faderift | Sieze the day

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Sieze the day

WHO: Sadira and YOU
WHAT: Various places around Skyhold at different times of day.
WHEN: Beginning to mid Solace before the shenanigans in Orlais takes off.
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: N/A

I.The Training Grounds- Early morning

Sadira was in the training yard, early enough that the sun was just beginning to caress down the mountainsides with light while she was busy flailing a training sword around. She'd gotten up early in order to have some small section of the training yard to herself, though there were others who had arrived earlier than her, and somewhere were just now arriving. It seemed the training yard got little rest, which seemed, to sum up, her appearance. She had the look of someone long used to functioning on too little sleep.

Despite her apparently poor sword skills-- she was overreaching as well as leaving herself completely open on the left side-- she at least had good footwork and showed little signs of tiring quickly. Clothed as she was in a simple linen tunic, brown knit pants, and worn leather boots, it was near impossible to guess that she was a mage unless someone had spoken to her previously about it. She was working with a will building up a good sweat while trying her best to perfect her abilities though it was apparent that she was in dire need of some instruction.

II.The Library- Mid-day

Tables were naturally at a premium with all the pet projects going on and research, interests and what not being done that Sadira had opted instead for a quiet spot surrounded by a stack of books that she was carefully trawling through. A casual glance through the stacks might have drawn more than a few puzzled looks as her interests seemed to vary widely from historical texts by Brother Genitivi to various copies of Hard in Hightown along with books on varying cultures, chevalier fighting techniques, constellations and southern plants. She also had a few scattered papers scribbled with and notes, annotations and page numbers that occasionally rustled when the odd draft caught them. Although she tried to keep her mess contained to her little haphazard area, it wasn't going to take much for some of it to spill over into someone's way.

She'd traded her training clothes for softer mage robes, though her staff remained hidden away. A lingering scent of soap clung faintly to her skin, signs that she'd visited the hot springs shortly before making her way here. The mess of black curls that she usually wore draped over one shoulder was instead pulled back into a loose ponytail that fell her back so the till damp ends might not accidentally drip down onto her work. Currently, she was scribbling a note using a charcoal pencil rather than a quill with one tome resting on her knee, and another one spread out beside her with her finger resting on the line she was currently copying down.

III. Battlements- Evening

Sadira has once again found an out of the way spot, this time on the battlements. As the sun dips further and further westwards, she is looking up with a book carefully cradled in her lap, and a sheaf of notes weighed down by a rock next to her. It appears that she is setting herself up to stargaze, or at least looking for the first stars that appear before it gets too dark to read or check her notes. Draped around her shoulders is a threadbare but still somewhat serviceable blanket. It seems she is settling in to be here for awhile. She even had an earthenware pot next to her that suspiciously looked as if it contained something to chase away the chills of the oncoming night.

IV. Wildcard!

She can also be found roaming around in varying places if that would work better. Feel free to PM me or

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Norrington was making his way across the courtyard, with his seven templars following behind him, discussing the training regiment and how they could tighten up the demon fighting formations of the troops - when Anamaria let out a surprised noise. The templars all paused, and shifted their gazes away, Norrington the last to look.

"Ser, it is Sadira, of our Circle." Anamaria muttered, her dark eyes wide.

"Sadira?" Now Norrington looked alarmed. "I thought she was dead?" He squinted at the girl, then offered a bow and a hand in greeting, to see if she acknowledged them.

The tramp of booted feet only vaguely registered to her as she practiced trying to master (badly) a block and parry technique reminiscent of what a templar might do, only she lacked a shield to make it truly effective. Hearing her name spoken however was enough to break her concentration as she turned to face Norrington.

Her first reaction upon seeing eight or so templars was to freeze like a rabbit caught out from its burrow. The second reaction was for her to lamely try and hide the sword, looking as if she might cast it aside hastily or slip it behind her back in the child caught red-handed pose. Finally, she just settled for having it hand limply at her side while she worked through the momentary panic before her brain kickstarted beyond visceral fear into civility.

Hastily she bowed to him and the other templars, though she did not immediately take his hand due in no small part to having a practice sword, but also because she was uncertain if it was some kind of trap. The hindmost part of her brain knew him. Knew him to be a hard but fair man among the templars of Ostwick, yet she did not know how the war had affected him.

"Ser Norrington," Sadira said softly, finally finding her tongue, "It is good to see you alive and well."

