therookery | The Unity of Skyhold

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The Unity of Skyhold

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Knight-Commander Alayre Sauveterre
RECIPIENT: OPEN TO ALL
WHAT: Announcement in regards to the state of the Order and the current clashes between Mage and Templar
WHEN: Harvestmere 27 (Backdated a lil)
WHERE: Skyhold, Frostback Mountains
NOTES: OOC notes: This announcement follows shortly after the funeral for the Herald.

In regards to the latest strife between Templar and Mage, I, Knight-Commander Sauveterre must stress the importance of unity during such dark and dire times. Just yesterday we laid the Herald of Andraste to rest and gained over a dozen 'visitors' hailing from the Rift. With such troubles plaguing Skyhold now, I cannot stress enough why unity is so necessary.

While our enemies have yet to march upon our gates, the Inquisition must lie ready for any attack. The very fate of our realm lies within the cooperation of all those who gather here seeking sanctuary from the chaos that brews beyond us. Therefore, all I ask from my fellow Templars is patience and utmost civility in such trying times. Conduct yourselves as men and women of the Order and put an end to the strife at once.

All those who fail to comply shall be subjected to punishment.

As for the rest of Skyhold, I ask for the same. Do not let the pettiness of a few drive a wedge between you and the next man. We mustn't allow our differences or grievances to cloud our judgment as we rebuild and defend this fortress.

The Inquisition must prevail. That is all.

-
Sincerely,
Knight-Commander Alayre Sauveterre

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

For what it's worth I apologise for the conduct of my fellow mages. The accusations were dealt with poorly.

[Now this is quite unexpected. After nothing but deafening silence since this announcement was made, Alayre hadn't expected to hear a reply from anyone, especially from a suspected Mage. The Mages have made it quite clear that the Templars are unwanted here and because of this, peace is fleeting at best.

This is why the Knight-Commander seems so surprised.]

The accusations should've never came to be in the first place. They were hastily made in a fit of unjust rage.

No. They shouldn't. A templar who makes accusations like that is a danger to us and brings shame to their order's name.

But templars weren't the only ones to come out of this disagreement looking badly.

Agreed.

Rest assure that the Templar in question will be cleaning the stables for here on out. The Order has suffered enough embarrassment thanks to the overzealous executioners amongst us. Knight-Commander Baratheon and I shan't tolerate this kind of behavior from our Templar.

Had the Mages possessed their own representatives, I would assume that their leaders would feel the same.

[From what he has over heard from other conversations one just needs to say the desired party's name before speaking so it is not public. He doesn't know how the crystal knows who is who, especially if it doesn't use magic, but it isn't important right now.]

Sauveterre?

[A few moments pass until the Orlesian speaks. Sauveterre has been a tad busy as of late, especially now that his fellow Knight-Commander has caused quite a ruckus. There's the telltale sound of pages shifting before Sam is given a proper audience.]

This is Knight-Commander Alayre Sauveterre speaking. To whom do I owe the pleasure of speaking with?

[The man sounds different from when he first met him, though he suspects that at the moment he's under quite the amount of pressure after all the announcements.]

Samouel Gareth.

[The unusual formality within his tone must feel rather cold and rigid from a man who once showed such warmth. Sauveterre is quite stressed as of late, especially since he metaphorically just opened himself to more criticism by backing Knight-Commander Baratheon's announcemet. With that known it's little wonder why Alayre seems so beside himself now.]

Samouel Gareth?

[A pause]

Tis you, Sam! [The coldness in his tone melts away into familiar friendliness.] How good it is to hear from you again!

I had feared the events as of late has left you scorned. The Wake was quite harrowing at best.

Edited 2015-10-31 02:49 (UTC)

[For a moment he believes that perhaps the Knight-Commander doesn't remember him. After all it has been a bit of time and they had only met once. Obviously he does seeing as he is now being referred less formally and a merrier tone in the man's voice.]

Yes, it is me.

[He chuckles, though it isn't like the usual ones he makes; less cheerful.]

The whole thing was... an experience. I don't know if scorned is the right word... but I am bothered by it all.

... How are you doing?

Aye. It's difficult for me to believe the Herald of Andraste is dead and even more difficult for me to believe that such strife exists in Skyhold.

[A sigh is heard following more shuffling.]

Tis as if Meredith is still amongst us alive and well along with her red lyrium blade.

[He scoffs. Alayre's hatred of the former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall is quite apparent but it takes him awhile to answer the following inquiry.]

In truth, I'm in a reflective mood. The burden of my title weighs heavier by the hour.

Surprised that the men and women of the Inquisition aren't above the issues of the world? People don't want to forgive, nor do they want to forget.

[He isn't trying to sound chastising or anything. He's just sad and... tired by it all. It's the usual.]

