[Open] Blade to shackle-bearer, valiant of spirit

[judgemewhole]

WHO: Character(s: James Norrington, Alayre Sauveterre, Pel Ashara, NPC soldiers and templars and YOU.
WHAT: First Templar Training Session for Inquisition Soldiers
WHEN: 14th of Wintersbreath
WHERE: Skyhold Training Ring
NOTES: Warnings for Violence, Racism against Elves, Templars being badass.

.


Norrington had told all of the other Templars that he would begin training the soldiers in direct Templar training on how to handle abominations, and he was as good as his word. He put up a list for sign-up for the soldiers, and it was filled within minutes. His own Templars came to help train the fifty-plus soldiers, and James took on lecturing duties. Explaining the differences between demons and abominations, and beyond that, spirits as best as he understood them. Informed them that no, not all mages were simply 'abominations waiting to happen'. It was a conscious choice of the mage within the Fade to make that deal with a demon, and typically? It was because the mage had lost control of their abilities through either fear or ... coercion.

Then he had each soldier run through practice drills on the best way to defend against demons, using his Templars (and any who volunteered) to walk them through step by step. Then, to demonstrate how it all worked together -- James called Templars into the ring, and took them on, sword and shield. The effect was just what he was hoping for, the men were completely rapt with attention. Which was good - he wanted for them to soak it in.

And if any of the passer-bys wanted to stay and watch? Learn something or just know how much training went into actually hunting and killing demons? Well. Visual demonstrations were always ... effective.

And afterwards ...

Afterwards, James would be hanging milling on the side of the ring - talking to the soldiers or his fellow Templars. If you wanted to speak to him, challenge him to some sort of sparring match, or just taunt from the sidelines? Now was the time.

Comments

[mythalenaste]

Pel watches from the sidelines, sitting on the grass, wrapped in blankets and a warm smile. He's so damn handsome. And badass. And hers. Get all y'all's greedy eyes off him, he's hers. And she's going to make out with him later. Just look at that form.

Afterward, she approaches him with a smile and a steaming cup of hypocras. He's probably not that cold, but she still offers it, and a light kiss to go with it.

[judgemewhole]

Well, she assuredly was going to be envied. Norrington hadn't stripped off his armor because - well - Templar - but he swept off his helmet in appropriate fashion and yes, his form was spot on. He saw Pel early on, lifting his sword to her in greeting with a broad, boyish smile, before he went back to focusing on his students.

Afterwards though, as soon as she approached with the steaming cup of ... something that smelled good. He grinned at her again, coming out of the training circle to take the cup of whatever it was, and to steal another kiss off that light one.

"Why, hello Lady Pel."

[mythalenaste]

She makes a faint noise against his lips just before they break away, and beams up at him. Pale fingers slide her neck handkerchief off her shoulders. A beautiful thing it is, green and silver, the scarf she wore in her hair on their first date. She ties it around his neck.

"I understand it's tradition for a knight to wear the favor of his lady in combat."

[judgemewhole]

He takes the cup from her, still smiling, as he sipped it. Aaaah, warmed wine with spices. His people called it mulled wine, but he was sure her people called it something different. His eyebrows raised at the scarf around his neck, but he was clearly pleased on more than one level.

"You've read the book I lent you, on Free Marcher courting." He stated, kissing her forehead, and then her cheeks. "I shall be honored to wear your favor, my Lady, against any comers."

[mythalenaste]

"This was my own research, actually." She takes his hands, still beaming up at him. "I'm proud of you."

[eolasemah]

From near the healing tents, Sina watches Pel watching the Templars, and can't help but wonder what her fascination is with them. She spots Norrington and remembers him as the man who came into the garden looking for Pel, which is suspicious to her until Pel gets to her feet and goes to give him a kiss. Then it's... very suspicious.
Sina is shocked, to say the least, but she doesn't want to stare any longer. She goes back to her work, making a mental note of bringing this up with Pel later.

