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.

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[ He rests his hand against his stallion's side before giving a single pat. There is a glare that he shares with the ones who are tending the rest in the stable, but he leaves without saying anything more.

Stannis only pauses at the sight of a familiar face. Who would think that he would meet the sellword here, too? If he believed in anything, this would be where people would speak of fate and guidance of showing friendship? But he speaks in the words of coincidence and rationality; the world is still in a chaotic state -- where else can someone find coin from the willing past the safest place in Thedas? ]

Killed any more rebel Templar, Taashath? Or was the job that the Knight-Commander put us on enough?

Knight-Commander Baratheon.

[Have a polite nod, Stannis. Taas rubs the water out of his face to see properly, and then grins as he reads the words. He traces one of the still red scars on his naked torso.]

I wish. Took me a while to heal up after that big guy sliced by side, but that was a good fight.

[He might be entirely too pleased to murder people and getting hurt, but fighting was what he was good at and that alone made it fun. Made him feel like he was doing what he was built for.]

My last employer terminated my contract for an Inquisition escort instead, so I'm looking for new work.

It was good to see that you did not die. Knight-Commander Sauveterre would not forgive himself if you had.

[ What he said about the annoying trait that the Orlesian taught his Templar is true. Fighting with two swords has more than its own troubles, but at least the vermin have been cleansed of the world. He takes a breath in as he gives a nod to the reason why the Qunari is present. ]

You will find it here. Certainly enough that need a good sword even if it comes with a price. [ But if the Chargers are present, why not more of the same? ] You are worth more than what you had initially given yourself. You proved that even with your ears as they are. So price yourself up some, or you'll have us Knight-Commanders look as though we are fools.

Good to see you in once piece as well, Knight-Commander. I apologize for becoming separated from you, that last bastard knocked me down the cliff while I took his head off. Probably passed out for a while.

[It meant that he had not been able to hear any calls for him, either, so there was no grudge, there. He crosses his arms, watching Stannis as the templar spoke. The man was definitely the pragmatic type, and Taas nods again in agreement.]

I'll make myself a bit more expensive, then. Wouldn't want to sully the reputation of two honorable men.

[It sounds like it should be a joke, but he's completely sincere. He's been conditioned to respect those of high rank since he was a boy, and that was still caught in the marrow even after he went Tal-Vashoth.]

All well and good. I thought you had died, anyway.

[ Is that an attempt at a joke? Very hard to say. Still, it means that -- he reaches to find what small pouch that he has filled with some gold coin. ] I am certain that that Orlesian already paid you, but I also reward those that do their part. If you hadn't taken his head, he may have taken mine.

[ His armor resists most blows and is stronger than most as it should be. It doesn't mean that it didn't bruise when the swords swing into it or crack a rib. He does not shrug as he holds out the bag for Taas. ]

It's good that you continue to listen to reason, but that is what I know of you Qunari.

Heh. I would have thought the same.

[No hard feelings whatsoever.

The pouch of coins catches his interest, and Taas is about to say that he was paid already - but Stannis' words stops his protest and he takes the bag.

This was... a good haul. Good enough for some new armor, lodgings and decent food for weeks. Rounds at the tavern, and maybe a whore or two. He can't quite stop the slight grin, and Taas' nods his head respectfully.]

My thanks, Knight-Commander.

Only what is your due.

[ He does not offer a 'you're welcome' because that is hardly ever his way.

Taking a breath in, he lets out a sigh as he looks out toward the people mulling about. Those that are wandering with arms full, those helping with cleaning, the sparring, on and on. ]

So, what do you think of the Inquisition so far? Of its people?

[The warrior pockets the money and shifts the grip on his axe, following Stannis' gaze to the people milling about.]

It's got a good start. Ambassador seems decent, she smoothed over the ruffled feathers of my employer and got me a room for the first night after he left. I don't know much about the spymaster, but some of the scouts are in awe of her.

[He rubs his stubble a bit and then looks over at the soldiers.]

The commander is excellent. Some of those guys only picked up a sword a few days ago, and they'll already survive a fair battle.

[Not that battles were ever fair, but still.]

This can work.