I'm sure the burden is great. Your friend certainly painted a nice target on you both. I can agree to some of it for the most part, but... I'm afraid he might have caused for rifts between the masses then secured them.

That is certainly a disappointing truth that I must accept but I doubt I can.

[Alayre falls silent for a time so he could listen to the young mage. He figured that this message wasn't much of a social call. Sam has a right to be concerned along with the rest of Skyhold but Stannis Baratheon has done nothing wrong...

Yet.]

Let us talk, which part of the announcement was the most troubling?

All of it and none of it?

[A dry laugh, mostly to fill in the space as he gets his mind together.]

I should probably say that it isn't 'what' he said that is troubling but 'how' he said it. When I met you for the first time it was easy to communicate because you wanted to talk as equals. I know trying to command a large force, or rather forces, is rough, there isn't going to be an easy way which ever. However the announcement had more of a feeling of separation then anything. Mages. Templars. Rifters.

And due punishment seems like the right way to go, but to emphasize my point on the separation, it was pointed out that a 'Templar' was being stripped for 'Mage' use. Even under orders I'm sure he's going to resent Mages more for the mere fact that he is being made to kneel to their wishes so to speak. He should be in service to everyone, not just a particular group.

[Listening intently to every word, Alayre finds himself viewing bits and snippets of Baratheon's announcement. An unseen frown settles upon his lips for a moment before becoming something akin to a scowl. It would seem that Stannis's intent has been lost due to his delivery.

That man does lack the gift of a silver tongue but Stannis is no brooding barbarian.]

A Templar's duty is to his charge. While we are indeed bound by the whims of the Chantry, we Templars have sworn an oath to act as protectors to the Mages we've been tasked with protecting. We are not jailers or executioners but rather guardians instead.

[His tone lightens a bit but not by much.]

This is a grave situation we find ourselves within. We cannot pretend as if unity exists when it fundamentally doesn't. I trust that despite Baratheon's love for abrasiveness, that he isn't a warmonger seeking to divide us further. Though, I...do admit I have given him my sway to continue as he sees fit.

[He pauses for a moment.]

We are all equals here or rather, we should be. I can certainly understand why it's jarring to hear a man like Baratheon speaking on the behalf of the Order. However, bear in mind that I know from personal experience that Stannis Baratheon is no lyrium addicted madman drunk on power.

Others might have been before him but he means well.

[A worried sigh escapes him now.]

Though, I doubt anyone realises this yet. Baratheon is quite unpopular but he's more than willing to try to bridge these gaps between Mage and Templar. I almost feel the need to state that in another address but I feel as if I must allow the dust to settle.

Edited 2015-10-31 05:35 (UTC)

[Sam listens intently, letting the Knight-Commander work through everything. After all Sam had tossed a lot at him.]

As someone who has yet to actually meet Ser Baratheon, that announcement made it seem... it was very intimidating. I assume he's the friend you spoke of before? If I didn't have your word for it - before and now - then my opinion would have be much different.

[A small sigh.]

It is not my intention to put more on your plate, Alayre. But as someone who knows you are trying to do the best for everyone I figured I would voice the concerns in a more civil manner. It's already been done. Though perhaps a suggestion? The communication stones are... maybe do not use them for the next one? They are very invasive at times. Indeed the point is to let everyone know, but maybe the messages should be given by example rather then body-less voices from on high?

Were I more senior than an Enchanter I certainly would.

As it stands, I will still do what I can do discourage mages from dragging themselves down in this conflict. I appreciate your action against the templars involved.

Judging from how you speak, you don't seem like an mere apprentice to me. Circle Titles mean very little here when the Magi Circle has yet to be formed. The fact that you're the only mage to approach me logically highlights your worth beyond titles and needless pageantry.

Consider becoming a leader for the sake of your fellow mages. They're in need of someone who is of sound mind.

[It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Mages of Skyhold are hideously disorganized. There's no one taking charge of their ilk and no one to fairly represent them before the Order and Inquisition both.

It's all chaos.]

Skyhold must be united.

Edited 2015-10-31 12:46 (UTC)

Aye, Baratheon is indeed the 'friend' I spoke of but be damned if he seems friendly now.

[There's a slight chuckle that follows. A dry laugh at best.]

Are you suggesting we hold a civil meeting in-person between all the various groups within the Inquisition as opposed to communication stones? If so, I had thought the same prior. My worries in that lies with the outcry of opposition that will eventually become violent towards us.

Let's be fair, the incident at the Wake has me highly concerned. My Templars are out of control and the Mages are just the same.

[He's nodding on his end of the stone, but quickly realizes that Alayre cannot very well see that.]

Meeting in person would be a step forward in showing that everyone is equals rather than throwing orders over the stones.

It has us all concerned. The Inquisition has us all joining together, and unfortunately it doesn't seem like the threat of Corypheus has actually unified any of the groups. If Herald Trevelyan was still with us...

