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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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Mm--

[--Val says, since he's still sipping. He holds up one finger--a moment, please!--swallows, sets down his cup, folds his hands neatly on the table between them, and leans forward to confide to her:]

A premonition.

[That gets her to scoff softly as she takes another sip of her wine. Not a wine connoisseur, she at least judges the wine at Skyhold to be passable if only slightly sour.]

You're having me on. A premonition?

[Her eyebrow rose up skeptically.]

[Without blinking, with an unwavering smile, Val stays right where he is. Hands folded, politely.]

So hard to believe?

[Swirling her cup slightly, perhaps in the off chance it might somehow magically make the wine taste better, she raised an eyebrow up further, debating for a moment if she should indulge him.]

Far be it from me to say you lack the ability to see the future. However, as far as I am aware such magic does not exist. If it did, it would no doubt fall under the purview of hedge magic. Then again I could simply be over thinking this.

[It took an effort to shrug, but she still tried her best to look nonchalant.]

[Val keeps his composure for a moment more. Same position, same smile. Then all at once he heaves a mighty sigh and falls back against his chair, grabbing up his mug of ale as he does.]

Alas. If only I had such a skill. I have wished every day since before I can remember to have some magic, however small and infinitesimal, reveal itself in me. And I find myself constantly disappointed. Of all the skill I have, this one I cannot acquire. And I want it. Do you know, how maddening that is?

[For a moment, the juxtaposition was so strong, all she could do was stare.]

I might have some inkling of how you feel. [She swished her drink again and then took another sip.] I once prayed every night to Andraste and the Maker to take my magic from me.

A similar sentiment. Which I appreciate.

[Enough to sit up, anyways.]

Of course, I understand yours less. But so that also means, that you are correct. I do not have the gift of magical premonition. What I do have is a good sense that I will like you very much, which, as it presents itself, can seem like a sort of premonition.

In fact, you should mark this day. In a year we will celebrate its anniversary.

I look forwards to that day.

[She grins a little, not at all surprised that he felt that way. The smile only grew, along with her amusement.]

As for understanding, perhaps this might help: To those on the outside looking in, everything often appears better. Were you a mage, chances are you would not nearly be as learned in your other fields, nor traveled. And it is entirely possible that you'd not be as silver-tongued as you are now. I think you're best the way you are.

[Chuckling, she again sipped her wine. The taste wasn't bad now that her tongue was either adjusting, or her taste buds were dying.]

Perhaps.

[But he does not sound very convinced, or the least bit interested in being convinced--because he doesn't believe her, yes, because he doesn't actually care, also yes--but all of that is quite bundled up with his keen interest in a more interesting topic, which glosses over the more unpleasant dismissive aspects of that perhaps and prompts him to lean forward, with a grin.]

You can say more on how I am best the way that I am. I think that is a more valuable topic of conversation than such debates. Or you can say that you will help me in my research.

I would, of course, prefer that you say both. Help, and compliments. An attractive combination.

[She isn't surprised in how he changes the topic-- the shift was certainly preferable. A soft snort, accompanied by a smirk is her first answer before she speaks.]

I need to know more about you to lavish praise appropriately. However, such a task wouldn't be so unpleasant. You have a certain charm about you. I might be willing to help with your research as well, depending on just what you're studying. If you're still intent on comparing me to my fellow mages, it might take awhile. There are a few of us lurking about.

If you are telling me this to discourage me, dear Sadira, you will find yourself disappointed. The more mages we have for this comparison, the better it will be. Not only that, it will be more accurate. Wider sampling can only deepen our understanding of our results.

And-- [He leans his elbow on the table and puts his chin in his hand, with a grin that can only be described as lazy and self-assured--] --the more time that we spend with one another, the more equipped you will be to lavish such compliments. It is as you say. So we should work together, to encourage this, and to give you a fair chance--or else you will have to base all your complimenting on my surface alone.

Feel free to do so, of course. It is a very handsome surface, with its certain charm. In case you haven't noticed.

[She shakes her head, again sending her curls bouncing as she laughs.]

It will take a lot of time to go through all the mages. More are arriving every day. Besides wouldn't you rather do something more for the Inquisition, such as helping to acquire a better library or making Skyhold look pretty?

[She leaned forwards as well, setting her cup of half-filled wine down.]

How could I not notice?! Having met your surface only recently, I can agree that it is indeed of fine workmanship. And it is in equal keeping with that clever mind of yours.

