REPARATIONS FOR REDCLIFFE

[fleurdesel]

WHO: Bruce Banner, Adelaide LeBlanc, Salvatore
WHAT: Making up for past mage mistakes.
WHEN: Wintermarch(ish)
WHERE: Redcliffe
NOTES: War table deets here.

Redliffe was, in a word, a mess. Between what had happened and the mages involved- she is not at all surprised that the Inquisition wished to send their personalized apology in the form of their new mages- even one of their Councilors. Bruce's inclusion was fortunate in that it allowed treatment for those yet injured that have no desire to deal with mages- and Salvatore? Is kind, approachable, and friendly. Far more amicable and less overtly intimidating than a weary Adelaide bringing up the rear. As best they had collectively figured- doing something to mend the crops (having a keeper would have been useful but, well, beggars and choosers), something for the injured and putting in what manual labor they could to show that the Inquisition cared and was in fact contrite for the events here was the best and neatest way to handle things.

First they had to speak with Teagan. That would be- interesting.

"Salvatore- you may need to be the one to do the speaking with Teagan." Adelaide was older, certainly, but she was...Orlesian. It was probably better that she not draw undue attention to that.

Comments

[amygdalae]

Bruce had heard quite a fair bit about Redcliffe back when he had been in Haven, but being here now for himself it was far easier to see and determine for himself just how much had been damaged by the mages. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty upon seeing all the damage. He knew that he couldn't do anything himself, but still...

He paused in his thoughts when Adelaide and Salvatore began to speak between themselves, and Bruce directs his attention towards the both of them. It takes a moment for him to grasp what's going on, but once he gets it Bruce is nodding in agreement with Adelaide.

"You're probably the best among the three of us." Adelaide was probably too tired out from the journey and Bruce himself wasn't going to be able to make much of an impact at all since his status as a mage was his own hidden secret. It made sense that Salvatore was the one who was going to have to do it.

[fleurdesel]

"You are good with people, you empathize with them...and I am Orlesian. I do not know the story of this place well but I do know an Orlesian Lady was involved in whatever happened here during the fifth blight...and the mage that led the rebels here to side with Alexius is also Orlesian. My voice is not one that may be listened to kindly or well." Weary as she is, this much is plain. She does not have the patience for careful politicking and Salvatore- well.

He managed to be courteous and considerate without visible effort or strain. "You will do well."

[salvatore_underfoot]

"Ah. Well. Thank you for having faith in me." That bolstered his confidence more than a little. He had read up on the region before they left, but hadn't factored Adelaide's Orlesian background being a problem.

And politics, well. He was no good at politics. He didn't believe so, anyway. But he knew kindness and empathy. "I will do my best."

[amygdalae]

"We'll both do our best to help, wherever possible," Bruce added on as an assurance, giving Salvatore what is hopefully an encouraging smile. While ultimately Salvatore was probably going to be the one that represented the Inquisition most, he and Adelaide still had their parts to play as well.

They approached the castle where Arl Tegan was waiting for them; as they neared their destination Bruce could feel the eyes of the residents of Redcliffe on them, and he could hear a few of their whispered mutterings. Nothing too bad from what he could make out, but they definitely were going to have to work hard to ensure that the Inquisition's name would be much more well-received when they were done with their duties here.

[fleurdesel]

"...Much as I realize it was important I walk with my staff visible, I am regretting that choice." If there was one thing she loathed? It was being made a spectacle of simply by being a mage. not by casting, not by speaking, simply by existing somewhere with some sign of magic upon her person. It made the back of her neck prickle uncomfortably.

[salvatore_underfoot]

"Appreciate it." He grins back at Bruce. He'd never really picked up on proper etiquette and the like in the Circle. Why would he? An orphan nobody who never thought he'd leave the tower. It never seemed important. So he's picking things up as he goes along. Things like, "So, do you bow to an Arl?"

It's easier to focus on the upcoming task than what the villagers might or might not be saying. "Try smiling." He has been. People with particularly scowly looking faces get a bigger smile back.

[amygdalae]

"Salvatore has the right idea." The smile on Bruce's face turns wry as he says that, the words polite even if something in his tone implies otherwise. As much as he understands the animosity of the villagers towards the mages, they had already made it clear that they were here on behalf of the Inquisition - to still see this was fairly disheartening. Regardless, they had to continue on their task.

Arriving at the entrance of the castle the guards stop them, asking for verification on their persons and their intent of visit.

[fleurdesel]

"Smiling requires I feel like there is a reason to smile." But- she tries. It is a thin civil thing more than it is wide and welcoming- but it is present. "Here is the benefit of Ferelden politics- unless speaking directly to the crown, and apparently on occasion even then, titles mean slightly less as their first concern is for their people. Speak with respect, civility, and sincerity and all should be well."

Maker willing.