Literally the moment they gave him one

[toujoursdroit]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Romain de Coucy
RECIPIENT: Anyone + Gwenaëlle
WHAT: Someone is making an entrance
WHEN: Somewhat after the Winter Palace ... events
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Sorry he's so ... him. No warnings for now, though.

Good day, people of the Inquisition. I understand it's acceptable etiquette to pose general questions through this means. Mine is this: What resources, in your opinion, does the Inquisition most need at present?

Also, Gwenaëlle, if you are listening, please let me know where you are. I'm too old to go wandering up and down staircases at random.

Comments

[toujoursdroit]

Perhaps. Though I expect someone has also explained to you that we've a long history with demons in Thedas, and they are hardly known for their truthfulness. It gives the skeptical and the small-minded alike a foothold for disbelief.

[extramural]

People do love to talk about demons with me, usually while asking me if I am one.

Still, it is my understanding that most demons and spirits are rather fixated on something. Rage, fear, desire. Justice, compassion, hope. I suppose for the small-minded it is easy to explain away our presence as demons, but for those who are more thoughtful, we are far too like any person in Thedas in thought and deed.

[ A hum. ]

I suppose the difference is something I take more personally than others, though.

[toujoursdroit]

I can't blame you for taking speculation that you are a demon rather personally, all told. But I find that there is too much stupidity in the world for me to concern myself with all of it. I trust, given their treatment of those of you from elsewhere, at least a reasonable proportion of Inquisition leadership knows better than to squander such a potential resource.

[extramural]

Enough do, yes. There had been- some disagreements, I am told, but they seem to be smoothed over now. [ Or, at least, Galadriel just gets around them, which is good enough. ] But perhaps you would not feel the same, were you to meet me in person.

Still- I do find it concerning that I was asked, upon using the specified method of contact, whether my reporting of the attack on Halamshiral was a joke.

[toujoursdroit]

I am disinclined to find reports of attacks on Orlais funny in any capacity, at least.

[He can't answer for how he'll react in person, of course, but on the other hand, the Inquisition is doing more than many other institutions to fight an increasingly pressing problem. How they choose to go about it is what Romain came here to determine, in large part; he's not going to go picking it apart before he gets more information, and that includes how rifters are treated.]

[extramural]

Indeed.

[ There is a slight pause, the slight sound of fingers tapping on wood audible over the crystal. ]

You ask of resources. Are you a man of means, then?

[toujoursdroit]

I am, though not extravagant means.

[Romain's measuring stick for wealth may be relative.]

I am working to determine what is most urgently needed before acting further.

[extramural]

Are you nobility only, or can you hold a sword?

[ It's okay, the Outsider's probably is too. ]

Everyone will, of course, tell you what is nearest and dearest to them is what is needed most. I'm sure you've noticed.

Have you drawn any conclusions?

[toujoursdroit]

I can hold it, but usually more is required, [dry].

I was a soldier in my time, but the limits of age suggest it would no longer be the best use of my talents. Which is part of the reason I am taking my time here. I don't have enough information yet, to conclude much, but I appreciate those of you taking the time to speak with me.

[extramural]

[ Cue a surprised, delighted chuckle. Oh, he likes you, sir. ]

It offers you insight that others with means may lack, however. That, I find, is often key.