After her visit with Dorian, she knew what she had to do. She and Solas had to talk. No more secrets, no more shadows or lies. She knew these doubts and concerns prevented her from helping those who needed it. She was distracted on the missions, and her focus should be on Corypheus.

Although she started seeking out Solas for answers. Answers that may or may not help them against their fight against the evil magister. She knew that it had changed. She had to know the answers for herself.

If revealing the truth could help them in their fight. Great. But otherwise, she needed to start focusing on what was important. And the most important thing right now would be fighting the evil that threatened Thedas with destruction.

But first, she had a meeting at the war table to go too.

She arrived at the diplomat's chamber first and saw Josephine hidden behind a mountain of paper, treaties, and executive orders. Although Ih'tal had never perfected the art of diplomacy in her day, she could easily see the need for it, especially in a time of war like now. If they were to have any chance of survival, they had to rally the people, the warriors, and the nations. And no one could do it better than the golden Antivian.

She greeted the diplomat as she approached the desk. "One of these days that pile will fall on you, and you will literally be buried in work"

Josephine raised her head over the papers and smiled as Ih'tal approached. "And a good day to you lady Lavallen. I am almost finished, and I know you are eager to hear news from your clan".

Ih'tal had sent Josephine's ambassadors to investigate Duke Antoine of Wycome. Her Keeper had sent her several messages, asking for her for help to keep her clan safe. For they were her clan. After she woke up to the new world around her, they took her in. They opened their arms to a stranger and showed her that even though her world was lost forever, there was still goodness in what was left. The war she knew was over, and with it her people. She knew the Dread Wolf had something to do with the Veil, forming a kind of barrier to keep them separated from the fade.

The Elvhen was a proud and powerful race. They ruled by magic, and wielded ancient knowledge. But as several nation before, and even after, the great nations tended to fall by their own swords.

The False Gods had ruined the world in their quest for power. Children had been torn from their parents' arms, entire families were thrown into captivity and ended up as slaves. Ih'tal had done what she could to help. She used her power, and family's influence to help those who needed it most, and her focus was mostly on the children, which many overlooked. Her sister's attention typically prompted the False Gods to turn their attention to Mythal, giving her the opportunity to help in the open. She tried to save as many children as she could. Established refuges and had family servants look after them and teach them. They taught the children to induce fire. To build, sew, and protect each other.

And when it was time for them to leave, she always provided them a haven, should they ever need it.

"I am ready if you are inquisitor. I have the report from lady Guinevere Volant, and her news from Wycome".

Josephine's voiced penetrated Ih'tals thoughts, and she nodded at the ambassador. "Very well, let us not keep Liliana and Cullen waiting any longer".

Together they entered the war room. Commander Cullen already at work, with moving his figurines across the table. probably to plan the next strategy or plan of attack, should it be needed.

"If it is okay with the rest of you, then I'd like to start the meeting by hearing from Josephine and her news from Wycome"

Both Cullen and Liliana agreed and let the ambassador proceed.

Josephine broke the seal and read the report:

Ambassador Montilyet,

Duke Antoine has been a most charming and gracious host, and has made himself a friend, indeed, to the Inquisition. His city is a wonder, and he was quite keen to display some of the improvements he has made recently. Of particular note are the wells, which use a red crystal to purify the water from which all humans in the city drink. Duke Antoine has not yet made these improvements to the wells from which the elves in the alienage drink.

The duke assures me that concerns about some sort of disease affecting his city are wholly overblown, and has quite convinced me that his plans to rid the city of "the rats causing the problem" should be underway quite soon.

I continue to enjoy my visit to Wycome, and I confess that I hope I do not hear the noisy clatter of the Inquisition's armored troops ruining my quiet afternoons. The elves of Clan Lavellan, by contrast, are quiet, like their poor cousins here in Wycome's alienage, and it might be a welcome change to my daily regime to see them in the future.

Yours in haste,

Lady Guinevere Volant

"HE IS USING WHAT?!" roared Cullen from across the table "He is using red lyrium to poison the water. We must do something immediately! I will send forces to the city to stop this madness"

"While I agree that we must act immediately" Liliana intervened "Josephine's diplomat has advised us against direct force. I propose that we let my scouts help the Dalish hunters inside the city to make quick work of Duke Antoine".

All three advisors turned their gaze upon her. Of course, it was red lyrium. It seemed now adays everything bad that happened could be traced back to those cursed crystals. She agreed with both, that they needed to act sooner rather than later. But she always hated these decisions.

She knew both Cullen and Liliane advised her on what they thought was best, but Josephine's ambassador did advise to use caution.

"Lilliana, send a raven to your agents, and inform them to help the clan" She placed the raven at the marker "and tell them to inform us immediately if there is any news".

Lilliana began packing her things "I will inform them immediately inquisitor". She began exiting the door, but Ih'tal halted her "I want to be informed as soon as you receive news, don't wait to the next meeting, but send word if I am not at Skyhold". Liliana gave a silent conformation and continued on her way to her tower.

Well so much for not focusing on distractions.