[There's a pause, feeling that the words do not need to be said. If Trevelyan hadn't died perhaps instead of unrest everyone would be working together, having someone they all followed.]

Maybe a discussion with the Wardens would help? I haven't met with them myself, but a group of them did show up, yes? It is normal for them to have a variety of people in their ranks, right?

...I shall see what I can do in regards to the public hearings.

[There's hesitation in his tone. Alayre sounds wary of this idea but he'll try it once. If the clash between the fractions become too much to bear, then he'll resort to this kind of announcements again. Despite hailing from the Order, Alayre is so tired of arguing with the mages.

It's too draining and fundamentally pointless.]

Admittedly, I have yet to speak with the Grey Wardens during this time of adjustments. I suppose that King Maric's bastard shows no interest in meeting with us Templar. [Hear that, Sam? There's that Orlesian sass that Alayre hides well.] A shame really.

Though, I shall make it my business to speak with that man sooner than later.

[Despite the gravity of the conversation, Sam does find enough amusement at the unfamiliar sass to give a small snort.

As amusing as it is though it does catch Sam's attention.]

King Maric's bastard? [A pause.] And he's a Grey Warden?

[There's a lengthy pause that follows after Sam's question, almost as if he hesitates to confirm that bit of truth. Who would've guessed that the Orlesian knew of that bit of gossip.

Perhaps Stannis is to blame.]

He fled from the Order and fled from the throne. That man, Alistair, is good at running.

[ He is not going to make this worse by arguing publicly but you are ON HIS LIST, SER.

His list of people to avoid speaking to forever. ]

[You can run, boy, but you can't HIDE!]

[Alistair, we totally need to meet. Cause you're cool.]

Alistair?

[His voice raises in more surprise. He apparently has missed much.]

Isn't he the Grey Warden that was with the Hero of Ferelden?

Pray notice how he's best known for being near heroes but not actually being one.

[A heavy sigh escapes him. Alayre is definitely a tad stressed these days.]

My apologies. I should reserve my judgment of him. Where one would deem him as cowardly; others would state otherwise. He is a Grey Warden and that alone commands respect.

Edited 2015-11-01 01:44 (UTC)

[Sam gets the feeling that Alayre isn't quite fond of Alistair.]

To be fair none of the people who I heard were with the Hero were labeled as heroes themselves. [Another pause.] Something that a lot of those who live and die for the Inquisition will face. The small names aren't given pedestals.

...

[The silence that ensues might seem based from muted anger but it isn't. If anything, Alayre is humbled.]

You are wiser beyond your years, Sam. I suppose you could say I feel a tad slighted by the Grey Wardens for capturing the hearts of the masses. Us Templar aren't typically reverred so fondly and I suppose the same goes for those who assist these stalwart heroes.

I service to surprise.

[Wise. That makes Sam laugh. In the Circle he had been called opinionated when he said such things.]

Well the fact that Templars are a constant force might be the reason. Wardens are so rarely seen or heard about, and leave as quickly as they appear.

[ But yes, hello, anyone reading this and confused, I didn't parent up enough to see that this was private! Fifty lashes for me.

But I'm leaving my comment here for OOC posterity unless Marquis wants to delete them all.

And they definitely need to meet. ]

I'm not. I'm an Enchanter, but still a good few years short of being able to be considered for Senior Enchanter. Taking leadership would be a big step, though there seem to be few others who would be willing.

[He's thinking about it now. That much is clear.]

I suppose I could at least set up a meeting, see how many other mages would consider being a part of a circle. Maker knows we need something.

I truly encourage you to do so.

[Sauveterre cannot stress that word enough at this point.]

On the behalf of the mages alone, I much rather not have to reprise my role as "jailer" once more.

If the Mages do not appoint a representative, then I will be forced to make decisions that I personally should never have make. There's already been grumblings about reinstating the Harrowing due to the lack of organization amongst the Magi.

The possibility of Skyhold being overrunned with demons is a very real threat that mustn't allow to transpire. This is why I'm urging you and others to take action now.

I'd rather you not think of yourself as a jailer, but the mages could use the support of the templars all the same. We are not meant to be enemies. There's a reason mages need templars.

[He hums thoughtfully. He hadn't thought he could do anything, but if a Knight-Commander thinks he's capable then maybe he was wrong. Even if he's not the best candidate surely someone is better than nothing.]

You will be happy to work with us if we do manage to organise something, I take it?

Of course. I want to give the Magi the chance to govern themselves without the Templar holding their blades over their throats.

Then I will do what I can to see this happens.

You have my sincerest regards. I pray for your success.

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The Unity of Skyhold

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Private | In response to Knight-Commander Stannis Baratheon

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not commenting just hating life

Bwahaha!

This isn't happening, but very amused

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It's happening in my HEART.

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