[Open] [Sending Crystal]

[judgemewhole]

FORM:Sending Crystal.
SENDER: James Norrington
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: An Announcement.
WHEN: Solarus.
WHERE: Skyhold.
NOTES: Right amount of sarcasm? It's Norrington.

Good afternoon, All. My name is James Norrington, Knight Commander of the Inquisition's Templars, and I am here to inform you that I have been named as the Templar Liasion. That means that if you have a concern about my fellow Templars, you may bring it to me. If it is deemed important enough, or it is an issue that we cannot take care of internally, then then I will bring it to Inquisition Leadership. I will be more than happy to listen to any of your complaints, and try to resolve it peacefully and with great expediency.

[And now, a pained sigh.]

However, if it is you just saying that you think templars smell funny, or you don't like my hair, or if you just want to randomly throw a fireball at a templar? Then I am going to make fun of you, and send you on your way. If you want to get all your rude comments out now? Then I am sitting outside, enjoying this fine summer weather and finishing up my reports. You can do it here, or come and sit across the way from me, if you're feeling daring.

Comments

[ingrid_kief]

I think you will do well in this post, ser.

I have reports for you. But perhaps better delivered inside.

[judgemewhole]

Thank you, Ser Kief.

That can be done - where would you prefer to meet?

[ancarrow]

Congratulations, they couldn't have chosen a better man for the job.

[ingrid_kief]

Ah... Perhaps your office? Some of the information is... sensitive.

[judgemewhole]

Why, thank you so very much, Eirlys.

[judgemewhole]

Well I don't have an internal office - I can meet you in the un-used tower just west of the tavern.

[ingrid_kief]

As you like, ser. As long as we can speak quietly. I will see you soon, ja?

[demonicbeauty]

[Norrington's sense of humor is certainly peculiar. Of course, it doesn't help that Ariadne completely lacks the context for most of what's said.]

I haven't noticed a distinctly Templar-like smell.

[judgemewhole]

[All right, and now ... he was going to laugh.]

Well that is because we lack one.

Crystal to Action!

[judgemewhole]

I will see you there directly.

[And he will at that, for he closes off his message on the crystal to head out to meet her. He's sans armor, as he usually is when he is doing his paperwork. Today, he's got a green tunic with the Templar emblem, his sword belted on over his black trousers. He's looking out one of the windows, looking around thoughtfully.

When she arrives, he glances over his shoulder at her.] You know, we really should take over this tower - I hear the mages want the one further North on this wall. We could at least use it for offices.

[And from around his ankles, a small red and white mabari puppy pokes out his head, tipping his tiny head curiously at her.]

[ingrid_kief]

[She arrives soon, in her usual business-like manner. She's not wearing her armor either--who would she be fighting in Skyhold? No, she comes wearing simple homespun, a dress made by her own hands, meticulously embroidered with Andraste's flaming sword. She has papers clutched in one hand, and a kettle tucked under her arm.]

I would suggest it to Advisor Montilyet. She is the one concerned for the comfort of the people here, ja?

[She falters, almost shyly.]

It is good to see you again, James. It seemed too long. I... I brought you tea. It has steeped on the way here. I think it is ready to drink. [She puts the kettle down nearby.]

And, my reports. As promised. [She offers him the papers and then bends to offer her fingers for the pup to sniff.]

[demonicbeauty]

Then why would someone say you do?

[Is she being serious? Is she being cute?

Who knows?]

[judgemewhole]

[He takes his hand away from his sword, reaching out to take the reports from her. He allows himself the brief pleasure of letting his fingers to brush against hers, as he considered her statement.]

That is not a bad idea at all. I shall speak to her about as soon as we are done here.

[He pauses, at her falter, before his lips moved up into a warm smile.]

It is good to see you as well, Ingrid - and, ah, well! Thank you.

[He takes the reports, finally, then clears his throat as he begins to read them. The puppy comes around from his ankles, and sniffs at Ingrid's fingertips, before he starts to gnaw on them. James, not even looking up from his papers, chided the puppy gently.]

Interceptor. Behave yourself.

[judgemewhole]

Mostly because there are a few people who do not like templars. Or their smell.

[He states with a wry smile.]

[ingrid_kief]

Will you have me accompany you, ser?

[She waits for him to read the reports, the sordid, heartbreaking words of demons and Wardens and so many desperate people, not a detail missed.

While waiting, she keeps her attention on the pup, firmly but gently taking his scruff to pull him away from where he can nip.]

Interceptor. A heavy name for a young pup. But I expect it will make him strong.

[elegiaque]

Congratulations on the trust placed in you, Knight Commander.

[judgemewhole]

I would like, yes.

[He murmurs under his breath, green eyes narrowed as he reads each sentence carefully. He'll turn these over to Cassandra and Cullen, so they can prepare. He also wants to lead an assault force to Weisshaupt immediately -- but that will take time.

Interceptor gives James a wide-eyed look, before he turns his bites into licks, then wiggles his stubby little tail at Ingrid. Clearly, he likes her, as he darts this way and that around her.]

I call him that because for a pudgy little thing, he's rather fast. I have a feeling he'll grow into that, as well.

[judgemewhole]

Thank you kindly, my lady Gwenaelle. I promise to live up to that trust, as well.

[ingrid_kief]

I see.

[And now she gets a little nervous, but she is determined to be fully dutiful.]

James... There is more you should know, I think. You... remember what I told you why I was sent to Skyhold? And... that I struggled at my post in Weisshaupt?

[elegiaque]

I have every faith in you.

[demonicbeauty]

[She pauses, listening to him carefully.]

That smirk I know you're smirking better not be at my expense, Lord Norrington.

You can't blame me for being curious.

[judgemewhole]

[He looks up from the report then, his gaze narrowing on her thoughtfully.]

Yes ... I remember. I thought it might have had something to do with the death of your husband.

[judgemewhole]

Lady Everdeen, you should know better. It is absolutely at your expense.

[Said with humor.]

And I do not blame you for curiosity - just the direction that you take it amuses me.

[judgemewhole]

I appreciate your candor -- and your faith. Always.

Are you doing well?

[ingrid_kief]

It did. But... that is not all.

[OK, deep breath.]

I was pregnant. We had been trying for more than ten years. But, at four months... I got sick. Worst fever I have ever known. Weeks before I was lucid. I lost the child. I asked for Ballard... and I was told he died in an accident on a scouting mission. I lost them both, and for weeks, I could do nothing but rest and mourn.

[She's choking up at lot. Easily the most emotional he's ever seen her.]

It was a difficult blow to weather. I did try. But, after a time, it was thought I would do better in a new place. With new orders.

With you. And... being here, with you... It has helped some.

I... [She swipes at tears.] Forgive my weakness, ser. But I thought you deserved to know.