The templars all looked at one another, then at their leader. Norrington's mouth twitched up at the corners in wry appreciation of her apprehension. To think someone from his own Circle would now look at him like this - it was heartbreaking and yet it made all the sense in the world.

He folded his hands behind him, taking an at-ease position that his people all copied. "Lady Sadira, it is good to see you as well. We ... did not see you amongst the mages we managed to get out of the Circle, and thought you had been lost with all the others."

Now that the shock is beginning to wane, it is easier for her to breathe and to relax. His and the other templar's non-threatening stance allowed for some tension to ease between her shoulder blades. Slowly the feeling of being a child caught in the hand of a cookie jar began to fade as well.

Before now, she had no idea what had transpired at the Ostwick Circle. It was one of her greatest fears, the unknowing of the circle's fate. What news she had during the past year was piecemeal at best, full of rumors and wild tales. Yet here was Norrington, a Templar well known among the circle saying that some mages had escaped-- and he implied a hand in helping them. As she absorbed the information, her expression was easily readable, shifting from wariness to a fragile hope.

"I was in the middle of a transfer to the Montsimmard Circle when things-- fell apart." That was the most diplomatic way to describe the chaos that consumed the world, "I am glad to hear that others from Ostwick also made it out. I had little hope of ever knowing what happened until now."

Norrington looked at his people, frowning faintly as he watched faces fall all around. He himself looked at the ground, before he looked back up at her. "I am - we all are - pleased that you managed to leave before everything ... happened."

He cleared his throat, "I am not sure you wish to know what happened - but there are others who made it to Montsimmard after the fall of the Circle. We ... then tasked ourselves to finding those who brought down the Circle to justice." Another pause, "I am sorry to say that First Enchanter Lydia was murdered by one of the mages seeking the fall of the Circle."

It felt so odd to hear templars glad about the well-being of a mage. It brought up a welter of feelings Sadira didn't quite know how to express. A lump formed in her throat making it hard to breathe. However, the news that First Enchanter Lydia was dead was almost like a punch to the gut. Her face crumpled, though she had enough control to not burst into tears then and there.

"Why would anyone... she was like a mother to many of us."

James nodded to the other templars to take a step away, and they nodded in turn. He went into his tunic, and brought out a handkerchief for her, just in case she might need it.

"Because they knew she would never consent to rebellion. Not against the Divine, and certainly not against her own people. Neutrality was what she asked for, and certain individuals could not stand that. It is a crime they will pay for, I can promise you that." His tone is firm, and stern. Determine well beyond his normal levels.

The inherent kindness of his gesture almost broke her. It wasn't that she was so unused to kindness -- there had been plenty of that in Skyhold since she arrived. No, it stemmed from the knowledge that at least one Templar didn't hate her simply for being a mage. A little sniffle escaped as she reached up to dab her eyes with the back of a hand.

"They may already have, if not in the war, then perhaps at the conclave. If not, then I hope your sword will bring a swift justice to them." There was a husky quality to her voice, but her tone was still sincere. She did not hate her fellow mages in their desire for freedom so much as how it was achieved.

Oh ... oh dear. Now she was crying. She was crying in front of her, and he looked around with a worried glance before he offered the handkerchief again with a sheepish look. "Now, now, it will be all right ... please don't cry."

He sighed softly, before he gives her a wry look. "I hope to bring them all to justice - the mages and the templars who brought us to this point, my lady." He paused for a moment, his tone hopeful, "You are part of the Mage Council, now? Or at least, someone who speaks with them?"

This time, she took the handkerchief, glad to have something to partially hide her face with while she battled for control of her emotions. It After some shaky breaths and a few more tears Sadira finally managed to get herself under control. Later when there was no danger of anyone else finding her, she would give herself a proper cry.

Harumphing slightly to clear her throat, she handed Norrington back the handkerchief. As much as Sadira wished those responsible were punished, a part of her couldn't justify it. Such actions would only lead to more violence. However, Norrington was a Templar and someone that Sadira found herself desperately wishing to remain in the good graces of, so she kept those thoughts to herself for now. Instead, she shook her head sending some her black curls bouncing slightly, "N-no. Not really. I've just talked with a few people."

His look to her was utterly sympathetic, letting her take her time to gather herself up again. He glowered off anyone giving her an odd look, before looking back at her. Then he waved off her taking back the handkerchief. "Keep it, my Lady. I am afraid with the news I have brought you, you may need it later. My apologies, for upsetting you."

