open ||

[degenere]

FORM: sending crystal
SENDER: Val de Foncé (and with him, as always, is Jehan Mercier)
RECIPIENT: e v e r y o n e
WHAT: the scholars of Orlais have something to say.
WHEN: now, right now
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: aren't they charming.


Inquisition, we are confused.

[Melodious, Orlesian, flirtatious (somehow even in this most simple of sentences): these are three words one might use to describe the sound of Val's voice. It makes confused sound kind of fun, if a bit puzzling.]

My friend and I have come all this way to be an asset to you. And now we have arrived here, to your Skyhold, and we find so much to be in want. How have you all managed so far, with these conditions? I am a man used to the roughness of a camp, a life of travel. I love this life. You'll find no one loves it more than me. But a camp, that is one thing, and this? It is meant to be a city, of a sort. Yet there is no apartment for us. There is barely a work space, in your library--we have been, my friend and I. We have seen the conditions. There is barely a book there.

I am sorry for you, Inquisition.

[So sincere. A pause, in which he has pressed a hand to his chest, in a deep show of pity. And then, briskly, cheerfully:]

But we will not leave you there, in sorrow. The good news. You now have, among your numbers, me. An introduction: Valentine de Foncé, a master architect, among many other masteries, too numerous to name. If you ask sweetly, I'll tell you them all. If you ask very sweetly, I'll give demonstration. And for the Inquisition, I will offer my services, and my knowledge--and so, too, does my friend. If only so we can get a decent space in which we can do our work. And believe me: you want this. We have arrived to be your greatest blessing.

Now, tell me. With business sorted: what does anyone do for fun around here?

Comments

[pinprick]

..de Foncé?

[Andraste's blood. Please say he heard incorrectly.]

[fourscores]

[He chuckles.]

Sounds like quite the experience, but I trust he's smart enough to avoid such a name with me.

[apologist]

The Maker is opposed to sin, and I am opposed to causing Him unnecessary anguish when you already provide so much.

But endearingly. Of course.

[ Loyalty. ]

[justice_is_blond]

Please don't tell me that's a bad thing.

[He's enjoying watching two people piss off the Inquisition; don't let this be ruined.]

[pinprick]

Relatives.

[apologist]

Would you be someone else if I did not ask?

[fledglingenchanter]

[Some part of her is telling her to run, not walk away from this conversation. There is a sound as if she might close the sending Crystal until something stops her.]

I know I am going to regret asking, but what is it that you are an architect of?

[fledglingenchanter]

If I were more clever, the answer would be yes. Alas, I was not.

Private

[justice_is_blond]

I knew I liked them. But don't tell the rest of the Inquisition.

Private

[pinprick]

Why? Are my known relations not damnation enough?

Private

[justice_is_blond]

For these brief few minutes, I am not the person nearly everyone around us hates the most. I've not had this much breathing room in some time, but very few would appreciate me saying so.

[apologist]

If ever you have the opportunity to try with someone else, say un mystère.

[fledglingenchanter]

[Ugh. An Orlesian word.]

Perhaps I will just say it's Regret instead.

[el_tybs]

Probably not considering the size.

[If it was still there of course.]

If that was holiday then someone was terrible at picking a location.

[Who in their right mind would holiday there?]

Like any reason we go anywhere. Hear about an issue, take the army, set up posts, take out enemy forces. Had a great time in the Fade there.

[He's being sarcastic when he says great. That was anything but.]

[madame_de_fer]

[Look, Vivienne is just enough of a snot she doesn't feel the need to introduce herself. She expects to be recognized by Orlesians of gentle birth. Even disinherited ones.]

Quelle chance!

Finally someone who understands the dreadful state that Skyhold is in. We've been in such need of an informed architect.

Will you be adding marble to the battlements or gold caps on the towers first, darling?

[apologist]

I hope for your sake that you refer to the regret one would feel at not learning your name and not to something tragic.

[apologist]

Do not say that, Monsiuer, please. Valentin cannot resist a challenge. Now he may make himself delusional just to overcome it, and I, who am quite happy without challenges, will have to live with him in the meantime.

[justice_is_blond]

It's the working with someone delusional that's the challenge, and for that he'd need you to be delusional.

[Which, if someone is upset that Skyhold isn't fancy or ornate, may already be in play.]

Becoming delusional is quite easy. You'll find many people have succeeded at it. Then again, he could attempt to overcome it, but I find Orlesians may have more difficulty at the task than most.

[unbrokenoath]

[ Okay Orlesians are gross but Kaisa will charitably look past that for now because they have caught her attention. ]

...How do you feel about helping a noble, distinguished company of warriors, who have dedicated their very lives to saving the world at large, currently relegated to some miserable scrap of land with some haphazard tents? It is a tragedy, ser, but perhaps a tragedy that you could help make right.

[fledglingenchanter]

You are correct. My regret lies purely in my name being known by one if not both of you. It puts me at a disadvantage for any further snark I might throw at you.

Re: adding it to the list 8]

[universal_charm]

It's not so much lying as just being wrong.

Private

[pinprick]

...I see. As you wish.

Private

[justice_is_blond]

...You're not disappointed in me, are you? I know enjoying this isn't exactly noble or kind.

Private

[pinprick]

Are you joking? Take your joy where you can. [Coughing.] Especially as I'm indisposed.

Private

[justice_is_blond]

I still find joy by your side, even when you're indisposed. Especially as I'm the cause of your indisposition.