faderift | Skyhold

Skyhold

WHO: Anyone & everyone
WHAT: Open post for business as usual around Skyhold
WHEN: The first couple weeks of Harvestmere, 9:41 (aka October)
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Please mark any necessary content warnings in thread subject lines. Also, make sure to check out the other log posts already made!

Far from the glamorous adventurous world-saving people signed up for, most of the hustle and bustle in Skyhold at present is cleaning. The Great Hall is a disaster, and crews are assigned to haul out the cracked and rotting planks fallen from the wide-open roof, and tear down the vines covering the walls. Ivy encrusts the main staircase outside and many of the fortress walls and is cleared in section while other groups assess or begin shoring up the stonework as it's revealed. There are scaffolding to build, materials to sort, crates to unload, tents to stitch together or set-up, and on and on and on, endless mundane chores vital to the survival of the organization.

When not hard at work, people cluster around fires across the courtyards. Many mingle freely, going about their business, running errands and messages, planning scouting missions, tallying up supplies, distributing or playing with the sending crystals that were found in a basement vault and which a group of mages have just today finished preparing for use. Once a good number have been passed around and the first Inquisition-wide transmission made messages start being broadcast; maybe you can help someone out.

The rebel mages and renegade templars mainly keep to themselves at opposite sides of the complex given the choice. Mages assist with healing and research and bicker amongst themselves about their options and their fate. Templars help train recruits in swordforms and basic combat techniques or spar with the more advanced and bicker amongst themselves about their options and their fate. Despite having all pledged themselves to the Inquisition, they still feel like separate factions and tension between them is palpable wherever they cross paths.

Like at meals, or the communal message board in the courtyard, or at the Herald's Rest. The mess hall/tavern is so new it still smells of sawdust, and its stock has been limited to one type of strong ale until today, when a shipment of West Hill brandy has finally arrived. The mood in the place is convivial in celebration of that, but there's still plenty of muttering, especially as the night drags on and the discontented get further into their cups.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[A hint of surprise betrays the old commander's face as he regards what Taashath said. Perhaps the qunari is right about that. Sauveterre shouldn't blame himself for the failings of his men, especially when they made the choice to defect. Their deaths are not his burden as Stannis would say but he still feels somewhat responsible.]

You speak true, Taashath, as always.

[He offers the qunari another reserved smile.]

Tell me, what do you seek here at Skyhold? I presume work.

[He wasn't sure about that 'always', but he tried. Being dishonest didn't help a good reputation, and that was what kept him with work. Fight well, don't take jobs with slavers, robbers and rebel mages or templars. Fight like a beast.

It was how he survived.]

My employer walked off with an Inquisition escort, so right now I'm between jobs. I need something to fill my pockets.

[Hint, hint. You say you'd pay him, Knight-Commander.]

Edited 2015-10-18 00:40 (UTC)

Between jobs? Ah, your employer certainly left you in a precarious position. My apologies on their behalf.

[That all too subtle hint wasn't very hard for Alayre to miss. That's why he reaches for his coin pouch and presents it to the qunari.]

I know we agreed in silver but I shall offer you gold instead. Simply promise me not to speak of such to my colleague lest you want to be forced to part with such wealth.

[Don't utter a word to Stannis, Taashath. The gold Sauveterre is offering will keep the bounty hunter well fed for weeks.]

Think of this as gratitude for a job well done.

[He takes the offered gold with a polite bow of his head, the gesture empathized by the curved horns.]

It would not be polite to discuss payment with others, Knight-Commander.

[He may look the part of a large brute, but he had some cleverness hidden in there mixed with his honor.

At those last words, Taas grins widely and gives Alayre a salute with one arm at his chest.]

It was a good challenge for a good cause, and pretty damn fun.

[Taashath wins yet another chuckle from Sauveterre in thanks for the salute.

While he's still in gloom over the loss of the five, he feels somewhat honored to hear that Taashath approves of their unorthodox swordsmanship. Not many knew of Pharos and the Templar there but they're quickly making quite a name for themselves here in Skyhold.]

You sound as if you still have energy for one more duel. [Sauveterre says with a slight grin.] If so, surely I can commendate and spar with you.

[For the love of the Maker, how does one spar with a qunari? Sauveterre assumes caution is highly necessary.]

[The grin widens and the warrior gets something excited in his eyes at the offer of a spar with the man that had trained those bastards he'd killed.]

Oh, I definitely have the energy for that! [Taas hefts his axe up with ease and rolls his shoulders back.]

I wanted to see just how those assholes would move if they still had some focus and control. I'll take you on, Knight-Commander.

[Speed and skill vs strength and power.]

[A hint of mirth lingers in Sauveterre's grey gaze once his offer is accepted. Not many know of his fondness for combat, especially since Sauveterre comes across as more aloof and quiet rather than bold. However, those who've seen him train know better.]

Excellent.

[His gaze lingers upon that massive Axe for a moment with mild awe. The qunari are often more powerful than most men but Taashath seems to be the personification of raw strength. This fascinates Sauveterre as he unsheathes his swords.

