."
Bela laughed and reached for his hands, pulling them onto her lap. "My dear lethallin- Dorian, brother- I love Cullen. He loves me most assuredly in return. Whether this is a dalliance or somewhat more than that I will be pleased to know he has found more than I to care about." A frown danced across her expression briefly. "Dorian, I must ask. Will you be gentle with him?" She blushed. "Not physically I mean. Beyond that."
Dorian blinked in confusion. "Gentle? What do you mean?"
Bel took a deep breath. "I know Cullen. He is soft in matters of the heart, Dorian. Be careful with him for me?"
Dorian nodded slowly, though Bel caught from her experiences with him and his look now that his mind must be reeling. If Cullen was soft Dorian was something else entirely. He was fully inexperienced. Cullen would take that into account; Belathen imagined Dorian could learn to do the same. If nothing else being with Cullen would help the mage with experience.
In the end, Belathen knew Dorian deserved love just as much as Cullen. If she couldn't help him directly she definitely would do what she could when an opportunity presented itself.
"So this has your blessing?" Dorian asked, surprised.
"Yes lethallin." More than you know.