It's a very fine thing to hear; it prompts some squeeze high in her chest that it both thrilling and terrible. Maybe this is why, weeks from now, when Val asks after her opinion on being missed by someone that Wysteria will have such a ready answer for him.

"Nonsense. We're going to write with such frequency that you'll not have the time to."

She should have written him a note here in Kirkwall, she thinks. She might have given it to him this morning or arranged to have it delivered to his mail cubby after she had gone. It would have been a charming bit of high spirits and good humor. But she hadn't; she will have to suit herself with writing something during the crossing and with sending it directly back the moment she reaches Ferelden.

"In fact, you must promise me that you'll be extraordinarily well while I'm away. I would find that considerably reassuring."