melaena:

The Journals of Cullen Rutherford 371

9:41 18th August

Varric seemed determined to uncover some hidden truth. His first attempt at gathering information failed. I’ve no interest in discussing anything personal for possible inclusion in one of his books. His second attempt-while more inventive-still yielded nothing. Comparing notes-as he put it-is an effective way to check one’s facts, but knowing Varric he’d have little to share and expected I’d reveal much.

His third attempt employed a veiled threat of exposure. This might be effective for someone who fears their past; the events in my life are already the subject of public knowledge. I have little to fear. It is true my participation in said events is perhaps not widely known, but I prefer it so.

His fourth and final attempt involved a bit of personal coercion. Threatening to tell the Inquisitor of so-called questionable events he witnessed in Kirkwall was to be his coup. Unfortunately, stories of my duties in the Order and a few dalliances over the years would hardly concern Valerie. In fact, I countered that compared to his exploits, my years in Kirkwall were horribly boring and barely worth mentioning.