Afterwards

[equanimiti]

While Alayre had not personally joined the training, the Hero of Pharos certainly did watch. Playing the role of the spectator is nothing new for him. He's been keeping an keen eye on Skyhold as of late in hopes of seeing some progress in the Order's morale. Blessedly, things are going much smoother than he previously thought they would considering Norrington's presence. That man is nothing short of a miracle worker in Alayre's opinion. The soldiers seem quite fond of him and others seem to appreciate their newest addition to Skyhold as well.

"Quite the grand display of valor and strength, Knight-Commander Norrington." It seems that Alayre has returned to his more formal manner of speech again. The man has a habit of always referring to his colleagues only by their titles and surnames. It's a sign of respect on his part but also a touch of professional sincerity.

"I'm grateful that you've decided to take up the endeavor."

Re: Afterwards

[judgemewhole]

James was finishing an example of how to use the shield to deflect claws from one's face, using a shield, when he heard the other man's voice over his shoulder. He turned, sweat beaded on his brow, as he grinned over at Alayre.

"Why thank you, Knight Commander Sauveterre." He saluted with the sword in his hand, giving his companion a smirk. "I was just demonstrating how to hold off a demon's claws. It's important to know how to defend when your opponent has a weapon in both hands."

He looked back at the group of soldiers still around the training circle, "As many of you know, Knight Commander Sauveterre is one of the only Templars ever trained in dual weaponry. You could never look for a better man to learn of tricks to watch for from demons and abominations."

[equanimiti]

Alayre couldn't help but chuckle a little. Teaching their men how to deflect claws? Interesting. That is definitely a skill worth learning considering what transpired not too long ago. An abomination graced the halls of Skyhold and many were injured during the onslaught. With that potential danger in mind, Alayre certainly approves of today's practice.

"Indeed, it is." He agrees with a faint smile. "The unpredictability of combat is doubled when the enemy has two weapons rather than one." That's a fact that Alayre honestly swears by considering his method of combat. "Ah..?" Did he just accidentally get roped into this demonstration? Alayre glances towards the volunteers with a hint of surprise before looking to Norrington again.

"While I'm no abomination, I suppose I could assist with today's training." Yep, he definitely just got roped into today's demonstrations. Alayre can't help but shake his head.

[judgemewhole]

It was for that precise reason that Norrington had chosen that particular lesson. After all, what better way to prepare them for the battles to come from a horror they had already faced, one that they were already dreading. To give them a defense to that? Was to give them confidence.

James gives him an oh-so-innocent smile, before gesturing him into the training ring. Why yes, Alayre, you have just been volunteered. "Thank you, Knight Commander Sauveterre. If you wouldn't mind just showing off some of the basic moves that you have learned?" He looked to the troops, "Demons and abominations are not seasoned fighters - they are simply going to look to hack and slash."

[equanimiti]

A huff leaves Alayre now that he heads towards the training ring. As much as he likes to showcase his skills with the sword, he cannot help but feel somewhat out of place here. Alayre isn't wearing his usual attire today and looks less like a Templar and more like a rogue. The reason for this is because of his fondness for fine leathers as of late and dark cloaks. Therefore, he feels a tad under-dressed for today's shenanigans but he will not deny the chance to test Norrington's prowess in combat.

"Basic moves...?" Alayre cannot stop himself from smirking a little. There's nothing remotely 'basic' about his style of combat but he will try to keep things simple. After all, he would severely hate to embarrass Norrington before his clergy of stalwart hopefuls.

He waits for Norrington to turn his attention back towards him before getting into stance. The two swords he brandish are both silvery-white blades that mirror each other in likeness. However, the Iceblade is slightly larger and longer than its sisterblade. If Norrington has done his research, he'll know to avoid the larger blade since that's the one graced with Winter's Grasp.

"Shall we begin?"

[serannas]

Ellana has a habit of watching the soldiers train everyday. In fact, the term could be "ogling." But she doesn't want to do that with the Templars. She doesn't want to be questioned about what she's doing. So throughout the training, she walks idly by, listening in to any instructions they're receiving from their leader to see what the atmosphere is like. The fact that he has to explain that mages are not abominations waiting to happen means that so many still believe it. She doesn't carry her staff on her back most days, but some obviously know what she is by now.

After the training, she mills about, much as James is doing. She waits until he's completely alone before approaching.