Why would I do work to make buildings look pretty when I could just look at pretty people all day long?

[--Which he says very reasonably, so much so that it might sound reasonable to anyone, at least if they were going by his tone alone.]

And while I'm at it, remain in your most excellent company, and hear more praise as you've just begun to lavish. Workmanship? Do you think I have to work very hard, to look as I do?

[She raises an eyebrow at him questioningly.]

Skyhold doesn't strike me as the place to jus let people loaf around, even if it is to look at pretty people. You'll have to do something for this place or the people sooner rather than later.

[A smirk is quick to return however as she takes another sip from her wine.]

The Maker would have to bless you truly to make you wake up as you are every day without some effort. Otherwise, that is something that would have to be put to a test.

[Val answers her smirk with a blithe smile, as he takes another easy sip of his ale.]

On both counts, mademoiselle, you underestimate me. I built a scholarly career structured around loafing and looking at pretty people, while simultaneously counting myself most naturally among their number.

That is to say, please. Test me, on either. I welcome it. I love being tested.

Is that your secret then, hm? I should try this and see how far it gets me.

[The wine was doing wonders for her nerves as she blithely grinned even more at him.]

I do very well at tests. Or so I've been told. Passed my Harrowing with flying colors. Testing you shouldn't be nearly as hard, and certainly more enjoyable.

I should hope so. I make it a point to be enjoyable. Especially if I am being put to the test. As to the question of 'hard', I suppose the context will be important.

[There's a wink in the way that he says it, even if he doesn't actually wink. Rather, Val drums his fingers against his chin, thoughtfully.]

I do like the idea of testing each other. I think that's how we should proceed. you are very clever.

[To her credit, she didn't blush at the way he spoke.]

Mn, I guess what needs to be decided now is what sort of test would be most... applicable to test our skills. What would your suggestion be?

[Good. He takes his time at his consideration, deeply thoughtful and contemplative.]

Well. For your test, it is a test of comparison. So I will first need to spend time with you, so that I know you. It will be a test of personality and charm, just as much as it will be the beauty of the exterior--since that has already been well-proved.

[He gestures in her direction. Case and point.]

The test might be a little grueling. We will have to work just as hard to keep our spirits up.

[As he contemplates, she again sips from her cup, all the while continuing to watch him.]

There are worse things than passing time with an attractive companion, especially when they are as engaging as you. I will do my best to keep pace. You may find I do not tire easily, nor am I one to be daunted. I am ready for whatever happens.

Engaging, but never engaged. The best state to exist in, I have found. I think it is promising that you do not tire easily. You do not strike me as a boaster--and how wonderful that is, may I said, I am so tired of people who do nothing but talk of how great they are--

[Like, you know, Val himself, but perhaps that's why he is tired of it: because he gets his fill of boasting from himself.]

I find modesty much more becoming. And exciting. All the secrets that one gets to tease out of the modest!

My proposition is this: we share our drink. And then, tomorrow, we meet again.

[She was the opposite of a boaster and was quite happy not to draw attention to herself. At least his boasting can fill silences and isn't completely unwarranted.]

You've certainly won some secrets from me. I hope in time I might learn to pry secrets from you with the same level of skill. This, of course, means that I am more than willing to meet you tomorrow. We are after all friends, yes?

You can aspire, certainly, to such heights. But I am very skilled.

[It's not boasting if it's true. Or, at least, it's not just boasting. All that being said, Val rests his elbow on the table and raises his mug, expectant of a toast. If she is even a little slow to respond, he will prompt her by raising his eyebrows. Well?]

We drink, this time, to friendship. May it be a very long and very happy one. Full of secrets shared.

You never know. I might surprise you.

[Rather than be offended, she just grins at him. It takes less time than he might expect as she almost offered a toast herself. Her cup eagerly tinks against his.]

To secrets shared and good times.

And, with any luck: surprises.

[He knocks his mug against her glass with great enthusiasm--enough to jar her a little, maybe slop some of her wine over her hand. Just a little. And it was completely not deliberate. Do not be fooled by the way that he is ready, immediately, to touch his fingertips against the hand in question, to wipe away the wine spots.]

My apologies.

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This is what happens when I tag with a headache XD

no worries!!!! ugh i know the feeling for sure. hope it is better.

I am indeed feeling better, pain meds do wonders.

good!!! and gj modern medicine

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