[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]

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.

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."

[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?"

[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.

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."