[Semi-Closed] A Soldier's Duty

[lennethvalkyrie]

WHO: Lenneth Valkyrie and Alayre Sauveterre
WHAT: Lenneth reporting to Alayre on the Rifters, as promised.
WHEN: Evening after the Rifter meeting
WHERE: The Knight-Commander's office in Skyhold
NOTES: Semi-Closed because... well, you know. Skyhold's full of sneaky types!

Even though it's late enough that the light guiding Lenneth to the Knight-Commander's office is entirely the flicker of candle and torchlight, she still dutifully makes her way to the door and knocks--three strong raps that echo through the wood and into the space beyond.

Her voice follows: "Knight-Commander, may I speak with you?"

Comments

[equanimiti]

Not expecting guests at this late hour, Alayre had thought to treat himself to some of the fancy wines he received as of late. He only managed to savor only half a glass when a knock raps at the door of his office. At first, he thought it was the malevolent ghost of Stannis Baratheon condemning him for being such a drunkard. Try as he did to explain that he's a connoisseur of wine, Baratheon never quite bought his explanation. Thankfully that's not Stannis at the other end of that door but rather the young Valkyrie.

"You may enter." He says as he places the glass of wine towards the far end of his desk. It truly pays to have your own office or quarters here in Skyhold. Alayre had retreated here shortly after the mission to handle some work. After the debacle of the last public announcement, Alayre had forced himself to work on a better and grand speech freed from his errors.

It's torture to say the least. Alayre is horribly aloof about cultures beyond his own and isn't quite as much of a word smith as he claims. He has every bit of the pageantry he has to endure as Chairman but he welcomes the challenge nonetheless. This is why his desk is a mess of papers and ink.

[lennethvalkyrie]

And so she does, closing the door behind her.

"I wished to let you know the status of the other Rifters, Knight-Commander," her gaze slides across the paper-strewn desk, "If you have the time for such a thing."

[equanimiti]

A smile forms upon his face. "Now is as good a time as any." Alayre says as he gestures towards a nearby empty chair. "Please, sit. You might as well make yourself comfortable considering."

[lennethvalkyrie]

She does so, albeit without relaxing her posture.

"The meeting was organized by a man named Marcel Girard. He is clever, hears much, is concerned about our welfare here. He seems kind. A natural leader, but subtle about it. He seems in earnest, and I am willing to believe it." She pauses for a moment. "He is from my world--from its future."

"As far as attendance... not all of us who came through the rifts were present, but those who were expressed interest in aiding the Inquisition--and fears that if any did not wish to fight that they would be forced or coerced into doing so because of our shared... ability."

The shard twinkled in her hand, as if sensing it was part of the conversation. Lenneth flexed her palm absently.

"We also wish to share relevant skills from our worlds... and most of us wish to eventually return from whence we came, although none have any idea of how to even begin to accomplish that. There seemed to be one notable exception. He left angrily when the topic was broached, but I am not sure of his name."

"I heard nothing of deceit or malice. Simply... confusion, resignation, and the attempt to make the best of it for both the Inquisition and the rifters. We have agreed that it would be a poor idea to attempt to make any official organization, as it may be seen as a power play, and we do not wish to seem antagonistic. However, we would like to remain able to meet and pass information freely--many of them, like me, wish to learn as much about this new world as we are able."

She hesitated slightly. "...There was a mage there--of this world. Korrin, I believe. She seemed distraught to hear of the tests that were conducted on me. As was Araceli, another rifter. I made clear that it was done at my urging. I apologize if it comes back to hurt you in any way--I was not aware of the state of relations between the mages and the Templar Order when I made my request."

She nodded to signify the end of her report.

"Have you any questions I have not addressed, Knight-Commander? I will answer them to the best of my ability."

[equanimiti]

Alayre takes a few notes here and there as she explains what transpired at the meeting. The name Marcel Gerard is already committed to his memory now as he writes his notes. He'll speak with this man to figure out whether or not he could truly be trusted.

The organizing of the Rifters honestly has him worried a tad. If some express an unwillingness to fight for their cause, then we have a problem. Skyhold shouldn't have to house and feed dead weight in his opinion. Everyone needs to chip in somehow, that's just the way of things.

Alayre's gaze lingers briefly upon the shard on Lenneth's hand. That eerie glow has him somewhat worried. "I need a name of the Rifter who left. Be sure that you see him out." He states before letting her continue.

A tense groan escapes him when Lenneth mentions the name of that bitter wench who've been a bloody damn torn in his side. "You mean the obscenely rude Qunari woman? I had hoped that annoying beast would've left Skyhold by now. She spews nothing but hatred like some mad dog. I've heard of her name before and seen her in person once. My dislike for her has grown into sheer contempt." It's not easy to get on his bad side but that Korrin definitely achieved it.

"I will survive their arrows and mudslinging." He grumbles before asking his first question. "Is there an estimate of how many Rifters now reside in Skyhold?"

[lennethvalkyrie]

It's Lenneth's turn to frown thoughtfully, eyes narrowing slightly as she tries to count in her head.

"This is the first there has been any true gathering--I know of one or two who were not there, that came at the same time as I. Perhaps... ten? More, most like, but not too many more. The Inquisition has not made any proclamations that would cause us to band together for either training or self-protection, and," her eyes flick to the side, guilt washing briefly over her face, "I have not been as vigilant as I should have been. Gathering information has not been my job, in the past, and it seems I am not skilled at it."

She perks up, though, having given herself an idea.

"Do you think it might be wise to gather the Rifters for the purpose of training? I heard there had been a rift opened inside Skyhold's walls, and that it took coordination and some explanation for those Rifters who were present to successfully close it. It would be best for any future occurrences that all who have the power to close the rifts know how. Quick, trained, action saves lives."

[equanimiti]

So, there's about ten or so who attended this meeting? That's a far lower number than Alayre expected to hear.

"Only ten?" His frown returns. "Too a few of a number to cause much worry but still something to commit to memory. With fears growing about the possibility of more rifts forming here within Skyhold, I can see this becoming a growing issue if the Rifters become an organized council." Alayre can't help but look somewhat grim now.

At Lenneth's suggestion, Alayre perks up a little. "A wonderful suggestion. It would make sense for the Inquisition to train the Rifters against such possible threats. The Inquisition could most certainly use the help." He smiles somewhat before glancing down at his notes briefly.

"Marcel Gerard, yes?" He circles that name in ink. "Describe him to me. What does he look like?"

[lennethvalkyrie]

Her eyes shifted to the side as she remembered. "Human, dark-skinned, an easy smile. He wears Thedan attire now--not armor. Simple clothes. The best place to find him may be at the Herald's Rest?"