faderift | [Open] You're out of time

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[Open] You're out of time

WHO: James Norrington and You.
WHAT: Even Knight Commanders need to blow off steam
WHEN: Backdated to after 'Can't We All Just Get Along?'
WHERE: Skyhold proper - courtyard and Herald's Rest
NOTES: Warnings for violence, possible R-rated actions of sexual nature, and a Templar cursing like an Antivan sailor.

To say that Knight Commander Norrington came back from the Warden Camp in a 'mood' was something of an understatement. The moment he entered Skyhold proper, he was pulling on his full Templar armor, grabbing his sword and shield, and going directly to the practice dummies.

Later on, one could find him in the Herald's Rest. There are at least two bottles of wine in front of him, and he is not dressed in uniform. In fact, he's dressed down to the point of just tunics and breeches, singing softly to the song that the bard is belting away in the front of the tavern. He looks like he could use the company - or at least another bottle of wine if you are inclined.

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Well, he'd been walking by the practice dummies with his mabari pup at his side when he saw the frustrated workings of the man. Blinking a few times, he went over to him and set his hands on his hips to watch a few more blows. Someone looked irritated. To say the least. With a tilt of his head, he considered before looking down at the pup who looked back up at him.

"Mm. I'd say you are right. That is some intense emotion." Turning his attention back to the man before him, he offered a smile. "My friend! Perhaps it would help you to have a partner to spar with. I could certainly offer myself for this."

James slammed his shield into the dummy again, making it rock right off the wooden post, when he heard the booming voice of - who else? - Iskander. His own mabari, Interceptor, lifted his head from where he was taking a nap in the shadow, and gave a friendly bark to the other mabari, and the man before them.

James himself merely grunted, eyed the other man up and down for a second, before he stated simply, "Without armor?"

That made him blink and he looked at himself. Just some casual clothes of these lands that he'd had made for him. He considered them a moment longer before looking up again.

"Well my armor is leather so I'd think it would be similar. If you would be more comfortable I can certainly go change." As this was discussed, his pup gave a little back and then let his tongue hang out of the side of his mouth. Obviously he wanted to go meet the other mabari but was waiting for Iskandar to say it was alright. One could tell how eager he was with how he'd stand up then sit back down then wiggle then stand again.

"I would feel more comfortable." Is the firm response. Despite the ... entire 'How can you even exist in this realm?' feeling about Iskander, James considered him a good man, and the beginnings of friendship were there. It would hardly do him any good if he clobbered the man into the ground.

Of course since Iskander was the king of Everything, James might just get trounced in turn. Either way - as long as he got to vent out his frustration on someone he could not hurt? He would feel ... satisfied.

He arched an eyebrow over at Interceptor, before rolling his eyes. A crack in the anger, a faint smirk, as he nodded over to the other mabari. "Go on, then."

And with that, Interceptor was over like a rocket, sniffing and barking happily.

Iskandar laughed as Achilles Alexander ended up bowled over basically. Not because the other mabari had knocked him down but because he was still clumsy and had tried to be on his back feet to greet. Only to flop over instead. "You stay here and meet your new friend, Achilles Alexander. I will return when I have my armor on."

He patted the puppy's head who had gotten back up and was giving a bark back at Interceptor, trying to get to know the other dog. That gave the large man time to go over to where he stayed with Waver so he could put his armor on. Which turned out to expose his arms further really and provided him with sandals and that long skirt to his armor. Really he had an impressive look to him but it was clear that this was a man that didn't mind taking blows.

"There! I am covered! Shall we spar now?" He hoisted his sword up onto his shoulder and grinned at him, giving a glance at the dogs who were still loving each other.

Interceptor barked in turn, before he started to bounce around Alexander ...

"Oh good grief, the dog as well?" James yelled after the other man, before he sighed, and went back to practicing his forms until the other man returned.

In ... less clothing than he already had on. He exhaled, and took up the measure of the taller man. Well, he did look like he could take a few blows. He would simply go with - "I'll just put the shield aside - we can do bare blades. Flat side, naturally."

Iskandar laughed at that. "Of course. I would not wish to cause you injury by cutting you."

The scars on his arms said he'd had them exposed for battles before. Likely many times before. Iskandar certainly didn't seem to find it to be a problem as he unsheathed his sword and stepped closer to the man. "I would train with my men ages ago. I am used to using the flat of my blade for these practice fights."

"Nor I you."

James held his sword up, before he dropped them to give the taller man a dry look, "Unless like everything else about you, your skin is so perfect that you never bruise, never bleed, and never fell down and scraped your knee."

He took his stance again, measuring out his stance, and the other man's. Bigger. Stronger. Not necessarily faster - even in his leather armor. He moved around, looking for holes in the other man's defense.

"I would say the scars I have tell the stories of the battles I have faced. Though honestly I would say it is difficult to wound me. In my own world it would take powerful magic or another spirit using a powerful attack to bring me harm. In this world I have not really tested it."

He gave a shrug, obviously not bothered by this. Perhaps he should have been but he simply wasn't. Why be worried when he was doing just fine otherwise?

His stance was relaxed though. Not really what one would see for battle but rather one with the confidence of having many battles under his belt. He knew how to fight and his eyes were actually tracking where James was going as the man looked for holes in his defense. Just as he was looking for holes in return. "By the way, I have been meaning to ask this. When did you become what you are?"

A Templar. A soldier. A fighter. Well he'd honestly accept any of the answers to that question really.

James thought of the scar that now adorned his neck - thanks to the delightful Samson. He smirked faintly, as he moved around the other man. "We find our scars in all sorts of places - physical, and otherwise. Maker knows most of my scars are those of the heart."

At least he could admit that now. Better than he was.

The question is answered quietly, and not without pain. "When blood mages murdered my family in front of me. I was ten years old."

Note he said blood mages there - an important distinction. He did not blame all mages for his family's murder, only those who used blood magic to harm others.

"Mm. I see. That would indeed motivate a man."

He just nodded, showing him no pity nor judgement. This was this man's past and it was clear he'd reached a place where he could say the words. That meant quite a lot here and Iskandar took note of that.

"Have you found your opening yet, my friend?"

He looked decidedly amused as he looked over at his current location.

"It motivated me, tis true. But it is not why I continue to serve as a Templar. I swore an oath that day, that I would keep every other child from having to witness the same horrors that I did that day." He stated simply, his green eyes serious and focused -

And then he stood upright, his sword hanging at his side as he glowered at Iksander. "If you are not going to take this seriously, I am going to go back to hitting dummies."

Iskandar blinked and tilted his head to the side. "Hm? I am taking this seriously. I was waiting for you to strike so that we could properly begin. You were the one that just continued to circle me like some sort of angry predator. When your opponent does not strike first it is up to you to do so. Often that will turn the battle in your favor."

Basically he'd noticed the man was irritated which was a disadvantage. For that reason he'd offered him an advantage to counter that.

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[Open] You're out of time

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