[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.

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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]

Oh no you don't. Pel reaches out to grab hold of that stupid cravat and pull him close.

"Commander Cullen and I have never been anything more, or less, than good friends," she says with just enough volume to carry, though her tone is icy and her face faintly amused. "But it's not him you'll have to worry about if an elf gets hurt and I find out."

She suddenly releases his ridiculous neck stock and briskly walks toward the stables to find James.

[judgemewhole]

"Oh ... oh, all right then he is with the bl.... the very clever Inquisition Scout! Oh good, yes, so happy for all of you!" Pel could hear the sigh of relief when she let him go, and called across the courtyard, "Double weddings in your future!"

Down at the stables, James was calmly watching while the Orlesians, well, tried to get up on the roof and away from Horse Master Dennett, who was threatening then with a pitchfork. "You don't go near that majestic animal! You do and I'll have me some Holy Orlesians, if you get my meaning, and I think you do!"

James turned when he heard Pel approaching at his elbow, the scarf tied neatly around his throat. "Horse Master Dennet didn't like them going near the halla."

[mythalenaste]

Horsemaster Dennet gets on Pel's good list then and there. She enjoys the sight for a moment before calling out:

"Listen to the horsemaster and leave the halla alone. Go back to your duties if you have them, and find one if you don't. You've learned your lesson."

[judgemewhole]

"I would suggest talking to Lady Montilyet. I'm sure she has some use for Orlesians prattling along." James added, with a sharp smile, before looking over at Horse Master Dennet. "Thank you ser, for guarding the honor of the halla."

Horse Master Dennet huffed, before nodding at Pel and James, "Good enough." He glowered at the Orlesian nobles who climbed, or fell off the roof. and took off running again. "Damned prancy fools."

James smirked again, broadly, before he looked over at Pel, "Might I interest you in a prancy fool free evening, my Lady Pel? Dinner, perhaps, if we can find a chaperone?"

~~

[mythalenaste]

Pel loops her arm through James' and beams up at him. She's elated, feeling freer than she has since she arrived. Freer from fears, those demons that turn up in her dreams. Instead of being trapped by her power, bound never to use her greatest strength in self-defense, James empowered her.

"A chaperone isn't going to want to see what I'm going to do to you," she purrs for his ears alone.

[judgemewhole]

In that, James had truly wished Pel had known First Enchanter Lydia. The woman was an inspiration in using the force of words as opposed to the force of her abilities -- which like Pel's were considerable. Pel had that in her, he had seen it. That she was seeing it now in herself made him beam at her in turn.

Her words, ah, however, made him flush bright red. "Why Lady Pel - am I to understand that you wish to dine alone?"

[mythalenaste]

"I...suppose that isn't the brightest idea," she admits as she thinks about it, blushing in turn.

[judgemewhole]

He quirks a faint smile at her, even though his eyes were intent as he took her hand to his lips and gently kisses her fingers. "Oh, it is quite bright. And desired. But ... I think not yet."

[mythalenaste]

"You're right." A long sigh, and she tugs his arm tighter against her side. "I think it's your turn to find a chaperone. Dinner sounds wonderful."

[judgemewhole]

"Very well -- you have your pick. Gilette, Burns, Anamaria, Giselle, Murtogg, Mullroy, or Gibbs." He paused for a moment, before his lips twitched. "Or Sam. You could always choose Sam."

[mythalenaste]

"I think I remember Burns making a very witty example on the notice board recently. Let's go with Burns."

[judgemewhole]

"Hah! Have I ever mentioned I happen to like the way you think?" He grinned at her, green eyes bright. "Burns it is."

[mythalenaste]

Pel stands on her toes to give him a kiss on the jaw, threads her fingers with his, and walks away with him.