He couldn't disagree with the circle of violence continuing -- but he also knew he could not rest until he found the woman who had destroyed his world, and everyone else's around him, in a desperate wave to make everyone rebel. "Well, if you need any introductions -- I know several key members. And if you need anything, period, please let me know. We Templars of the Inquisition are here to assist."

Again, his tears brought her to the brink of breaking down, and she was forced to dab at her eyes a few more times while she sniffled and balled the handkerchief up into her hands. She had experienced kindness before while out on the road, but not from a Templar or anyone else who'd known her a year ago."you didn't upset me. You've given me some closure and hope."

She did her best to smile at him. It was a tight and a little broken with only the corners of her mouth arching up. Yet it was genuine. "After I am a little more settled perhaps." She wanted to know how other mages felt before joining the council, especially since hers would be a voice for bringing back some form of Circle. "thank you for this generosity. It has been a long time since I felt as safe as I do now."

He gave her a gentle smile, along with a slight nod. He knew he had failed his Circle, in so many ways. If he can give anything to help her, or any of the other mages, like Sam? He will. Even if it is just a bit of cloth, and speaking to her. "I am glad to hear it."

Well, there it was. A real smile at that. "Very good." He tipped his chin upwards. "I hope you continue to feel safe here."

Breathing deeply, she stood up straighter looking much less like an errant child as she raised her chin up. "I already do, knowing there are brave men and women who defend us. I only wish all themplars were as you and yours." She was garateful of them all. "I'd offer you the same if I can, though I have little to give beyond my support." And she would too support the Templars who remained loyal to reason.

Relief filled him, flashing over his expression as she composed herself enough to look him in the face. Her statement made him dip his chin in faint embarrassment of the praise. "We do what we can, for the Maker's work, and for Thedas. That you can say as much to me means more than all the medals and glory one might gain."

Her smile grew steadily warmer now that the awkwardness between them was passing. His continued praise, however, brought a tint once more to her cheeks.

"You remember what is as Templar was meant to do and have not lost your faith. You are deserving of praise." Feeling a little awkward now of praising him, she glanced away. "Anyway, I'm sure you had things you were going to do. I'd hate to delay you."

"I do what I can, no more and no less. But it helps to have people like you around. It reminds me what I am fighting so hard for." He smiles at her, before he looks behind him, "I was, in fact, about to head out to training ... I see you've got a sword there - would you like to join us?"

In their conversation, she'd completely forgotten that there was even a practice sword still in hand. She looked down her arm at it as if seeing it for the first time. Which made her start slightly. "Oh-- ah, is that allowed? I mean I am not a templar and I'd hate to impose on you and yours."

"There is no reason for you not to learn how to defend yourself - and there might not always be another templar around to help you. So, best to be prepared." He nodded his head towards the practice area. "Besides, a little exercise never did anyone any harm."

His concern for her well-being continued to surprise her, making it all the more poignant just how far others of the order had fallen. Training was exactly what she wanted and needed if she was ever to learn to be a Knight-Enchanter. "If you have the time then, yes I wouldn't mind. I need the practice." Her eyes wandered over to the training yard where he was looking at, "Will the others mind?"

He arched an eyebrow, before he looked over at the templars with a serious look, "My people won't. Most won't. Some will. Ignore them or report them to me - I won't have that kind of attitude moving forward. It's too dangerous for the mages here to be unprotected if we are no longer going to have Harrowings."

In spite of his reassurances, she still felt oddly awkward as a mage armed with a sword. She shifted the practice sword in her hand. It felt good to rely on something that wasn't magic. Something solid. So in the end, she nodded to him, "Alright yes, I would love to train." Knowing basic sword fighting would, of course, be of great use if she was going to wield a magical blade in hand. "I wouldn't say I was unprotected without a sword... just that my usual form of protection is not so obvious."

He nodded his head in turn, looking satisfied with her answer. He gestured with one hand, "My thoughts exactly. Shall we, then?"

Hefting the training sword up, she tucks the handkerchief away. "I look forwards to the instruction. later, I'd like to hear more about you and the other templars. It mustn't have been easy to defy the Lord Seeker."

"I shall happily tell you the tale - it was of course, as dramatic as it sounded. Seven templars, out in the middle of nowhere, deciding that they would not join the Lord Seeker in his mad rebellion." James smirked, as he fell into step beside her. "Very heroic. Or at least that is the way Burns tells it."

Sieze the day

I - a whole troup of Templars

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