(no subject)

[kremdelacreme]

WHO: Krem and anyone that happens along.
WHAT: Krem is growing fidgety between missions and helping the repair effort, while Bull is out and about doing Important Inquisition Things
WHEN: Any time after the training ring is set up
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Nothing in particular except it's a Krem and he's making a little bit of a spectacle of himself.

If there was one thing Krem was good at, it was winding himself up. While he and the Chargers had their missions, more often than not, he was around Skyhold, and he could almost feel himself atrophying.

The training ring had been set up almost immediately by Commander Cullen's forces, but for the moment, it was empty. Off on assignment, or else occupied elsewhere, this meant that there wasn't much by way of distraction when the bored, slightly agitated Charger when he rounded the posts marking the border of it. He had stripped off his armor except for his leathers, mail, and chestplate, leaving his arms exposed to the air He had his maul in hands wrapped with soft leather, and he seemed to be doing warmup maneuvers with it.

Over time though, it got more complex. Strikes turned into flowing stances, booted feet ground into the dusty dirt and kicked it up when he turned in place. It was clear why Bull valued him as a fighter, with a weapon heavier than the average human could easily wield turned into a blur around him. This was why he was a front-line fighter, how he'd kept himself alive through skirmishes, and how he kept his skills sharp on and off the battlefield.

He was faintly shining with sweat when he came to a halt, slinging his weapon over his back, heading for a bucket filled with cool water and dipping a tin cup into it that was resting on the nearby stones. Part of it was splashed on his face and rubbed through his hair as he caught his breath.

Comments

[el_tybs]

"Hmmm." Sam glances up at the woman as she looks at him expectantly from behind her mask, then looks back down. "I'm sorry, Bonny, but I don't see anything that I would need." He certainly does not need a shield. Especially not one called Magehunter. Sam smiles - a bit strained - at the Orlesian merchant and quickly walks away before she can rope him into looking at any more of her wares. Maybe if she had any materials he could use...

Bonny always has a knack for catching him when he's leaving the stables and either heading for the forge or the library. By now he would think he would learn to just say 'no', but she always says she has something he wants.

Shrugging at the whole thing, Sam walks briskly towards the stairs.

At least that was that plan until he heard grunts and the shuffling of feet. Course that had only gotten him to look as he walked past the training ring. It was who was in the training yard that had Sam slowing to a stop. Krem?

The Charger wasn't looking in his direction and Sam was a bit too fascinated to actually say anything. Instead he simply moved over and took a seat on the ground by one of the posts. He'd caught moments of Krem training with Bull by the blacksmith, but this was completely different. Mostly since he wasn't used to seeing Krem is this little armor. And him swinging that giant piece of weaponry was both fascinating and scary at the same time.

By the end of it Sam was more than a bit impressed... and intimidated.

It was only when Krem had moved off to the side and looked like he was actually done with training that Sam made himself known. He simply started clapping.

[kremdelacreme]

The clapping drew his attention. It wasn't the polite applause of Orlesian ladies or sarcastic accolades of his comrades, and it made him curious to see who was watching.

"Oh. It's you," he said a tad breathlessly, straightening up with his maul over his shoulder, counter-balanced by his hand resting on the pommel. He put the cup back down and made his way to the edge of the ring, offering a hand up. "Didn't realize you were even sitting there. If you want the ring I can vacate it. Or offer a partner, if you like." The grin on Krem's face very clearly spoke of the very real possibility of Sam being politely turned into paste.

[el_tybs]

Sam gives a toothy grin at the 'Oh. It's you.' comment. He feels like he's made some progress with the Charger for the fact that it sounds so matter-of-fact rather than annoyed when he sees that it's him. That and because Krem actually offers him a hand to get up. He nods his head in thanks and briskly slaps his back end to rid it of dust and pebbles.

He's about to comment that he didn't need the ring, but stops when Krem offers a partner. Or rather he stops because of the grin Krem is giving him when he says it, clearly looking for someone to pound into the ground.

"Does this offer include you teaching me how to fight, or me finding myself on my back and various other positions as you go to town on me?"

[kremdelacreme]

"Ignoring what that sounds like while assuming it was entirely on purpose, yes to both, depending on how well you keep up." Krem clapped him on the shoulder then shrugged his maul off, letting the heavy, spiked head of it come to rest in the dirt. Instead, he pulled the bone-handled knife from his belt and flipped it over in his hand a couple times. He wouldn't risk using the larger weapon on someone that wasn't armored, after all. He nodded back out into the center of the ring before leading the way there.

