[ at least she didn't have to bludgeon down that particular door. they'll close ranks now, of course, ]
You understand, I am sure, why unannounced magic of such scale would trouble the people of Kirkwall. [ evidently fucking not, if she had any involvement or knowledge of this ] Particularly upon a holy site — one of yet-contentious associations.
It is within the interest of the Inquisition that we present a unified front, and a palatable explanation for both our methods and rationale. We did not come to Kirkwall to rule her.
Doing something nice is hardly tantamount to a political coup, Ser. There wasn't a garden there, now there is. Kirkwall has dealt with far more peculiar and sinister events, believe me. Its people will be fine.
Most of the South, [ she holds her voice steady, calm, ] Had little exposure to magic, until very recently. Their introductions have been often violent, frightening. They do not see a charming garden. They see that — again — forces beyond their control have reshaped their city without consent.
As you say, Kirkwall has weathered much: War in the streets, debris from the sky, scrambles for power. Her peace is hard-earned. She is slow to trust, and we break that trust every time we act as though we own her.
We are here at the Viscount's pleasure. We shall leave by it as well.
Well. They're not going to learn to trust magic, in this new world where mages are free, without having some positive exposure. They certainly won't learn if folk like you go about ranting at mages who are doing something kind like we've done something wrong. The rest is just public relations. If people see you overreacting, they will overreact as well. The Inquisition is helping rebuild Kirkwall in other places--just tell the Viscount this is one of the areas we've restored and suddenly we've earned goodwill instead of displeasure. Or however you want to go about it.
[ 'just public relations'. somewhere in apcher, a passing lay sister catches sight of her expression, and decides to take a walk elsewhere.
'just public relations' — but more importantly, we. the questions that remain are whether she acted alone, to what extent the blood was involved. ]
Naturally, as one does not trust to the presence of human soldiers without practice. What do you feel their reception would be, to arrive at the edges of a Dalish clan? Even upon peaceful terms.
[ they both know exactly how that would go. it's a comparison she's been avoiding; that she's been that soldier, with aims less benign, escapes precisely no one in this conversation. ]
It is easy to ignore the context of our actions. But that is not a luxury which the Inquisition can afford. What is done cannot be undone;
[ save by fire, by axe. maker willing, the guards they've posted will discourage that — there'd been enough problems of it before the fucking trees. ]
It also cannot happen again. I come to you that we might put forward a narrative in which the Inquisition's mages are part of a positive future for Kirkwall. One in which they work with her people and government. One in which our eagerness to help overstepped our political courtesies.
To accomplish this, we require a story, and cooperation with it. A ritual of this size does not draw upon small energy.
[...Yeah. Yeah, she has a point. Some points. Pel's cheeks feel warm. She sighs.]
There's no need for a story. Tell the truth. There were three of us. The Inquisition's local gardener was head of the project. Velanna and I were there to help spread her magic to the edges of the garden, to revitalize the soil there.
[A beat.]
We really were trying to do something kind. It never occurred to any of us it might upset anyone. Whatever you tell them, keep that in mind. It's completely legitimate to tell them that it was three Dalish volunteers who really were that clueless.
[ a breath pushed out, slow. the gardener. fuck. the one that looks like a dying baby deer, of course it is. ]
Thank you for your honesty. [ or what might pass for it ] It is my opinion that it would be unwise to single out the Dalish in this manner; it will better endear your people to the citizenry that you accompany more familiar faces.
[ easier to get rid of the problem if the problem all wear tattoos. that would be a disaster of its own. ]
I am willing to attach my own to the matter, provided I’ve confirmation that all three of you understand the situation and its risks.
[ will it be enough? to claim three parties, a thin veil, as the source of all that power? it will need to be. a templar’s title might legitimize the method to the broader public, but it won’t be enough to sway all those within the inquisition, all those with suspicions already aroused. (of this, and of her.) ]
If you would please describe the working, to the extent that you are able.
[A soft exhale. Right. This lady seems to respond well to blunt honesty. That bodes well for the future of their relationship. Pel describes the magic as well as she can, mentioning nothing of blood. She had seen it, of course, had taken Sina to Anders to remove the thorns, but it had been very little blood and mentioning it would be neither useful nor helpful in keeping Sina safe.]
It...I should have stopped it before it went quite so far. It was just...the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. A new forest, blooming and glowing in the night, all around us. It was far beyond what I thought we were there for, but...
[She drifts off. She doesn't ask whether Wren would have also been so swept away as to lose her senses.]
Look. If we're picking and choosing faces, I don't want Sina's to be one of them. I love her with all my heart. If I didn't have to be here for my daughter, I'd take the fall for her, do anything for her. Please.