"Do you think any of them absorbed anything you were saying about mages not being the same as demons?"

[judgemewhole]

James was stripping off his armor, piece by piece, so he could clean it. He glanced over at Ellana. He gave her a weary smile, as he unstrapped his breast plate, and carefully put it down with his grieves.

"I can certainly hope so, my Lady." He stated solemnly, looking over at her with serious green eyes, "Else we shall have more problems than solutions. I am hoping this will be a good way to build trust for all of us."

He paused, thoughtful, "... Are you, one of Pel's cousins?"

[serannas]

Trust isn't a thing easily won, so she can understand if it takes time. Hopefully he's managed to get his Templars to think, and not just brush off his words to believe what they want to believe about mages.

His question has her making a face. Oh, he was one of those humans. The ones who assumed every Dalish elf was related to every other Dalish elf. And here is another person that Pel's met first. She's getting pretty tired of people asking if she knows her.

Ellana crosses his arms and regards him coolly.

"And just why would you assume that?"

[judgemewhole]

His own men he had no concerns over - they too had been trained at Ostwick. The other ones - well - time would tell.

Oh, Maker, he had insulted her. He should have listened to Pel, clearly he needed more exposure to more Dalish before making these sort of assumptions.

He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "My apologies, my Lady. I thought -- well, you have the vallasin of Mythal on your face. Pel had told me that was her Clan's particular Goddess. I meant no offense."

[serannas]

Keeping her arms crossed, Ellana's eyes dart across his face, sensing his embarrassment. And since he's apologized, he's clearly a step above some other humans. She always hopes to see the best in them.

"I don't know why she should tell you that. There are plenty in Clan Ashara that choose vallaslin of other Creators." She lowers her arms. "I'm Ellana Ashara. I'm not related to any of the other Asharas here. I have no family." Oh, sure, she considers Gavin an older brother of sorts, but she makes no official claims on anyone.

[onlyhymns]

Cade had agreed to band with Norrington's men for a time, which meant that he was involved in the drills, both as an example and as a pupil. Although he hung back when the Knight-Commander went up against his own men, since he had a bit to learn yet about their exact practices, he was approached by one after the fact and was subsequently propositioned for a bout.

Cade was hesitant, but in the interest of keeping his skills honed and his mind present, he agreed. The spar went reasonably well at first, with Harimann proving himself a quick and spry swordsman if not a bruiser, but as it went on, something in his demeanor seemed to change. His expression had gradually become both vacant and vicious, his attacks only ramping up the more his partner tried to back off; after a minute or so of this, some were beginning to suspect that Cade actually intended to kill his opponent. Another soldier attempted to step between them, to defuse the situation, and took a blow to his midsection that could easily have broken a rib.

[judgemewhole]

Norrington's attention was grabbed by a shout of, "Oi, Harriman! What are you on about?"

He frowned as he turned away from the soldiers who he was teaching about how to get under a demon's fire attack with their shield's, to see the other Templars starting to move to the training circle. One soldier was surrounded by his friends, holding his stomach, and in the circle ...

Cade was moving in on another one of the soldiers, who looked exhausted, and a little scared. Norrington's gaze narrowed, and his voice carried across the entire courtyard as he snapped, "The bout is called - now. At attention, soldiers!"

The soldier looked relieved, as he snapped up straight, but his gaze went warily to Cade, to see if he stopped as well. Norrington was already moving towards the Lieutenant, putting himself between the soldier and Cade, green eyes flashing fire. "You are not going to disobey a direct order, are you, Lieutenant?"

[onlyhymns]

Wherever Cade's mind had gone, it wasn't anywhere that made sense here and now. He was aware of the shouting, the cries of pain, his own adrenaline pumping and the fact that there were people trying to stop him, but he knew beyond a doubt that if he stopped fighting, they would kill him. He slashed at his assailant, whomever it was now, only pausing when they cleared away from him and attention was called.

He continued to stand at the ready, like a cornered wolf with its teeth bared, his sword held aloft and his eyes wild with feral desperation. He met Norrington's gaze squarely, his jaw clenched and his arms quivering with the tension it took to not go for him straightaway. He had recognized his title-- Lieutenant-- and was beginning to come down from whatever this was, but was still caught up with the instinct to fight for his life.

