The Desk Of Knight Commander Norrington

[judgemewhole]

Notes and IC journal conversations can go right here

Comments

[judgemewhole]

He smirks at the nudge, then nudges her back.

"Well, then I shall be a proper old fart, your daughter will have diamond tiaras if she wants them, and you can throw your own fancy parties if you want to. Just don't invite that jackass. I won't be able to resist clobbering him properly in the nose."

[mythalenaste]

A comforted smile. But it's a wan one, because she still wants Val's friendship. She still wants Val around and Val-ish and weirdly wonderful in his vain, cocky way. It's still nice to hear her boyfriend offering to slug someone who hurt her.

"Thank you," she decides is the appropriate response.

[judgemewhole]

He kisses the top of her head, before giving her expression a long contemplative review. He squeezed her shoulder, leaning his cheek against her hair.

"I am sorry, Pel. Can I do anything, besides be here for you?" He has learned he cannot fix Pel's problems - although right now he feels the desire to do so. He supresses that urge, waiting for her to speak, to tell him what she needs.

He's not a slow man, but there are still some things that he knows he has to really learn. Pel's independent spirit would not be helped by him butting in without being invited in to help.

[mythalenaste]

As far as she is concerned, he has been invited to help. And she looks somewhat distressed when he asks.

"I...I don't know. I don't know. I can't. I can't...dictate to you how to comfort me. I don't have those words. I've always been forbidden those words. I can't think for both of us when I'm already thinking too much on my own."

[judgemewhole]

He pauses, before gently picking her up in his arms. "I think we need to go to a place where you can clear your head. Sina's garden is coming along nicely, don't you think?"

Get her out in the fresh air, closer to the earth. She always found it calming before. He carries her the whole way there, only putting her down when her bare feet can touch the grass and she can soak in the night air of the garden and the plants as well as the soil.

[crystal]

[arlathvhen]

[ This is probably something that ought to be done in person, but Beleth is pretty sure if she tried to do this face-to-face, she'd wimp out. Or worse, she'd get so flustered that she'd start rambling like an idiot.

She's not entirely sure she'll avoid it, even like this. ]

Hello, James? I--um. Have you seen the announcement that we posted? The division leaders, that is. Regarding the Hightown party. I was wondering if you would like to attend. But...I was, ah. Hoping that you'd like to attend...with. Um. Me. Specifically.

Re: [crystal]

[judgemewhole]

[James answers the crystal without thinking as he's finishing up dressing - and then his shirt doesn't seem to make it on as he is now staring at the crystal with surprise. His mouth opens, then closes, then opens again.

.... oh. Right. He needs. To answer that. So. He should answer.

Uh.... I mean. I. Yes. I mean, I would be pleased. To attend. With you. [Wait a moment.] Is this for a diplomatic, er, purpose?

[arlathvhen]

[ Yet another argument for getting images working on the crystals already. ]

Diplomatic? Well, the whole party is--Oh.

[ She clears her throat. ]

Well--I mean. You've proven able to handle yourself in representing the Inquisition, and maneuvering around political situations, dealing with nobles. So--I thought you would, ah. Be a sound choice to attend with me.

But--Uh. You'd like to go? Really?

[judgemewhole]

[Yes, James would definitely be up for being more embarrassed than he already was.]

Oh ...

[If he sounds disappointed - wait he sounds disappointed! Augh, recover, recover.]

I mean, it would be an honor - and delight to attend. I just thought - nevermind what I thought.

[Dignity Man. Dignity.]

When is the event planned for, and what formal attire should I have?

[arlathvhen]

[ Beleth blinks a bit, confused by his strange response--was he upset for her asking him? Or--No, don't be stupid. ]

The event will be in a few weeks, and I'd say...something reasonably formal. Like when Madame de Fer threw that soiree a while back. But not quite on the level of Halamshiral.

But thank you for coming with me. I'm--Um. I'm sure that you could attend with someone better if you wanted, so. I'm glad that you're alright with going with me.

[judgemewhole]

[He looks through his meager dresser, and nods his head. Right he has the formal uniform from the last event Vivienne had him at. More uniform than formal, so it would be perfect for diplomatic purposes. Strong arm of the Inquisition, working with the higher powers of the Chantry and the Inquisition Division Leaders ...

Wait. What?]

Oh, well that's just ridiculous. I wouldn't want to go with anyone but you. [He snorted softly, as he eyed the green uniform coat.] You're marvelous, so stop thinking there's someone 'better'. And I do believe I said 'honored'.