[ if she'd had doubts before, this has ended them. the fear, where before there'd been only defiance. intuition isn't proof. absent evidence isn't proof,
but proof only matters to a point. siouna, of all people. she lets her eyes drift across the courtyard. the chantry's own gardens are so subdued, this sandy soil tended with relentless practicality. is there beauty in them? when was the last time she found anything beautiful?
wren massages her throat, ignores the ringing in her ears as she commits the details to memory (an untrustworthy thing, but she'll have pen in hand soon enough). ]
I understand. The momentum of a moment, yes? Another reason to exercise caution in our present surroundings. The Fade is close within Kirkwall,
[ and one of them has a poorly-understood link to it embedded in her bloody chest — ]
But you know this better than I.
Any discipline will be handled internally, and is not mine to decide. However, I do not believe it would be in anyone's interests to pursue.
Inquisition leadership will be made aware of those involved. Whether the three of you remain a piece of the public explanation is a matter for discussion between yourselves. You are all adults, capable of making your own choices.
I will be speaking with your companions upon my return. Seeker Reed and Ser Ashlock have also been investigating this. I have known them both to be fair, rational men with the Inquisition's best interests in mind. Should they wish to speak with you, there is no cause for alarm.
[ beyond the inevitable. ]
I am out of the country several more days. After this, you may reach me within the Gallows, if you require it.
We did nothing worth culling an alienage for. And that's the sort of thing that happens when elves draw attention to themselves. It's disproportionate, always. We could make a choice, if we were the only ones paying for it. But I can't make that choice on the behalf of the elves who would suffer for our honesty. And the people of the city will be fine, once they've got used to it. Maybe the Chantry could claim it and make something of it. It's a perfectly ordinary garden now, it isn't as if we were summoning demons.
The elven people of Kirkwall had no voice in this decision, [ let us not hide behind them now — ] Whether the faithful embrace the grounds, only time will tell. It was an ordinary garden before, and yet required posted guards.
The origins of these spells are not easily-hidden. The Circle does not teach them. That leaves us to claim either the mutual cooperation of the Dalish and the Inquisition, or to call upon mystery apostates we cannot produce.
I would sooner not risk invoking that particular conflict. Better to control the message, to the extent we are still able: Elven faces, alongside human ones.
It would behoove you to speak with Enchanter Ceallach. She has been monitoring the Alienage's response, and may be able to recommend a means of Dalish amends.
You might be a little over the top, and a little out of line trying to use my own people to guilt me for something that wasn't even wrong by your Chantry standards, as far as I can tell. And the more people see the Inquisition overreacting, the worse it will be. Tell them magic exists to serve man, and it was part of the effort to help restore the city. That's all. If people are frightened, they will calm down. If a child sees a snake and panics, you don't panic along with him. If it's a safe snake, you pick it up and show it and let him know it's nothing to be afraid of. If it's a dangerous snake, you keep your distance and show him how to identify the snake later and how to move so it doesn't attack. You don't pick up the snake and run screaming through camp, shaming it for frightening your child.
Edited 2017-07-31 19:30 (UTC)
aaa i'm so sorry about the delay, apparently i maar'd this somehow
[ a sharp breath, this conversation is rapidly approaching its peak of usefulness. ]
You claim to fear for the Alienage; I offer you solutions. [ you don't toss buckets of snakes about either, ] If you have done this for your people, without their regard?
I would ask yourself why you would do so much less upon their request.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
https://media.giphy.com/media/qvuKiquHsW2Ri/giphy.gif
You understand, I am sure, why unannounced magic of such scale would trouble the people of Kirkwall. [ evidently fucking not, if she had any involvement or knowledge of this ] Particularly upon a holy site — one of yet-contentious associations.
It is within the interest of the Inquisition that we present a unified front, and a palatable explanation for both our methods and rationale. We did not come to Kirkwall to rule her.
no subject
Doing something nice is hardly tantamount to a political coup, Ser. There wasn't a garden there, now there is. Kirkwall has dealt with far more peculiar and sinister events, believe me. Its people will be fine.
no subject
Most of the South, [ she holds her voice steady, calm, ] Had little exposure to magic, until very recently. Their introductions have been often violent, frightening. They do not see a charming garden. They see that — again — forces beyond their control have reshaped their city without consent.
As you say, Kirkwall has weathered much: War in the streets, debris from the sky, scrambles for power. Her peace is hard-earned. She is slow to trust, and we break that trust every time we act as though we own her.
We are here at the Viscount's pleasure. We shall leave by it as well.
no subject
no subject
'just public relations' — but more importantly, we. the questions that remain are whether she acted alone, to what extent the blood was involved. ]
Naturally, as one does not trust to the presence of human soldiers without practice. What do you feel their reception would be, to arrive at the edges of a Dalish clan? Even upon peaceful terms.
