(muffled rap music in the background)

[theonly]

FORM: Sending crystal.
SENDER: Knight-Commander Stannis Baratheon.
RECIPIENT: Open to ALL.
WHAT: Stannis is displeased with what happened during the funeral and also the presence of the Rifters.
WHEN: Harvestmere 27.
WHERE: Skyhold.
NOTES: He is exerting power that he believes that he has rather than what he officially has been granted. The only control that he has been given is that over the Templars.

In accordance to what Knight-Commander Sauveterre stated, there are a few things to note.

One. Mages, congratulations, you have a Templar stripped of weapon and armor to assist in your duties for the day. That does not mean needlessly torture or harass the man. This is a lesson as well as a punishment. If word comes of such behavior, he shall be returned to his duties and you all will suffer the consequences. As for punishment to those who engaged in fights during the wake, it shall be left to you mages to decide. If no punishment is shown as being carried out, an answer will be given as to why.

Two. Rifters are assumed demons until further notice. Mages are advised to keep conversations with them to a minimum. Rifters, you are to police yourselves or a force will come to police you. It will be without shackles but you will feel the weight of the chain around your neck. Do not waste your good fortune and my patience.

Three. Templars who were part of the nonsense at the tavern will run ten laps about the courtyard in full regalia. Templars who stood by and did nothing will run five. Afterward, you lot can do the servants' chores until nightfall. Perhaps, you will then remember to whom we serve. Those that complain can earn their freedom of punishment in their immediate removal from Skyhold.

The rest of the Templar will be allowed a day of rest and mourning for the Herald. One that was not granted to you and one that woman deserves.

That is all.

Knight-Commander Stannis Baratheon

Comments

[rathercommon]

[ A little incredulously: ]

Assumed demons? That's jumping to conclusions, isn't it?

[theonly]

Jumping to conclusions would be saying they are demons and killing them on sight as I would've.

But since those in charge believe they have worth enough to risk our stronghold with their presence, yes, it is only assumed.

[rathercommon]

You know that the Herald came out of a rift just like they did. And as I understand it, we wouldn't really be where we were if no one had let her talk to mages. Or if someone had killed her on sight.

[theonly]

Don't insult her memory by using her in an argument against those who are not of this world, has no knowledge of our world and dragged into a war that they have no stake in yet apparently want to die for it.

She is not to be used as a trigger word to win anything beyond contempt. I didn't know her but I respect what she did for this realm. And so, they can prove they are move but as of now, they are to be viewed with suspicion.

[rathercommon]

[ Unfortunately, teenagers are going to teenager; her response is a snappish - ]

Don't order me around. I'm not one of your Templars, so don't talk to me like I'm obligated to obey you. Anyway, it's ridiculous not to use her in this argument, because she has everything to do with this argument. She would have accepted the Rifters wholeheartedly.

[theonly]

You are obligated to show decorum and sense a day after a funeral. You don't know what she would do. She has nothing to do with this argument. The vague connection they have is walking through a rift. Do you know what else did? Demons. Abominations.

You want them to be accepted? That is their problem. They need to earn their place in this world and expect not to be gifted anything simply because they are here.

If our enemies had found them, would they be with them? Most like. They know nothing g of this world or what is happening. So I give them nothing as they could very well have been my enemy.

[rathercommon]

Earn their place? Not be gifted anything? They're refugees, just like all the other refugees who ended up here. Except that they never got a chance to grab up food and supplies, or the mementos of their home, things to remember better times, so they're even worse off. They need kindness and understanding, not - suspicion and accusations of apostasy.

[theonly]

Then they best get to work, haven't they?

[rathercommon]

[ She utters a little "Oh!" of anger. ]

You don't earn kindness! You don't have to work for kindness. Kindness is something that we all have to just...grant to others. Especially right now.

[ You know - in the midst of war, while they're all hunted by Corypheus. That's fine, right? That's not naive. ]

[theonly]

That is idealistic, at best.

I expect every refugee to earn their keep. No one is going to do nothing here because we are at war and have no time for coddling anyone. If you think we have that luxury, I wish I lived in such a fantasy world.

The Rifters are assumed a threat by me until they prove themselves. As I said, they do not like it, they best get to work. They displeased with that, leave and see how they will do out there without our protection.

[rathercommon]

[ She sniffs. ]

Well, I earn my keep, and I'll share what I get with them, if anyone thinks to deny them.

[theonly]

Best ration carefully and work hard, then, because you will get no more than what is your due.

[rathercommon]

Ooh, you're taking on a second job as the quartermaster now, then?

[theonly]

If you want to play martyr, understand what that means and expect no handouts for your kindness. Or do you expect everyone to help you and do nothing yourself? If so, your display and protest has as much worth as those Rifters at present do.

[rathercommon]

Excuse you. When did I say I expected help?

[theonly]

When you expect to be given more than your share.

[rathercommon]

Right. Well. I should be getting more than you do, I think.

[theonly]

I am glad we have established you don't think, then.

[rathercommon]

Oh, well, that's rich, coming from Lord If-It-Comes-From-A-Rift-It-Must-Be-A-Demon. That's just dull - That's stupidity.

[theonly]

Assumed a demon.

Because they should be assumed to be demons.

[rathercommon]

Dull, closed-minded thinking! That's what that is. No wonder the Templars are like they are when this is the thinking of the people in command.

[theonly]

No wonder the small folk are as stupid as they are because they know nothing yet spout it off like they know everything.

Go spend your time with Mother Gisele. She may be able to teach you something of the world so that you are less of a stupid girl. But prayer might have to be involved.

[rathercommon]

How did you get command? Probably noble-born, aren't you.

[theonly]

Through hard work and sacrifice.

Something you seem to know little about. Do not worry, it will come when the war starts in full.

[rathercommon]

Yeah? Tell me all about your hard work and sacrifice. Of course I don't know anything. Teach me, please.