The Eve of Departure

Julian looked at his sister with empathy. He sighed and walked toward her and gave her a hug. Was he that busy, that he had been distancing himself from her? That was never his intention. When it came to his twin, he was protective of her and when she said anything of the dramatics, Julian would take it seriously. Even if it was over dramatic, a part of what she always said had some truth in the matter. He held on to her and squeezed slightly. [color=#c10300]"I'm sorry if it feels like we have been distant. I never want you to feel that way."[/color] He let go of his embrace and looked at her with a worried glance. It shifted into his normal smile. [color=#c10300]"How about this. When I'm back, you, Tomas, and myself take the day to hang out...like a family. You can even pick what we do as a family. Like old times sake?"[/color] The words flew off his tongue with excitement. It felt like centuries since the three of them were together. Tomas was always busy and never home since he had transferred out to the University of Orlais. It would be good for all three of them to spend much-needed time together. 

Jaqueline leaned into the embrace, drinking in the comfort it provided.  As a child, it had always been Julian who was there.  Their father loved his children, but his position came with a great deal of responsibility that prevented him from spending much time with his children.  Tomas...well, Tomas was always busy being groomed for the position he now wouldn't inherit.  That left Jaq and Julian, who enjoyed the freedoms provided by a lack of parental scrutiny...but still sometimes missed the feeling of belonging that they imagined came from being part of a "normal" family.

When he mentioned the days they spent together as children Jaq smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"That'd be nice, Julian.  I hope we can do that."  She could hear the doubt in her voice and internally winced.  She would need to try harder to hide it in the future.  No matter how much she mourned the change, she wasn't that little girl who needed to run to her brothers for support anymore...and she hadn't been for a long time.

[color=#c10300]"Now that is a promise!"[/color] Julian exclaimed to his sister. He did his best to keep his promise whether it was prolonged or when he promised a given time. For his sister, he would make time. Julian wouldn't let his father pull him away from this promise. Giving her a smile, he took in one last breath. He walked a few steps toward a bookshelf that was within the study. He pulled a random book from the shelf and opened it. His eyes scanned the random page that he had opened it. Closing it shortly after, the book was placed where it was shelved. [color=#c10300]"I should start packing....I do appreciate this Jaq." [/color]

Julian took his lead toward the door that lead out of the study. He went into his pocket to take a look at the particular powdered substance his sister needed. To his surprise, it was something he recognized. Now, what on Thedas does she need with this? What is she planning? Who is she planning to use this on? Julian stopped right at the door and turned around to face his sister. His eyes narrowed in on his sister. Suspicious eyes trying to figure out what possible theory she needed to use with a such precious resource. [color=#c10300]"When I'm back, we're going to have a little talk about this...."[/color] Julian raises the small parchment in the air. His suspicious eyes faded and his caring and charming self returned. [color=#c10300]"Love you."[/color] The words were sent with compassion. His warm smile sends a wave of emotion. He would do anything for his sister. And it was strange that she needed this particular blend. There was a slight worry to the matter but he knew they would have a chat once he had returned. Julian turned on his heels and walked out of the study. 

Jaqueline watched as her brother began walking toward the door.  She smiled as he feigned interest in the random book on the shelf, and again as he professed his gratitude.

But then it happened.  Time seemed to slow down as she watched him reach into his pocket and take out the slip of paper, his steps slowing as he read the name she'd scribbled on it.  She had hoped he wouldn't have recognized the name, or at the very least have been on his way to Orlais before he knew what she had asked of him.  Of course, she had no such luck.

She wanted to grimace, but instead left the sweet smile of adoration that was already affixed to her face.  "I would expect nothing less, Julian." Suddenly the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and her mind began to spin, playing out conversations to come.  She blinked twice to clear the thought, her smile not slipping at all.   "I love you too.  Come back safely." 

She watched him leave before turning and heading back to her chair.  She picked up the book she had set aside and placed it on her lap, open somewhere about three-fourths of the way through.  Then, from the space between her body and the arm of the chair, she pulled another book - one that she'd made sure Julian wouldn't see.  She placed it on top of the history of hapoid gears and resumed her reading.