With the Iceblade securely within his right hand and the smaller Melody Moon within the left, Sauveterre moves a few yalms away from the stables before getting into stance. Both blades almost look as if they were forged out of crystal rather than steel considering their slight translucent accents. Taashath should note that the Iceblade possess more of a bluer tone unlike the smaller sword that seems more white in hue. The renegades possessed similar swords but they weren't anything like these.]

Let us fight with honour, Taashath. Shall we battle until one is fatigued?

[Taas nods at that, walking with the Orlaisian towards the sparring ring not far away. He preferred that people saw that it was a spar, just in case the thought of huge qunari pummeling someone might be taken the wrong way.]

Those are some interesting swords. Nicer than the ones those assholes had.

[He comments, eyeing them curiously as he takes a stance. Taas was built to crush and conquer everything in his path, breaking down the enemy with fear and horror in his wake. It was very different from the expertise and skill of a Templar, and a two-handed type was even rarer.

This was going to be fun.]

Deal. Fight until one calls it off or can't get up.

[The warrior might be shirtless, but the mass of vitaar was almost as good as armor.]

Ready?

[The comment regarding his swords makes him acknowledge that perhaps he shouldn't lead the charge with the Iceblade considering what it could do. Therefore, Sauveterre changes stances and proceeds to lead into spar with the Melody Moon instead.

This is a friendly fight not a death match.]

En garde!

[Without a moments notice, Sauveterre rushes forward with the Melody Moon ready to strike with a frontal swipe towards the left. As Taashath would expect, the Commander is quite fast and trying to catch him off balance with this strike.

Strength might be on the qunari's side but speed is on his.]

[Swinging up the axe at once to block, the warrior roars, the thunderous sound reverberating over the courtyard as he brings his axe up again to push the other man back.

Taas could see the similarity between the Knight-Commander and the templars he had fought, but this was a lot more polished and compact. No wasted movement, no slip in temperament like those of desperate men.

Sauveterre could probably kill him if it was a real fight. That was a really exciting thought, and he uses the bulk of his body to swing again, once more to block and push the man back.

Definitely a fast bugger, which was why Taas had to stay on the defensive.]

[Sauveterre could feel the little hairs upon the back of his neck stand on end when the qunari roared at him. Is this the terror the betrayers felt when they faced against Taashath? A hint of true amazement lingers within his gaze as he eyes the towering behemoth.

'Justice was indeed served.' He thinks as he nimbly avoids the incoming axe.

His movements are fluid for someone hunkered down within iron. Sauveterre avoids the next incoming swing and forces the sharp edge of the Iceblade forward in a powerful thrust. He aims for the qunari's left leg since there's no way he could aim for the torso just yet. The obvious height difference places Sauveterre at an disadvantage.

After all, he's only five foot nine in comparison. Even Stannis has a few inches over him. Though not many can actually tell that's true unlike him and the qunari here.]

[Taas does definitely rely much on fear when he fights, letting people see the stereotype of a qunari warrior - powerful, ruthless, like a mad animal.

Yet there's so much more to it. He knows how to read movements, knows just how much a full set of armor hinders a person compared to nothing but breeches and shoes. Sauveterre is quick, but he bends easier, slamming down the axe and using the weight of it to avoid the thrust. It's a bit close and there's a thin line cut from the leathers, but he doesn't give a fuck.

Instead he uses the movement after that thrust to pretty much body slam Sauveterre hard, trying to knock the templar over.]

[Everything that one could use to describe Taashath is the complete opposite for Knight-Commander Sauveterre. He's cerebral, caluclated, and efficient. It's rare for the man to give into his emotions except for that one unfortunate evening.

The Mage-Templar war left its scars upon this man both physically and emotionally. That night was the only time that Sauveterre was overwhelmed with such loathing, such hate. His rage helped him overcome the long night but drained him to his core. He vowed during the aftermath of the slaughter not to let such anger consume him again.

This is why he's so placid while facing off against a man who could easily crush his skull.

The crystalline edge of the Iceblade scrapes noisily against the edge if Taashath's axe like steel against steel. The sharp screech rings in Sauveterre's ears as he quickly retreats the Iceblade in favor of striking with its' sister blade. However, the Knight-Commander finds himself forced to retreat now that Taashath has the momentum in his favour.

Sauveterre is successfully pushed back almost body slammed to the ground if he hadn't trusted the Melody Moon upward. While the sword lacks the same reach as the Iceblade, it would probably hurt enough to force the qunari back.]

[That other blade cuts at his arm and he snarls, backing off and raising his axe defensively again. The dirt around them catches a few droplets of blood, but it doesn't seem to hinder the large warrior at all.

His stance changes, and he bull-rushes the Templar with another of those earth-shattering roars.]

[The metallic scent of blood meets his nose quickly as red droplets coat the ground. Sauveterre managed to nick Taashath nicely with that move. He knew that the qunari wouldn't expect him to strike so readily earlier but he did just that. He predicts that the behemoth would rush him again and quickly leaps out of the way with a daring roll. Taashath must be having a time trying to figure this Templar out. In the eyes of a few, Sauveterre fights less like a Templar and more like an assassin. It's interesting to say the least and mildly disturbing since Sauveterre is a Knight-Commander.

