Skyhold - Downtime IC
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Primarch on 11-02-2015, 00:12:36</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Primarch</strong> on <strong>11-02-2015, 00:12:36</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i.imgur.com/bvSBrJv.jpg)</div><div align="center"><span class="bbc_u"><strong>Skyhold</strong></span></div><br><em>It is the year 10:21 of the White Age, named so by Divine Anais as she predicted a white peace across all the land. Her prediction has thus far been proven correct but to say it is divine work may not strictly be true. Peace is maintained by countless forces at work, honest intended guards to mighty leaders that seek prosperity and growth. Perhaps most responsible of all however is the Inqusition. At any given moment agents of the Inquisition seek out threats to a carefully maintained and fragile peace. Dissenters vanish, bandits are run down and dragons are slain.&nbsp; <br><br>The Inqusition has several Fortresses across the land but none are so great as the castle of Skyhold, the home to the Inquisition. From here they plot, plan and prepare to protect all. The Templar's test the strength of their steel and their spirit, for the Apostate or Demon may rise at any time. The Mages prepare their spells and hone their mystic craft like no others. Blacksmiths forge weapons that will be wielded by men &amp; women who will go down in history as titans! <br><br>It is also, one shall find, where they get piss drunk, gamble like fiends and screw around like its their last day. This is Skyhold..... <br><br></em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vergil Tanner</strong> on <strong>11-02-2015, 01:51:00</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww181/ninjabreadman1993/Dragon%20Agetrade_%20Inquisition_20150128001607_zpsyvaq12th.jpg)<br>(https://talesfromthecards.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/dunedain.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Kas.<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Courtyard<br><br><em>Clip. Clop. Clip. Clop. Clip. Clop</em> <br><br>The sound of hooves connecting with the paved ground of the bridge into Skyhold, the echo of metal meeting stone at a steady, methodical pace. It's the sound of a slow, relaxed, steady walk as the horse makes its way through the towering, imposing secondary gatehouse of the great fortress, before its clopping turns into soft thuds as stone turns to soil beneath its plodding hooves. It wickers once or twice, but otherwise remains silent, its tail swishing back and forth as its body rocks with the gentle motion carrying it forwards. Despite this slow side-to-side motion, the rider atop the sleep black creature is almost perfectly still, rolling with each sway as if by habit, not allowing himself to become unbalanced or disorientated...whilst most riders usually get away with shifting from side to side at this speed, a true rider knows how to move <em>with</em> the horse, to distribute weight accordingly so that if a sudden change in direction, speed or momentum is affected, you are far less likely to be thrown from the saddle...and in his line of work, such changes in direction are a hazard of the job. Personally, Kas doesn't care to remember the amount of times that bandits or spies or assassins have attempted to ambush him on the roads, or when he has had to burst forwards in a sudden show of speed in order to escape a potentially messy situation...whilst he attempts to avoid such necessities - an assassin should never draw enough attention to themselves to require a speedy escape - sometimes it is simply unavoidable. And in a drawn out chase or escape, stability in the saddle is of the utmost importance...it wouldn't do to escape your assailants only to fall from the saddle and break your neck, after all, would it?<br><br>Kas looks around, his weathered, narrowed eyes surveying the courtyard...not many people are clustered in the main entrance-courtyard - as well they shouldn't be; in the unlikely event of an attack, that is the first place the soldiers will need to gather, and as such it should be kept relatively clear - but he imagines there are more in the main hall, the stables and the tavern. After all, why would you be spending your break near the castle gates rather than in a warm room near a fire and access to plenty of alcohol? Possibly to wait upon somebodies return, but he can't imagine them waiting here long. Due to the obvious limitations of communication, there is really no way to know whether somebody has been delayed or not, and it would be far more expedient to wait for them on the main road that runs through the camp in the valley below, where you can usually find a relatively warm tent and a place to sit rather than standing like an idiot in the main courtyard, getting in the way. So no...not many people in this immediate area, but that is the way Kas likes it; he can't imagine anybody waiting on him besides the Spymaster, and even they would only be awaiting his report rather than him, and less people means that it is far easier to keep tabs on those in the immediate area. Perhaps some would label it paranoid to suspect those in the middle of Skyhold of foul play, but those people would make terrible - and probably dead - Agents. Spies and assassins can infiltrate anywhere if there is even the smallest opening, and no matter how good your Spymaster, there is <em>always</em> an opening somewhere...he should know. He's been doing it for decades, and he hasn't found a system yet that can't be exploited or fooled. Oh, some are definitely very difficult, and many of them couldn't be cracked by one agent alone, but all it takes is enough money and enough information, and you can infiltrate anywhere you want. The key to good security is good systems and consistency. But those very systems make you predictable; where will you guard? The front and back entrances. Where will