An ambassador. I trust her well enough, but I don't like those who know the Game too well. [Too much silver on the tongue bothers him. Too much placating but calling it diplomacy.]

I've heard stories of our spymaster. That she traveled with the Warden. But there are quite a few people who would say that they were in the Warden's caravan.

[Still, such a rumor does not seem to have come from their spymaster. Could it be true? If it is, would she know where their wayward king is now? It's disgraceful that the Warden should vanish now. But he merely tightens his jaw and looks back to where Taas is instead of voicing his opinion aloud.

The man is still his king and so what ill word he has need not be said yet.]

Our commander was taught much by the Order. It is good that he hasn't forgotten everything that we taught him before he decided to leave. [Stannis sees the Inquisition with a darker light, but he gives a firm nod.] It could work. But that also means you need reason to stay?

[He's not unfamiliar with the Game, having stood guard at events with many of the players. he can't say he's too fond of it, either. Too much saying one thing to hide another meaning.

The rumors about the spy mater is curious, though, and he briefly glances up to the main fortress. It seemed the Inquisition picked their people from the strangest of places, but he could see a companion of the Warden being a good choice.

If it was true.

The commander as an easier subject, someone that he knew nothing about beyond his skills. It wasn't too surprising to hear that he'd been a Templar.]

I wouldn't be adverse towards work here, but I'm no good in a group when I can't hear the orders. I'm sure one of the nobles where will need some muscle sooner or later.

[ He gives a soft hum. ]

Turning yourself once more into a bodyguard, like I saw you watching over that other man before Sauveterre convinced you to nearly die for his job. [ Stannis already rewarded Taas. There need be no more he needs to do with the previous task. He still frowns -- groups are no good, true enough, but be more than just dealing with heavy lifting and guarding. ]

There will be a place for you yet.

I hope so, Knight-Commander. I'm not fond of being useless.

[It was the very reason he left the Qun, after all.]

Will you be instructing and commanding the Templars, here? Together with Knight-Commander Sauveterre?

I doubt anyone is fond of it save for the Chantry.

[ Throwing down some sick shade. ]

That is my intention, but I would rather it not look like a coup. I shall ask Commander Rutherford's permission first before we take command of them. [ There is a hierarchy and a set rule of order that has to be acknowledged, always.

A beat. ] I thought that I saw another Qunari around here. It's pointless to ask if you know him since that is as pointing to another Templar and asking if I am familiar. Still, what are your thoughts on him?

[That definitely earns Stannis a thunderous laugh from the qunari. While he didn't hold any special opinions on the Chantry, they had definitely been beyond useless lately.

Stannis is one funny man, in Taashath's opinion.]

Sound points of action. I'm sure the commander will not disapprove. He's probably running himself ragged already with all these volunteers and refugees trying to be soldiers.

[He cracks his neck a bit, keeping his eyes in Stannis' lips when he mentions other qunari.]

I've seen a couple. You probably mean the big one in the tavern, not the woman or the kid, though. I heard he's real good, but I haven't had a chance to talk to him, yet. Runs his band really well, however. They all seem to speak of him with respect.

That is the unfortunate position that he's placed himself in. [ He makes a pfft sound at the idea of so many who want to become soldiers. Where were these people when the Order needed more men? Stannis rolls his eyes as he wonders if all that is needed is a catastrophe for people to remember that they should do more for Thedas. ]

That is fair. I suppose I should not ask your opinion of the woman or kid. Unless you have one? Thinking of taking either under your wing? Or them you?

He'll manage.

[People liked to be heroes, and fighting to prevent the end of the world was usually a thing that drew people better than servitude to the Chantry.]

Hm? The kid's a powder keg and needs a steady hand, but I think he's scared of me so I'm keeping my distance. The woman is a mage... never been good with mages, but she's decent enough to talk to.

[ Stannis gives a single nod at the comment about the younger Qunari. So the one that travels with those sellswords are spoken respectively -- that speaks well. It may be wise to keep an eye on the boy so that he does not cause too much trouble. But he pauses on the comment of the woman being a mage. ]

I know a bit of how your people treat mages. While you say she's decent to talk to, will you be able to get along with her? I'd rather not have to be the blade between you and her safety. [ Because the woman is unlike the mages from the other countries; she is his responsibility due to her unique circumstance. ]

[He pauses a bit at that, thoughtful.]