[arlathvhen]

I--

[ Congratulations, Beleth has been rendered speechless. Or at least incoherent, because she makes several attempts at saying something, but cuts out half a word in. He wouldn't want to go with anyone besides her? No one at all? He thinks she's marvelous?

What is wrong with him. Maybe he's just being nice. ]

...Really?

[ Smooth. ]

[judgemewhole]

[.... right he just said all of that didn't he? This is why he should not talk when he's aggravated. Ever. Far, far too much honesty.

Right. Well. He can ... smooth this over. With charm - he has charm, right? Perhaps.]

Beleth it is clear to everyone that you have a presence. And - yes. So. Stop saying otherwise.

[Oh yes. So ... very ... charming.]

[arlathvhen]

[ Luckily, Beleth somehow finds it charming. Or maybe she's just still charmed from his previous attempts. ]

A presence. Of course. I--Um. Thank you, that's...It's very kind. You're very kind, James. I hope that you know that.

[judgemewhole]

[Oh, and now he's just blushing. So he'll stutter out.]

I ... well, Thank you. You're also kind. And good. And ... I just wish you would stop ... putting yourself down. I think you are an incredibly smart, talented Scout Master and person and ... you really should not sell yourself short. I happen to admire you ... greatly.

[Sigh. He was such a blathering idiot. 'Admire you greatly'. This is why he could never keep a lover.]

Crystal

[justice_is_blond]

[His voice is wary.]

I need to know if you taunted the little apprentice in the dungeons with the thought of Tranquility.

Crystal

[judgemewhole]

If you mean, did I tell the future blood mage magister that he was lucky that we did not practice Tranquility, then yes, I did. I also told him that the Inquisition did not believe in such barbarity.

If you are going to level a complaint at me, you should also know that I magically purged the area around him so he knew what a Templar could do the next time he tried to kill one of my people in a maddened escape attempt.

[justice_is_blond]

[Gently:]

I came to you to ask you directly, rather than file a complaint. He is young and easily scared and I wanted more information.

And speaking of young, 'future blood mage magister' is not set in stone. There is a chance to bring him back from that edge, Norrington. Bringing up Tranquility and telling someone they are lucky it's not being practiced does not help there. I ask you to be gentle and understand that he is afraid and alone.

[judgemewhole]

[A tired sigh, and there's the sound of James rubbing his face.]

I apologize. That young man and his former master put me on edge -- but you are not the first person that has told me so. On the advice of the man known as Kit, I let him have visitation rights to our young prisoner, and moved him out of isolation. Kit also believes we might be able to turn him to our side.

[justice_is_blond]

Accepted.

[The magister is tricky territory that Anders would like to think about as little as possible, but he can easily see why Atticus would set people on edge. He takes a breath.]

I heavily agree with Kit. I went to check on Benedict's health and found him lost and looking for a path forward. Isolation can hurt a great deal, as can the cold, but if these things are seen to I believe he can be reached.

And you should know that Kit is afraid of magic, so him trusting a Tevinter mage says far more than I ever could.

[judgemewhole]

I am not sure what I can do about isolation - but the cold can be managed.

[There is a moment of heavy silence, as James broods on Anders words.]

Would you be able to find a mage willing to sit with him in the library? One who would not mind a Templar near by? That would give him warmth, something to do and company. He could also have ... visitors, if he wished them.

[justice_is_blond]

Many of us know Dispel. Including me. We do not always need Templars, Norrington. I can find mages who have combat instincts just in case, who know Dispel, who will be company for him in the library.

[This is important. Templars acting as the jailers for two mages is already a precedent that's going to be difficult to move past in the future. His voice is calm and even, words chosen carefully.]

He is terrified of Templars, and for good reason. Let him see that being surrounded by them and constantly watched by them is not permanent. That he has other mages here who will see him as one of their own if he wants to join us.

[judgemewhole]

You realize then I would be leaving him in the care of that mage - and if anything happened, that mage would be held responsible? The Tevinter is a young man, true, but he's also very powerful and not afraid to hurt others to get his way.

[This is James's warning to you, Anders. He is sure his Templars would love to take a break from guarding Bene and his constant grumbling. He is not sure they should trust Bene outside his cell without him already making a promise to the Inquisition's service.]

Who did you have in mind?

[justice_is_blond]

[He takes a careful breath.]

Allow me to speak to a few mages and see if they're willing. The two who first come to mind are Kostos and Vandelin, alongside myself. It is a great responsibility, but we must spend time seeing to our own rather than passing them on to others.

[judgemewhole]

Very well.... let us just ... see what happens.

[Once there was a mage willing, he may or may not have less misgivings about this idea. For now - wait and see.]