you patrol? The major connecting corridors. How often will you patrol? Often enough to make certain no section is ever unwatched, but not often enough that you have too many guards in one place. Where will you go to store your valuables? The treasury. When will you go? When the corridors are empty. How will you protect yourself? Take guards. All good procedure...and all one hundred percent predictable. And a good agent will find a way to make you pay for that predictability. And that's assuming everything goes well; if even one person makes a mistake...well, a castle is only as good as its defenders, and whilst Skyholds are among the best, there will always be a few that slip through the net, even if only temporarily. He himself has infiltrated fortresses like this one, after all, and once you've broken into a few supposedly impregnable castles just by slipping a guard a bribe or posing as a travelling merchant, you tend to become wary of becoming complacent in your supposed security.<br><br>As it is, he recognises most everybody in the courtyard. That doesn't mean much, of course, since sleeper agents can be hiding anywhere, but he can at least dismiss those he recognises as potential threats; any sleeper agent who has stayed long enough for Kas to recognise them is far, far too good to do anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in broad daylight in the middle of the fortress. They would, at the very least, wait until nightfall...and unless their mission was specifically to assassinate somebody several years after their initial placement, any agents that have become familiar enough to Kas for him to recognise them personally are probably on intel operations rather than "hits." It's just common sense. No, it's the one or two that he doesn't recognise that he needs to watch, but in all honesty, he isn't worried. Again, it's Skyhold...whilst he will maintain a watch on his surroundings, he is fairly sure that any agent decent enough to infiltrate the castle is good enough to know not to try anything in the middle of the day. That, he is fairly sure, is the first lesson of a spy: don't do anything risky where people can easily see you and escape is all but impossible if you get caught. It was pretty much drummed into his head from the very first day of Ben-Hassrath training, not to draw attention to yourself unless absolutely necessary, and he can't imagine any spy network even half as good as the Ben-Hassrath not teaching their agents the same thing. So...whilst it's entirely possible that he shall be hit by an arrow from the battlements, it is also very unlikely right now. Particularly because his arrival wasn't scheduled.<br><br>Well, he says "not scheduled." It <em>was</em> planned for this week, but the exact day was left nebulous due to the nature of the assignment he is just now returning from; the Inquisition is attempting to expand its trade influence ever further, gaining a monopoly on more and more assets. Due to its numerous forts, ports and Skyholds own position between Orlais, Ferelden and extremely close to the Waking Sea, a complete control of the trade routes in the immediate area is, as he understands it, more than possible. Access to the Waking Sea means that The Inquisition could, hypothetically, prevent all trade along those sea routes, and its control of the passes means that it could - with some effort - blockade Fereldan from the rest of the continent. This would completely cripple most of the major nations since, whether they like it or not, a lot of their produce comes from Fereldan...and a lot of Fereldan's luxuries arrive via Antiva, Orlais and The Free Marches. The Inquisition would probably never do such a thing, of course, but the possibility that it could scares a great many people...especially the Free Marcher City States, who until recently commanded those Waking Sea trade lanes and held their own unique monopoly on many of the goods that The Inquisition now has access to. Using its diplomatic and political influence, The Inquisition has been able to bribe and coerce many City States under its indirect influence, and strong-arm some others into backing down without a fight, but a few have been more than a little obstinate in their opposition. Ostwick in particular was rather obstinate in its opposition, even going so far as to blockade several local trade lanes and actively threaten any Inquisition vessel sailing close by. A bluff, perhaps, but if the Inquisition came to blows with Ostwick, it has enough City State allies to make a war with The Free Marches entirely possible...and so, Kas was deployed to see what could be done.<br><br>Long story short, he traced the problems back to one of the high-ranking merchants within the city, who held indirect sway over the Viscount and was forcing him to oppose the Inquisition to attempt to protect his own personal shipping interests. Kas's job was to find the method of influence over the Viscount, dispose of it, and make it clear that he owed his freedom from the thumb of the merchant lord to the benevolence of The Inquisition...which would, apparently, give them various advantages in the long run. Since this mission relied heavily on there being material evidence to steal (in case The Inquisition requires it at a later date), him disposing of any competent agents at the merchants disposal <em>and</em> ensuring that the Viscount knew of the change in situation, the return date from the mission was understandably up in the air. As it is, it took him several weeks to weed out the various informants, spies and servants needed to finally solve the problem...but solve it he did. He memorised the dirt that the merchant had on the Viscount, stole the material evidence and then planted the evidence of his shady dealings on his person and then informed the viscount...who promptly had the merchant arrested on treason. A good job done, and only recently finished...and now, Kas is finally back