I left the Qun behind, and I have tried to open my mind to the other cultures. The unbound mages make me a bit... uncomfortable, but I'm not about to go sew anyone's lips together. It's not my place.

[He glances at Stannis.]

You Templars are as close to Arvaraad they have, aren't you?

One day, I may ask why you left the Qun. But not today. [ Not yet time to ask. He frowns at the comment of sewing one's lips together, but he gives a single nod. ]

Of what I know of your Arvaraad, we are. We are not as extreme as they are, however. Though, there are some Templar that wish that we were. The mages are not wanted in the world because of how the world views them, but they are needed. Their protection comes first -- from themselves, from those that would allow stupidity turn to violence, and from those who wear the Order's sigil yet never fully understood what their duty was. [ A beat. ]

The commander would never agree to what I'd have done with them, and I doubt we will have any judgments of people. Those undesirables that would cause issue and be told to leave Skyhold would go to our enemies, because where else could they go? They've yet to appear but rats always do. Which leads me to think that may be a task for you.

[He's glad for that decision, not exactly fond of discussing that after going through mage views as well. It wasn't the best of stories for someone who had lost people the same way. Deserting.

He looks at Stannis and nods.]

It's very similar. We see mages as the ultimate sacrifice to the Qun, and the Arvaraad are supposed to care for them just as much as they protect the people. Being a mage is not a sin, but dangerous.

[He pauses, listening to the Knight-Commander with a slight frown. Thoughtful, he looks at the ramparts.]

You think?

Not the impression that the Qunari give when we see them, but I'll admit that I don't know much about them. Something else to discuss at a later date.

[ Stannis nods in turn as he looks out toward the people milling about instead. More glaring than looking. ]

I do. If I was our enemy, I would send spies. If I was our enemy, I would crush who was here so that they would not yet be able to have the nerve to stand against me. But he does neither. That shows his stupidity and hubris, but we cannot expect others to be the same. Those that should be against the Inquisition should be killed once they leave these walls. [ A beat. ] I doubt the others will share my opinion and I cannot give my blade to do so.

[ He would look maddened or worse some power-hungry tyrant. ] So, what do you think of that job for you? Not the most pleasant but we do not live in pleasant times, and we cannot be as heroes that bards sing of.

[He grunts slightly in reply, mulling it over inside his great horned head. Stannis had a point, but it would be hard to pull of in reality. It could cause more harm, especially to morale.]

It could work. Or people could become frightened in the wrong way rather than in the right way.

[He glances up at the main fortress again.]

It's something I could do. The Nightingale seems quite on top of things, however. If she agrees...

[Taas shrugs, grasping his axe.]

...I can take down what I'm pointed towards. Like before.

The people are already frightened. Let them be frightened over nothing when all our enemies are dead.

[ He has no idea what the Nightingale is up to, or how to contact her. He feels more comfortable speaking with Cullen on all things, but he lets out a sigh. ]

I do think she could always need another blade. I know that we shall in the coming days.

[ At this moment, someone may pat the Qunari's shoulder or some other show of camaraderie, but Stannis remains as he is and even takes a step backward. ] Like before. We'll see, though. There's still much to be done.

[He's not surprised, really. Stannis wasn't the touchy-feely type, it didn't take much to see that.]

Much to be done... and more still, if this Inquisition is going to be able to kill an Archdemon and a crazed darkspawn.

[Taas smiles a little.]

The more interesting people I meet here, the more certain I get that you'll have a chance.

If a Grey Warden and a few companions can stop the Fifth Blight, I shall hope that we can do more with almost all of Thedas supporting.

[ What sort of creature of Corypheus that he would attempt to fight the entire world? Well, not the entire world. They have many who would stand with the crazed creature -- out of fear or foolishness ... or opportunity. All will die with him. ]

I am certain, as well. [ And he takes a step back. ] You have more to do than just chat me up on the bloodshed to come.

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quietblade - 2015-10-27 14:49 (UTC) - Expand

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