[slipshot]

Gavin couldn't fight with a sword to save his life, so he was always somewhat in awe of those who could, and could look good, competent, and deadly while doing so. Krem definitely fit all of those categories. So he settled down with his meat pie on the wall edge, and watched.

It was a wonderful display of course, even if he couldn't follow most of it - the motions too fluid for him to be able to tell them apart, and eventually he stopped trying to learn anything (it was hopeless anyway) and just enjoyed the display of competency. When Krem was done, Gavin grinned at him and took another bite of his meat pie.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side," He said a little wryly. "Or at least if I do, to stay very far away at all times."

[kremdelacreme]

The sound of another voice at the edge of the ring drew Krem's attention when he straightened up, and he chuckled quietly.

"Generally people that get on my bad side don't exist for very long afterward," he replied with a shrug. Not really a brag or a threat, just matter-of-fact. "What can I do for you?"

[slipshot]

"I believe it," Gavin said, offering a smile, before shaking his head. "No, I didn't come for anything. Just saw that you were training and I'd been meaning to see what the Chargers were like, and now I have."

He'd even thought about asking for a lesson, but after seeing the sword work he had chickened out.

"It looks like hungrier work than a bow, I'll be honest. Want one?" He pulled out the other meat pie he had hidden away, still warm, and held it out.

[kremdelacreme]

While being offered food wasn't something Krem could say he expected, he couldn't deny that he was hungry, and hadn't really thought about what he would do for his supper that night. He took the offered pie, wondering briefly where the elf had gotten it, and if there were more.

"Ma serannas," he offered, raising the pie then taking a large bite. Good thing about having elves in the Chargers, it was easy enough picking up the basics of the language. "You just arrive recently?"

[liberalum]

And who doesn't love a spectacle?

The training grounds seem more the territory of recruits, both ordinary folk and the Templars alike, a place of sword and shield and whatever manner of blunt instruments men and women alike use to kill one another. Dorian doesn't expect there to be an awful lot of magic work conducted down there, and nor does he expect there to be a designated ground for mages to show what they could do.

And yet, here he is, at an hour designed for solitude, but the sound of scuffing feet and panting breath doesn't stop him from approaching. He is dressed in his customary light leathers, unarmed, for all intents and purposes. As much as a mage can be unarmed.

He recognises Krem right away, despite being more familiar with his captain than he is with the lieutenant.

Dorian roams towards the weapons racks, continuing to watch fellow countryman out the corner of his eye. Swords of basic value are on display, already dented and rough; shields resting against wall, most of them as yet uncracked; and of course, staves, of the non-magical variety. Dorian unhooks one of decent weight and heft, balancing it against a mostly-bare shoulder. The cold has steam lifting subtle off his skin, thicker off his breath and between his words when he speaks.

"Crack a lot of heads open with that thing, I'd imagine," he says, once Krem seems to have slowed. "Fighting at your side must be as dangerous as facing you front on."

[kremdelacreme]

"A fair amount," Krem replied casually, leaning on the end of the maul with the head of it in the dust. He wiped his hand across his forehead and flicked the sweat off his fingers, looking over at Dorian with his head at a tilt. Not often he could recall the mage speaking to him, at least not for more than a passing greeting. He had always been more inclined toward Bull's company than he was with the rest of the Chargers. With a quiet snort, he looked down at the spiked, heavy stone by his feet.

"Generally people know to give me a wide berth. I go in first more often than not. More intimidating, seeing a single man with a weapon made for the Avvar." He turned his attention back up to Dorian, glancing at the staff he'd picked up, a soft smirk on his lips. "Fancy a practice match?"

[liberalum]

"That all depends on your weapon of choice, lieutenant."

But there is a gameness in Dorian's stance that indicates his intention to take the Charger up on his offer, one hand planted on waist and the other keeping staff balanced. He raises the former to point at the maul. "That one would wipe my face clean away with one strike, which would be an unmitigated tragedy to the Inquisition at large, never mind me personally."

[kremdelacreme]

Krem laughs and swings the maul up and onto his shoulder, before heading to the edge of the ring and stopping just in front of Dorian, looking up at the mage with an easy smirk. He shrugs the weapon off and places it against the fence, then pulls the knife at his hip and holds it up by the blade, tapping Dorian's shoulder with it.

"Little fairer this way, right?" he asks as his grin widens, before he retreats back to the center of the ring, waiting for Dorian to follow and possibly put him in his place.