in Skyhold for some brief relaxation before he heads out again. He likely won't do much relaxing, though; it isn't in his nature. The Qun doesn't allow for much down time between jobs, and though he is technically Tal-Vashoth now (though he would argue that he is <em>not</em> Tal Vashoth, as he did not turn his back on the Qun, the Qun turned its back on <em>him</em>), there are still some last vestiges of that life that he clings to. After all...he was raised in it, lived in it, believed it for so much of his life that to discard the teachings now just seems...stupid. There is a lot of sense in the Qun, and to throw it away because its practitioners hunted him is shortsighted to say the least. The Qun is all about purpose, duty, the greater good...and that is something to hold high, regardless of how he left the life. Yes, it can be inflexible and short sighted in its own way sometimes, but the principles? They are sound. And he is not about to discard what made him <em>him</em> just because he can no longer stand living in Qunandar. It isn't the Qun...it's the thought that those following it can so easily betray him, despite what he gave them that makes him sick. He was sent to the mainland because, as a human, it is easier for him to blend in...and he was left there because some filthy Vint spy outplayed him and framed him for a treason. He would applaud the agent, if he didn't want to tear him apart with his bear hands. <br><br>But no more on that. He doesn't much like dwelling on what he has lost - far, far too painful; even though he could return at any time now that his name has been cleared, he finds himself unable to do so - and so he returns his attention to the present. Turning the horse to the right, he trots it towards the stables and the horsemaster...<em>Asaara,</em>* the Amaranthine Charger he sits upon, has worked hard to get him back to Skyhold in good time and spent far, far too much time in the dingy, dark stables in Ostwick. He had to keep her in the cheaper stables in order to stay incognito (which was hard enough, given her uncommon breed; alas, if you want a decent horse, you'll need to go for slightly higher-bred stock than just the average common horse), and for all her hard work (especially after that chase through the Dales when he ran into that bandit pack) she deserves to be pampered. Reaching the stables, he swings himself off of her back and onto the soft, grassy ground near the well and hands the reigns over to the stable boy. Retrieving his packs from the saddle - not particularly large ones; they hold the essentials only....a change of clothes, a tent, a sleeping roll, basic survival gear and various healing herbs and antitoxins...the rest he keeps on his person, dotted around his thick spy gear - he fishes inside and pulls out a few gold coins and hands them to the sandy-haired, Fereldan-looking youth. He only vaguely recognises him...he must be fairly new. <br>"<em>Shanedan, athlok.</em>** " He offers a courteous nod; it never hurts to be polite....he can be curt, but he sees no reason not to at least treat the workers with respect....if they didn't do what they do, the entire Inquisition would grind to a halt. They do their jobs, so people like Kas can do his. "See that she is pampered." he instructs, "She gets the best feed, and the best grooming you can achieve." With another nod, but without waiting for the boys answer, he turns and strides away. The money wasn't required - as an agent, he usually gets his horse groomed for free - but it helps to grease the palms of the stablehands...they are far more likely to do as you ask if you give them an incentive. Besides. Being a stablehand isn't an easy or high paying job, so if he tips him...maybe he'll have a better night tonight than he would have otherwise. It never hurts to have the serving staff on your side, after all...they frequently get overlooked, which means they get to go places and hear things that nobody else does. Play your cards right, and for the cost of a nice meal, you can get yourself some rather well placed informants. Hells, one of the attempts on his life in the first few months he was in Skyhold at the hands of the Ben Hassrath was thwarted primarily because a servant he had helped carry a large tub of water had informed him that there was a new girl working in the kitchens who had taken a specific interest in his meal. Turned out that it was an assassin attempting to poison his food, and had he not heard of the suspicious behaviour....well. Always make sure that the servants and the "little people" are on your side. It doesn't take much effort, and the rewards can be great.<br><br>Anyway. He leaves <em>Asaara</em> with the stablehand, and begins his journey back towards the side-steps of the fort that lead through the kitchens and storage halls; the main hall entrance is far too far away, and the journey through the side rooms tends to be less crowded and actually effectively faster. The thing is, he has a report to file with the Spymaster, and he knows that if he doesn't do it as soon as he gets back, the Spymaster will not be best pleased, and understandably so. He'll have time to sit down and relax later, if he decides that he desires to; first...the report. He crosses the clearing, and makes his way towards the stone stairs that lead to the interior of the main keep.<br><br><br>-------------------------------------------------------<br><br>* <em>Asaara:</em> Wind.<br>** <em>Shandean:</em> Respectful greeting. Translation: "I'll hear you."<br><em>Athlok:</em> Worker.