The Restless One

[equanimiti]

WHO: Alayre Sauveterre & Whomever joins
WHAT: Summary of content
WHEN: Harvestmere 21 : Early Morning and later, the Midnight Meeting.
WHERE: Skyhold, Frostback Mountains
NOTES: This features the "secret meeting" amongst the Templar and the Inquisition below. That's a locked thread.

Off the beaten path to Skyhold, a white horse could be seen frolicking about in its lonesome. The creature was without saddle or reins, completely free to roam where ever she wishes under the watchful gaze of the owner. Alayre had ventured out this morning for the sake of catching a bit of fresh air before the day starts. He felt guilty for keeping poor Durandal cooped up in the stable for the last several days and thought to treat her.

The horse seems to like her taste of freedom as she races along the expansive fields with such glee. Alayre found enjoyment watching the mare frolick as he sat high upon what seems to be the remnant of grey-stoned pillar. Dressed plainly in a black tunic and dark leathers, the only splash of color Alayre possessed was the crimson cloak that frames his sturdy form. Durandal's ornate brown saddle sat upon his lap as he gazes out towards the horizon. He's daydreaming at best, his thoughts scattered as the peaceful lull of the land almost tempts him to sleep.

With the Skyhold still visible from where he rests, Alayre wasn't too concerned about the treat of brigands and beasts alike. Though, this does not mean he left the hold unarmed. His swords are concealed by the lengthy cloak he wears but the Iceblade's ethereal glow is still somewhat visible.

A tired yawn escapes the Knight-Commander briefly takes a moment to stretch his arms. That suit of armor he typically wears left him feeling a tad stiff along the shoulders. It's an annoying dull ache that promises to get worse if doesn't alter the armor further.

Comments

[equanimiti]

Alayre doesn't dare speak as the woman tries to coax the boy down. All he can do is watch for now and simply hope for the best. He would offer to try to climb up there but that would make matters worse. Much like Leblanc, the boy has no love for the Order or their Templars.

He moves a little closer to the tree and gazes up in between the branches. If the boy was to slip and fall, it would be a fatal fall. Alayre is uncertain if he could catch him but he would damn well try. All he wants is for dear Leon to be in Leblanc's arms again.

[fleurdesel]

Little by little she was able to coax Leon down. As soon as he was within reach he dropped into her arms- as small a child as he is? Adelaide doesn't stumble. There are more whispers, soft expressions of fear, of reassurance, promises made and apologies given. Terror is exhausting- it is all to simple to nudge Leon into a restful slumber. Better that he not wake on the ride back and fall into a panic for who would ride with them.

Adelaide stays where she sits at the base of the tree, arms and cloak bundled around the child for a long moment. The last thing she wants to do is...thank the knight commander. But he had helped.

For some reason beyond her ken.

"...we have about half an hour before he wakes. I cannot carry him back to the hold..."

[equanimiti]

How she managed to convince the child to climb down is beyond him. Alayre watches with relief once Leon finally makes his way down the tree. The way the boy hurries himself into Leblanc's awaiting arms makes him smile somewhat. Leon trusts her like a son would trust his mother. The entire scene is so sweet but bitter at the same time. Leon wouldn't have felt the need to hide had he not suffered the masscare at White Spire. That much is aparrent.

He allows for the two to linger for a time in silence until Leblanc spoke. "Then ride back." He answers in Orlesian for the first time since arriving to Skyhold. His accent is thick but not harsh, soothing at best. Alayre's somewhat different in his native tongue than he does in the common dialect.

"Take my horse back to Skyhold, I'll go by foot."

[fleurdesel]

It had been a way of separating them, using the common tongue. Impossible not to tell one of her countrymen from their accents but the more room she could keep between them on any level? The better. To hear him speak it has her flinching, curling tighter around Leon. Shouted orders, demands, blades flashing in the halls and Leon curled close, too terrified to cast a single spell. Her lips press thin as she tucks Leon that much closer to her chest. Ride back. It's been ages since she's last ridden but-

She cannot carry him back to the hold.

With a nod she stands, Leon braced against her chest as she approaches bot the Knight Commander and his horse. A thank you is in order but she doesn't have words for it. Later it'll come she's sure but for now she sets Leon across the horse's back and braces herself to mount up.

[equanimiti]

"Ride swiftly, Leblanc, and safely." Alayre says once she finally climbs into the saddle. He'll have to hike the rest of the way back but at least she will be able to save the child from hypothermia and possible frostbite.

[fleurdesel]

"...Do not fall off a cliff or get lost on the way back to the hold. I'll be held accountable." The only thing worse than being indebted to a Templar is being blamed for their death. Beyond that- she rides. It goes swift with the horse, unaccustomed as she is to the practice. As soon as she's handed Leon off to Roul to be warmed she makes certain it's seen to in the stables- warmed and fed and, even, leaves an apple for it in thanks.

Alayre will find a bottle of wine tucked in with his horse's tack. Fereldan wine, but wine. As thanks.