[arlathvhen]

This was certainly a scene that she didn't often see. Few of her clan would be able to wield such a maul with that kind of finesse, and after a few moments of standing there staring like a daft idiot in the middle of the path, Beleth moved aside so she could stare like a daft idiot while staying out of traffic. It was incredible, the way that he moved, and Beleth noted to herself that she would never want to get this guy pissed off at her.

She continued to stare as he took a drink, and splashed water on his face. It wasn't until after that Beleth thought that perhaps she should actually speak to him. Otherwise, it might seem weird. Because all the staring up until now hadn't been weird at all, naturally. She drifted over, fingers busy with the edge of her scarf as she glanced at the maul that he'd wielded, like it was nothing.

"That was nice swordwork--Ah. Maulwork. Um." Shit. "I mean, you swung that around--Um. Really well." Shit. "I mean...Nice job." Nailed it.

[kremdelacreme]

On the one hand, he was pretty used to stares. He got them more often than not when he actually had his weapon out. On the other, Beleth's attention was fairly amusing. He'd noticed that slack-jawed awe, but he had enough tact not to point it out. It was hard not to laugh a little at the stumble-tongued compliment though.

"Thank you. It's kept me alive more times than I can count now."

[arlathvhen]

Thank for not pointing out what a noob she is, Krem, she appreciates it. She hesitates, trying to gather up enough of her sensibilities to try to speak without sounding like a total fool. If she hasn't already lost that battle, at least. She ducks her head at him, a sheepish smile on her face.

"I can imagine. You must have been in a lot of battles, then...? As a mercenary, I mean. I've never really gotten to meet one before." At least, one that isn't trying to kill her. She'll keep that part to herself, as Krem has shown little inclination to join that group.

[kremdelacreme]

"Didn't see much fighting until after joining up with Bull, now I've got about as much as I can stand, 'specially just lately." Krem leans on his maul, giving her an appraising look. Nah, not really someone that would care to join him for practice, he was fairly certain. Nice to look at though, pleasant enough to talk to. "D'you come in with that little band calling themselves Ashara? Seems their group's growing more by the day."

Have another spectator.

[savethecat]

Wanting to be useful in any way he could, Gorse was learning the layout of Skyhold by running minor errands back and forth. From time to time he stopped to watch the fighters in the training ring - it was a thing he had no skill at himself so it might as well have been magic, but ultimately he had no stomach for violence and rarely watched that long. Solo training was a little different. No one got hurt in that, which was a little kinder to all 7' of his delicate sensibilities.

It was pretty amazing to see Krem swing the maul around like it didn't weigh anything - he was used to humans not being generally smaller and weaker (no offense of course) but that was just impressive, no to ways about it. So, well, Gorse clapped. Why not?

"Wow! That was amazing!" he said when Krem stopped for the time being, voice nothing but sincere.

I feel like he should start charging entrance fees now.

[kremdelacreme]

Clapping. That was one way to get Krem's attention, and he looked around to see who had stopped by this time. He was used to spectators by now, but a qunari? One that wasn't the Iron Bull? He didn't seem to want to enter the ring either, so Krem just gave him a slight shrug.

"Easy when fireballs aren't hurtling at me. That's when it gets impressive." He smiled faintly, his hand coming to rest at his hip, elbow on the end of his maul. "Can't say I recognize you. Arrive recently?"

He could make a killing, easy.

[savethecat]

Gorse hadn't really expected more of a nod and a thanks, perhaps with a bit of unease to it. People tended to see the horns first and all, even if Gorse was determined to make a place for him here. His parents had warned him this would possibly be an uphill battle with little payoff among the bas.

Not that Gorse liked that word, he was always under the impression it was rude. People were just people, after all.

"Ah, me? Yeah! The name's Gorse, just signed up. I'm usually with the scouts, plants and herbs is my thing." Gorse said cheerfully, feeling encouraged by the smile even if it was faint. "You're the Lieutenant to the Chargers, right? Everyone says y'all are amazing."

Gorse had not personally met the Iron Bull, but it was just smart to know of the other Qunari in the same organization, and the Iron Bull had a reputation that carried along with his company.

[issala]

"Whoa..." Pardon the very awed sound in the background. One tiny qunari in the Inquisition scout uniform was quite visibly impressed, pale blue eyes wide as he leaned on the fencing as far forward as he could. Ke'd been staring during the last half of that show, and was probably catching flies with his mouth by now.

"How do you do that? I didn't know humans could even lift something that big!" Which had more to do with the fact that the people he'd hung around with before were the rogue types, not the warrior kind. Still, that damn thing was almost the size of the person swinging it!

