I don't know where else to send this stuff. But... What if the teenage inky was, like, really good at writing and the companions and advisors "found" their stuff? Like, rivalled Varric's writing good?
Cassandra: She just stumbles upon it on their desk in their room when she comes looking for them. She tells herself she shouldnât, but she starts reading and canât stop. Itâs so good. As soon as she hears the Herald coming, she panics and tries to rearrange the papers to look as if she hadnât read them. Meanwhile, she tries, desperately, to think of a way to tell the Herald how good their writing is and that they should publish itâ she has to read more.
Blackwall: Similar to Cassandra, he comes looking for them in their room and happens to find their writing on their desk. He swears he wonât pry, but he get sucked into the story, so much so that he gets caught by the Herald when they return to their room. Heâs mortified and apologizes repeatedly, but also mentions that their work is good and that they should talk to Varric about getting it published.
Iron Bull: He knows, of course. Heâs seem them write when they think no one is looking in camp, after a stressful mission. Whenever he knows he wonât be caught, he sneaks a peek at the writingâ heâs hooked. He gets used to waiting for âupdatesâ and has to actually put effort into not getting excited when they start writing.Â
Varric: He presses them a few times when he thinks theyâre writing, but they always shyly stop what theyâre doing and refuse to speak. When the opportunity arises, heâll ask to read it, and manages after some hard persuasion. He ends up staying up all night reading every last word. When he returns it, he jumps right into pushing them for publicationâ he wants to send it to his editor and have it published straight away. âItâs too good not to share with the world. Good job, kid.â he says proudly.
Sera: She doesnât read novels or fiction particularly often, owing to a short attention span. She comes looking for the Herald in their room one day to ask if they wanna go pranking, but because theyâre not there, she decides to snoop just a little, maybe leave a little something as a prank. She finds the writing on their desk and just starts by glancing at it, but soon she becomes engrossed and forgets all about pranks as she reads it. Rarely does she find a story she cares about. When the Herald finally shows up in their room, they balk at finding her reading, but all she does is frown at them. âHey, when are you going to write more? I want to read more! Go get Varric to publish this shite!â
Cole: He knows they write, and it makes him happy because it makes them feel better to put the worlds they weave onto paper and make it real. âSpirits clamor, watching, waiting, acting out the words and making them real.â he says cheerfully. One day when someone else stumbles upon it and encourages the Herald to get it published, theyâre conflicted, but Cole steps in and encourages them to go through with it. âYour words helped. They were less stressed after they read it. If you publish it, more people will be happy. You can help.â
Dorian: Heâs spied them time and again writing, but as soon as they spy him, they hide it, and his begging to see it has bore no fruit. He feels a twinge of shame when he finds it in camp laid open carelessly, but the curiosity is overwhelming. His eyes glue to the page as he reads and imagines and feels it all, and when the Herald returns, heâs not shy at all about his thoughts on their work. âIt has to be published. I have to read the whole thing. Please.â
Solas: A few times, heâs tried to ask to read their work, but like Dorian, was unable to convince them. When he hears Cole talk about spirits re-enacting the book in the Fade, he gets a grand idea, and spends many nights just watching the scene roll on. When it ends, heâs left wanting for more, and he spends many nights waiting in hope for an update.
Vivienne: She tries not to pry, but she would be lying if she claimed her eyes didnât try to wander to the papers the Herald had been writing on, wanting to see what lied upon it. One day, when the Herald is gone for a sufficient period of time, she does read them, and becomes so enthralled that she almost doesnât stop herself in time when the Herald comes back. They donât know the difference, and she acts no different, but she hopes they decide to publish one dayâ a lot.
Josephine: She doesnât read it until the Herald finally agrees to let the others read it, at the least. When she finally gets to see it, she ends up getting so involved that every moment of relaxation she has is reading it, and finishes it rapidly. Then she thinks about it and has trouble not daydreaming and drifting off about it. She praises the Herald for their creativity and wit.
Leliana: She knows, and has agents get her regular updates on the writingâ sheâs hooked and has to know more. Meanwhile, she and Varric try to figure out a way to get the Herald to agree to publishâ their work is fantastic. She would, of course, deny having any prior knowledge of their writing, but the Herald knows better.
Cullen: Like Josephine, he doesnât actually see it or find out until he hears from the others that the Herald is letting a few people read it. He finds he really enjoys the story, and reads it in what spare time he has. When he gets the chance, he compliments the Herald on their skills. âAfter the Inquisition, should it ever end, you could turn this into a career. Varricâs certainly more than ready to aid you.â