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[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

[fourscores]

[He chuckles.]

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

[degenere]

He is the second smartest man that I know, it's true. But let us pray that you do not come to deserve to be called such a name. Last time, the man quite deserved it.

[fourscores]

The only names I've ever earned have been due to killing, so I think I can manage that.

[degenere]

Fascinating. And tell me, what names are those?

[fourscores]

The Golden Demon would be the most popular one.

[It is how most of Orlais knows him, how those that play the Game know him. Does wonders for business.]

[degenere]

Ah.

That Jhin.

[fourscores]

[He chuckles.]

Yes, that one. The House of Repose's best.

[There's his ego.]

[degenere]

You know, that name has always been curious to me.

[fourscores]

Has it?

[degenere]

Not yours. I mean Repose.

[fourscores]

I find it somewhat poetic.

[degenere]

Really. How so?

[fourscores]

The House does lay people to rest, simply in a more permanent fashion. Of course, they did raise me, so I suppose it's entirely possible I have some bias.

[degenere]

'Final Repose' would be more accurate, then, yes? 'Last Repose'. 'House of Repose in Your Grave, Cairn, or Funeral Pyre'. 'House of Repose, You Are Well and Truly Fucked'. Something to these effects.

It could only add to the poetry.

[fourscores]

[That gets a proper laugh out of him.]

You should absolutely make those suggestions if you ever meet any of the men in charge.

[degenere]

I will, believe me, if you are good enough to point them out to me, Jhin. I'll introduce myself, and make the suggestion: hello, I am Jhin, and I think that you should change the name of your maison.

[fourscores]

Oh, but of course.

[degenere]

Then it is settled, Jhin. We will proceed in this way, when the Repose Men arrive. And I thank you, my friend Jhin, for your expert opinion on the matter, and your cooperation.