*whispers* I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna touch the nubs

[kremdelacreme]

Well, that was different. He knew there were kids around Skyhold, but he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen someone younger than him that wasn't a kid. So when he looked up, but not too far up, at Kas, he was momentarily taken aback. Qunari were actually small at one point? Huh.

"Lots of practice," he replied, looking down at the head of his maul, then back at the qunari. He highly doubted this guy could lift it, or even budge it. Might be funny to see him try though. Krem offered a mild smirk, hand coming to rest on his hip. "What can I do for you?"

touch the nuuubs (get yelled at)

[issala]

He would probably really protest at being briefly compared to a kid (even if he definitely still was one, especially in maturity) but damn if Krem wasn't just the coolest human he'd ever seen. Kas didn't even like humans, but wow.

He really was a tiny qunari, though, waist the size of the Iron Bull's thigh and gangly limbs all over the place. Eyeing the maul with ill-hidden excitement, he then scratches the back of his neck somewhat awkwardly. "I was just... looking. I like watching people fight and you're the best I've seen."

Please sign his tits arm or something, he's just blown away.

(Image of Galadriel in anything but a Fluttery White Gown not found.)

[laurenande]

For as bright and strange as Galadriel was, she could move without notice when she desired to. She doubted her ability to conceal her own movements was as powerful in Ferelden as it had been in Arda, but a soft step and gradual gait did much more than one might expect. Of course, the fact that she'd changed from her gown of shining white did nothing but help her move about Skyhold with greater ease.

There was nothing remarkable about the plain, Inquisition issue pants and shirt she wore, save perhaps that both were extremely ill-fitted. Her shoulders were considerable enough to fill the human cut of shirt, but it was short on both her torso and arms by nearly a handspan. Her pants, similarly, ended just at her calf. It was a look that was neither fashionable nor particularly practical, unless her goal was ease of motion and, given the blunted hardwood pole in her hand, it probably was.

Her power had all but left her, here, and though she sought to retrieve it, this world was dangerous. She would not be unfit to defend herself while she pursued her power.

It had been long millennia since she had last practiced physical combat, but she had not forgotten the forms. The guards had been quite reluctant to arm her, especially with a weapon as dangerous as pole-arms and spears were wont to be, but they had not refused to give her an analog. The staff (why the armorers had blanched when she called it such, she did not know) was tough and stood just slightly taller than she did. It would be comfortable enough to practice with, despite its failings, and she had intended to do so, but the empty training yard not empty.

She had not stopped her approach when she found the ring occupied, but she had slowed so she could take proper measure of the warrior who occupied it. His weapon was no small thing, a maul fit for a Beorning, and he hefted it with more grace and agility than Galadriel would have expected of a human. When he ceased his paces, well practiced as they were, she lingered a moment and approached.

"I doubt, in all my years, I have seen a human use such a weapon so effectively," Galadriel said, easily and honestly. "You are very skilled."

(I'm sure she's just as terribly impressive in plain clothes as she is in flowy gown.)

[kremdelacreme]

When the woman approached, Krem's thanks died in his throat. His very first thought was that one of his friends might have spontaneously grew a couple of feet taller and been crowned queen of the Dalish, even though he knew the Dalish didn't have royalty. But one look at Galadriel's face and he realized that this was no Dalish, nor did she hold herself like one of the downtrodden city elves. Strange, very strange, and more than a little breathtaking. It didn't matter that she was in ill-fitted commoners' clothes, she was still one of the most graceful beings he could ever recall seeing.

"I've...just had a lot of time to practice," he finally managed after finding his tongue. He caught sight of the polearm in her hands and managed to relax marginally. "If you need the ring I can go. Or offer a match, if you'd care for it."

[laurenande]

Galadriel's brows rose and a smile pulled across her face. She had expected neither of the offers he made, though she had perhaps hoped for the latter. That he offered such assistance freely was a pleasant surprise.

"It has been many years since I last used a weapon, even in a friendly match," Galadriel warned lightly. "I was exceptional, but I fear I have not remained so. I would gladly have a match, but I will not be startled if you best me with ease."

He had moved with strength and power, his weapon was impressive, as was the grace with which he handled it. Galadriel had no doubt that she was faster than he, there were few humans who could match elven speed, but she could not say if she was able to match his strength. If their weapons locked, she would not be the victor, but if he was wary of striking her, it would be no match at all.

Ah, but she was thinking far too deeply about it! All her years of careful thought and cunning, though invaluable, would not assist her here. This was a friendly offer from a warrior with far more recent experience than she. Victory was irrelevant in every possible way.

"If you are not tired from your own paces, I would be glad to have a partner."