[judgemewhole]

Norrington paused, because whereever Cade was, he wasn't here. Suddenly, Norrington remembered the last time that Cade had been in battle, and he spoke quietly, but firmly, "Lieutenant Harriman -- this is not Kirkwall. This man is not one of your Templars. Breath in - taste the snow on the air. Smell the horses, not the fire. There is the sound of horses and the smithy working, not the sounds of screams and terror. You are in Skyhold, not in Kirkwall. Breath. Focus."

Well, now he knew who was going to be up for Reaver training, if he could find someone to instruct Cade. If he could in fact convince Cade to try it, to help him with his .... problems.

[onlyhymns]

Cade continued to stare at him as recognition slowly began to seep into his mind. He found himself standing at the center of attention, surrounded by other templars who didn't want to come any closer, and there was Norrington. Norrington, whom he'd almost attacked.
With a strangled expulsion of breath, Cade dropped the wooden sword and shield as though they were on fire. He dropped his gaze and, with a tense and hasty "sorry ser," turned to quickly walk away. He knew he shouldn't have come; he'd made an idiot of himself in front of the entire keep. A dangerous idiot. He gloomily imagined he'd be back in the cells by nightfall.

Afterwards

[arlathvhen]

It's little surprise that Beleth is there, is it? She certainly seems to appear whenever there's any kind of large enough gathering, sticking to the sidelines and keeping an eye on the proceedings. She watches Norrington speak, watches him train, and while she watches the other people fight as well, Norrington seems to hold most of her attention. Her expression isn't one of a lady admiring a handsome man from afar, however. It's careful, calculating. Putting Norrington under scrutiny, and seeing how he measures up.

From what she observes, and what she's already heard, she supposes that as far as Templars go, there are worse ones. He gets a solid 'could be worse'.

However, watching from a distance isn't going to work for this. Not when it's so important. She absolutely can not, will not allow anyone who isn't worth Pel's time to hurt her again. And considering how very...human he is, there are plenty of concerns to address. So she approaches him after the training is over, and decides to start things off with at least an attempt at friendliness.

She fetches a cup of water, and moves over to Norrington, holding it out to him with a smile. "That was quite impressive, ser. You must be thirsty."

Re: Afterwards

[judgemewhole]

Norrington was wiping the sweat from his brow, when he saw the elvish woman at his elbow with a cup of water. He took it from her, frowning faintly, "I - thank you, but there's no need to fetch water for me. I will be happy to get it myself."

He paused, before handing it back to her. "Here, drink it yourself."

Now that Pel had made him aware of all the thoughtless insults that came to her people every day - it made him uneasy to give any orders to any elf, unless it was under a military precept. How many times had he thoughtless taken a cup of water without thanking a servant for it?

... well, probably close to never, but how was he to know? He had to change his behavior so others could learn, and duplicate it in kind.

[arlathvhen]

She hadn't gotten the cup for herself, and she debates whether or not to point this out to him. But there will be plenty of things to argue about without including such a silly thing. So she accepts the cup, though it's promptly ignored in favor of turning her gaze to the field. She had thought to grill him on his intentions, but he had been thoughtful enough to shout them for all of Skyhold to hear. Which made her job both much easier, and a great deal harder.

Finally, she turned to Norrington, expression direly serious.

"Do you truly intend to marry her? Have you already decided that, barely knowing her? Do you have any idea what bonding entails for Dalish? For her?" She kept pressing, eyes focused on him. Pel would probably be grumpy if she knew Beleth was demanding these answers, but if not her, then who?

[judgemewhole]

He goes and gets himself his own cup of water, sipping at it. Which is why he almost spits it out when she turns to look at him and basically demands to know his attentions.

Oh. Er. All right.

He swallows, with a bit of a choke, before he gives the woman next to him a narrow-eyed look of his own. "I take it you are one of Pel's relations?"

He wants to be clear on this one. Adelaide had, at least, sat down with him in a polite conversation. This woman was going to be calling him out right here and now, he wanted to know who was doing such..