[ they both know exactly how that would go. it's a comparison she's been avoiding; that she's been that soldier, with aims less benign, escapes precisely no one in this conversation. ]
It is easy to ignore the context of our actions. But that is not a luxury which the Inquisition can afford. What is done cannot be undone;
[ save by fire, by axe. maker willing, the guards they've posted will discourage that — there'd been enough problems of it before the fucking trees. ]
It also cannot happen again. I come to you that we might put forward a narrative in which the Inquisition's mages are part of a positive future for Kirkwall. One in which they work with her people and government. One in which our eagerness to help overstepped our political courtesies.
To accomplish this, we require a story, and cooperation with it. A ritual of this size does not draw upon small energy.
no subject
There's no need for a story. Tell the truth. There were three of us. The Inquisition's local gardener was head of the project. Velanna and I were there to help spread her magic to the edges of the garden, to revitalize the soil there.
[A beat.]
We really were trying to do something kind. It never occurred to any of us it might upset anyone. Whatever you tell them, keep that in mind. It's completely legitimate to tell them that it was three Dalish volunteers who really were that clueless.
no subject
Thank you for your honesty. [ or what might pass for it ] It is my opinion that it would be unwise to single out the Dalish in this manner; it will better endear your people to the citizenry that you accompany more familiar faces.
[ easier to get rid of the problem if the problem all wear tattoos. that would be a disaster of its own. ]
I am willing to attach my own to the matter, provided I’ve confirmation that all three of you understand the situation and its risks.
[ will it be enough? to claim three parties, a thin veil, as the source of all that power? it will need to be. a templar’s title might legitimize the method to the broader public, but it won’t be enough to sway all those within the inquisition, all those with suspicions already aroused. (of this, and of her.) ]
If you would please describe the working, to the extent that you are able.
no subject
It...I should have stopped it before it went quite so far. It was just...the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. A new forest, blooming and glowing in the night, all around us. It was far beyond what I thought we were there for, but...
[She drifts off. She doesn't ask whether Wren would have also been so swept away as to lose her senses.]
Look. If we're picking and choosing faces, I don't want Sina's to be one of them. I love her with all my heart. If I didn't have to be here for my daughter, I'd take the fall for her, do anything for her. Please.
no subject
but proof only matters to a point.
siouna, of all people. she lets her eyes drift across the courtyard. the chantry's own gardens are so subdued, this sandy soil tended with relentless practicality. is there beauty in them? when was the last time she found anything beautiful?
wren massages her throat, ignores the ringing in her ears as she commits the details to memory (an untrustworthy thing, but she'll have pen in hand soon enough). ]
I understand. The momentum of a moment, yes? Another reason to exercise caution in our present surroundings. The Fade is close within Kirkwall,
[ and one of them has a poorly-understood link to it embedded in her bloody chest — ]
But you know this better than I.
Any discipline will be handled internally, and is not mine to decide. However, I do not believe it would be in anyone's interests to pursue.
Inquisition leadership will be made aware of those involved. Whether the three of you remain a piece of the public explanation is a matter for discussion between yourselves. You are all adults, capable of making your own choices.
I will be speaking with your companions upon my return. Seeker Reed and Ser Ashlock have also been investigating this. I have known them both to be fair, rational men with the Inquisition's best interests in mind. Should they wish to speak with you, there is no cause for alarm.
[ beyond the inevitable. ]
I am out of the country several more days. After this, you may reach me within the Gallows, if you require it.
no subject
[Pel inhales and exhales slowly.]
We did nothing worth culling an alienage for. And that's the sort of thing that happens when elves draw attention to themselves. It's disproportionate, always. We could make a choice, if we were the only ones paying for it. But I can't make that choice on the behalf of the elves who would suffer for our honesty. And the people of the city will be fine, once they've got used to it. Maybe the Chantry could claim it and make something of it. It's a perfectly ordinary garden now, it isn't as if we were summoning demons.
no subject
[ the soft crunch of footsteps on loose stone. ]
The elven people of Kirkwall had no voice in this decision, [ let us not hide behind them now — ] Whether the faithful embrace the grounds, only time will tell. It was an ordinary garden before, and yet required posted guards.
The origins of these spells are not easily-hidden. The Circle does not teach them. That leaves us to claim either the mutual cooperation of the Dalish and the Inquisition, or to call upon mystery apostates we cannot produce.
I would sooner not risk invoking that particular conflict. Better to control the message, to the extent we are still able: Elven faces, alongside human ones.
It would behoove you to speak with Enchanter Ceallach. She has been monitoring the Alienage's response, and may be able to recommend a means of Dalish amends.
no subject
aaa i'm so sorry about the delay, apparently i maar'd this somehow
You claim to fear for the Alienage; I offer you solutions. [ you don't toss buckets of snakes about either, ] If you have done this for your people, without their regard?
I would ask yourself why you would do so much less upon their request.
Speak with Ceallach. I will contact the others.
[ click. ]
it's totally okay!