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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

[degenere]

[There she is. Not that he had any doubts.]

Really? Because I am happy that you asked. [Breezily:] Bridges. Aqueducts. Walls. Towers. Siege towers, I mean.

[fledglingenchanter]

I beg to differ ser, bridges and aqueducts, and walls are all quite responsible buildings. If they do not support where it is needed, then everything and everyone depending on them would quickly be lacking.

[degenere]

Ah, again: responsible. A structure as these has a responsibility, that is true. But it cannot be responsible. It is a building. Its responsibility is to be sound, to stand firm and serve the purpose asked of it.

But to be responsible? Only a man can be responsible.

Or, not.

[fledglingenchanter]

[ He wins. ]

I can't fathom this anymore. I think my head may implode.

[degenere]

I have caused many implosions, it's true. And explosions. A talent of mine. But I would prefer you whole, I think, dear Ego. What fun is conversation if my partner is just a jawbone hanging from a few ligaments?

[fledglingenchanter]

[... That certainly is an image.]

I'm not surprised you've skill in making things explode. You seem quite good at it.

[degenere]

How sweet of you to say. And just think: you have arrived at this conclusion without actually seeing any practical demonstrations of my work. Imagine your excitement when we have set that date.

[fledglingenchanter]

[There was soft laughter just then, slightly muffled as if she was covering her mouth with a hand.]

I've seen some of your work already. You've managed to ignite a few tongues and explode even more tempers.

[degenere]

There is always a strong reaction to genius. It can't be helped.

[fledglingenchanter]

If that was genius, I'm hesitant to see what arrogance is like.

[degenere]

I would not know. But I have always wondered. Perhaps now is the time to find out. Would you care to assist me in this research?

[fledglingenchanter]

I think I've had enough fun for one day.

[degenere]

Impossible.

[fledglingenchanter]

Why is it impossible?

[degenere]

You cannot have had enough fun. For one, I have only just arrived. Already that increases your potential, dear Ego.

[fledglingenchanter]

[If only he could see the eyeroll.]

What makes you think you're fun?

[She hesitates a second longer then finally adds:] And if you must call me something, my name is Sadira.

[degenere]

[score!]

Well, then, dear Sadira: I think I am fun because I know that I am, because experience has taught me that it is true. What's more, I have attestations on my side, endorsements of my personality and character.

And I rarely pick up the tab at the tavern.

[fledglingenchanter]

[Why does she feel like she just made a mistake?]

These aren't endorsements from your other half now, are they? I have to warn you now, I won't be paying any of your tabs.

[ broke mage is broke. ]

[degenere]

[the greatest mistake of your life]

Hardly. If anything, Jeannot despairs of my company. He loves me, but ours is an old love. And if Freddie were here, you would be assured of the opposite, but I think that is because Freddie is more jealous than Jehan.

And you misunderstand. I rarely pay a tab because I have infinite credit with barkeeps. They find me charming, to a point of personal poverty. And yet they are always happy to see me, and weep to see the back of me.

I'm good for business.

[fledglingenchanter]

[Perhaps it's not too late to pack her bags and head to Rivain.]

Old love eh? So you two are close hm? [She isn't judging. Just curious.] Getting people to drink must be advantageous.

[degenere]

The oldest love, and the closest. We are very old friends, you see, Freddie, Jeannot, and me. But they lack my charisme, as we say, my charm and my glamour. My ability to encourage friendliness, and the drinks.

But why do I tell you all of this?

[fledglingenchanter]

I haven't stopped talking to you perhaps? Or maybe I have a friendly voice? You'd have to tell me.

[degenere]

More what I meant was, why am I telling you when I could just show you.

But you do have a lovely friendly voice at that.

[fledglingenchanter]

[And there she goes getting flustered again.]

Maker's Breath! You're persistent. I will still be around Skyhold tomorrow.

[degenere]

[score again.]

Does persistence bother you? It doesn't need to. You will be around Skyhold tomorrow, and so will I. That does the first step of solving it nicely.

For the second step--the tavern?