Adopting the same stance from before, Sauveterre hunches back upon his calves and crouches low. With the Iceblade held back at a high angle and its sister blade almost completely opposite of it, Sauveterre looks as if he's poised to strike at any moment.

The behemoth's roar sets the Templar on nervous edge briefly but those steely grey eyes gaze on impassively. He's calulating his chances of landing another strike on Taashath. Either that or he's catching a quick breather. Judging from the cold sweat upon his brow, it could be the latter.

Taashath is powerful, absurdly so. Sauveterre needs to play it safe. He can't get too reckless with this bounty hunter.]

Edited (Argh typoes) 2015-10-19 17:01 (UTC)

[It was hard to pin down this man's fighting style, but at least his earlier battles with the renegades had prepared him for the general gist of it. This man moved a lot better, however, and it was always hard for a man that relied on strength to fight against someone who used speed.

That was why he had stopped swinging, knowing that it would only open him up again for another attack. Instead he's using the axe to block the swords while using his weight and size as a weapon instead.

Lunging forward to attack, he moves to meet the blades with the haft of the axe while striking out with his boot at a shin and slamming his head downward to knock his horns on that helmet.]

[The intital impact alone was enough to rattle Alayre's bones. He pressed his blades against the haft of Taashath's axe in perfect sync before quickly avoiding the qunari's stomp. He was prepared to lurch back and swing the Melody Moon when Taashath does the unthinkble and slams his head against his helmet. The move literally staggers Sauveterre and sends him reeling back.

As nimble as any fox, the Templar puts some much needed distance between him and the bounty hunter. Labored gasps can be heard through his hallow helmet. The Knight-Commandered sounds pained but he holds up his swords in the same stance as before.]

N-Nicely done!

[The front of his helmet looks a tad bent now.]

[Taas grins widely, putting up his axe defensively again. While his soldier training as a Karasaad served him well, there was a lot he'd picked up after he left the Qun. Surprise was an excellent technique, and the headbutt may have made his horns ache, but it sure as hell was worth it.]

Come at me, Knight-Commander! It isn't over until you say it is!

[He hefts the axe up and slams it down into the ground, splitting the dirt with the massive force to unbalance the Templar.]

[A laugh escapes Sauveterre as he changes stances once more. Now the two swords rest at his sides as he stands ready for Taashath's next strike.]

The very same goes for you!

[Just when Taashath slams the enormous axe down, Sauveterre rushes forward with absurd speed and hops over the sharp blades in favor of landing upon its wooden base. He stands there with the Iceblade pointed directly at Taashath's face and his boots deliberately in between the qunari's grip upon the base.]

Do you wish to continue?

Shit.

[Okay, he's impressed. That was... almost inhuman. No wonder the guy was a commander.]

Alright, you got me.

[He definitely had to come up with a way to counter that shit. He didn't like not knowing he could kill someone, no matter how friendly they were.]

[A sigh of relief escapes Sauveterre as he sheathes his swords. He takes a moment to unclasp his helmet so he could breathe better. The Knight-Commander's face is utterly drenched with sweat and there's a trickle of blood over his right eye.

He peers down at Taashath with a look of approval before gesturing for the behemoth to help him down.]

That was a bit too vigorous for me.

[He says with a tired grin.]

[Taas offers a hand to help the Knight-Commander down, making sure the man is steady on his feet before he lets go.]

Quite impressive. Could have taken my head off.

[He reaches for a scrap of cloth in his breeches, wiping some blood off the cut on his arm.]

Good sword, too. Didn't think you'd get me that good with all the vitaar I have on.

[Sauveterre takes the offered hand with gratitude and steadies himself before jumping down off that massive axe. He lands graceful before Taashath and sheathes his swords. They have no need for weapons now that the duel has ended.]

I could've but that would leave Thedas without another champion. [He says with a genial smile as he wipes the blood off his brow. There's a bothersome cut at the edge of his hairline that is bleeding profusely. Alayre doesn't seem too bothered by it though.]

Remind me to never lock horns with a qunari again.

[He laughs quietly.]

I didn't think I could either. The Melody Moon is quite sharp but never once did I think it was possible.

[The warrior hefts his axe up over his shoulder and chuckles at the 'champion' part. The bleeding forehead doesn't seem to worry the qunari much, either; foreheads just generally bled a lot. The Templar didn't seem concussed, at least.]

You should see the kids then they start growing their horns. [He makes a little horn gesture with his free hand.] They slam them on everything to make it stop itching, including your groin if you're unlucky. I'm not surprised the Tamassran are women.

[He snorts, amused as he claps his hand on Sauveterre's shoulder in a friendly gesture.]

You wanna tell me about those swords over a drink?

[A chuckle escapes Sauveterre once Taashath explains a bit about the challenging growth cycle of a young qunari's horns. He's only seen one lad that fits that image since coming here to Skyhold. Other than that, Sauveterre honestly doesn't know much about their culture.]

It would be my pleasure to share a drink with you but as the victor--[He grins cheekily at Taashath despite some of the minor aches and pains he feels.]

You're paying!

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