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>la dame en noir</strong> on <strong>11-02-2015, 19:09:48</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i61.tinypic.com/jjryx1.jpg)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Name:</strong> Juliette Augusto<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Great Hall<br><hr><br>"As I understand it, the Tevinter Magistrate wishes to seek aid with the Inquisitor, but he has no real purpose for it." a woman spoke in a bossy undertone. A messenger from the Tevinter court had found himself amongst the Inquisition's halls on business matters and it was up to her to speak with anyone before they came to the Inquisitor. She had her own qualms with the Tevinter people and their customs, making their requests difficult to come through. The man sighed in annoyance at her avoidance to let him through. It gave her great pleasure knowing she had some sort of power over who would speak to the Inquisitor and who was not worth the time or effort. It wasn't that she was a cold person, but she wasn't very trusting of very many people either. <br><br>The woman; average in height, but beautiful beyond words, stood between him and the inquisitor. No one were to see the Inquisitor if the matters were not forth coming. She found discontent in his ability to heed her words. Though she wasn't a very intimidating person either. Her soft features and curvaceous body often led some to think of other things. At times this was a good way to distract her clients or enemies and get to the point quickly. However, in this case it wasn't going to work. Juliette's pale green eyes looked back at the man, trying to uphold her pride as a diplomat. Her attitude would surely upset her family, but she had strong feelings towards the inhabitants of Tevinter and sought no real reason to ever want their help or to aid them as the Inquisition. <br><br>Ultimately it was not up to her.<br><br>"The Inquisitor has more important matters than to deal with the Magistrate's superficial request." she stated harshly, eyeing the man up and down. He was dressed in common Tevinter messenger clothing, baring the symbol of the culture. She was disgusted - why was he being so pushy? <em>"I do believe that the matter is not with his cohorts, but with the Inquisitor - Kain Valerian ."</em> The man was trying his best to be patient with the woman, but was wearing thin on his normally calm attitude.<br><br>Juliette scoffed, finding more reason to waste his time and it entertained her immensely. Crossing her arms, she eyed him directly, purposely making him uncomfortable. <em>"I have official business with your Inquisitor, now please step aside."</em> Juliette laughed cutely, but in a very disrespectful way. She really enjoyed making others beg.</div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Juggtacular</strong> on <strong>11-02-2015, 21:15:21</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://25.media.tumblr.com/44f4197ba605fabb8f4c9e48fed2745e/tumblr_mvzmjvJitJ1rnvzt5o1_250.png)</div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Name:</strong> Kain Valerian<br><strong>Location:</strong> His Room &gt; Skyhold Great Hall<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Juliette, Tevinter Messenger<br><hr><br>The sun was barely up when Kain's dreamless sleep suddenly ended and he shot up in his bed, drenched in a cold sweat. He looked around his large and empty room, bewildered and confused for all of ten seconds before realization and the memories of last night flooded back to him in a rush. "Andraste's knickers...my head is killing me." Sitting up, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes before walking over to the balcony overlooking the mountain pass where Skyhold had stood for centuries. "Never get tired of that view." He leaned on the railing of his balcony and took it all in, but suddenly the look of serenity on his face changed to panic and he ran back inside into his private lavatory.<br><br>&nbsp;He voided the contents of his stomach into a bucket for almost a full thirty seconds before there was just nothing left and he leaned back against the wall. "How do they keep convincing me into those drinking games?" He remembered the night in question like it was yesterday because...well it was yesterday. After a long day of negotiations with two Fereldan houses arguing over a lands trade agreement, he went down to the Herald's Rest for a drink and a good time with his friends and the forces of the Inquisition forces. He was only three tankards of ale down when he got challenged to a game of cards with the Skull Crackers, a small elite force of Qunari warriors and mages, as well as a few guards.<br><br>&nbsp;The game went long into the night and rules kept getting added in at random. Everyone ended up drinking so much that most of them passed out right there in the tavern; which of course wasn't a rare sight in this place. Only he and Lurz, the Cracker's captain and one of the meanest looking Qunari he'd ever seen finished the night out. "Another night of rousing fun with the Inquisitor. Next time <em>you'll</em> be the one drunk under a table and cuddling a lute, Kain."<br><br>&nbsp;He slurred and laughed, pushing a very drunk Kain who almost tipped over. "Yeah well...well shut it, Lurz. Not my fault Mortis can't keep hold his liquor." He didn't really have a good comeback, so he waved his friend off and began the long walk back to his quarters. Then he woke up and now he was nearly sprawled out on his floor. "Good times, heheh." Standing up, he brought the bucket with him and waved his hand over the top of it.<br><br>&nbsp;The vomit under the influence of his magic was transmuted, and in a few seconds it was just hot soapy water. With bucket still in hand, he walked over to the balcony and threw it out into the air. "Good riddance. This hangover is already enough of a reminded of last night." His head was pounding, but that didn't mean he got to take a day off from being Inquisitor. He was still new to this position, and he wanted to prove to everyone their trust in him wasn't misplaced. So he cleaned himself and donned his armor, then headed down toward the Great Hall to get his day started proper. The walk from his quarters downstairs was sobering, but it didn't make the dull ache in the back of his skull go away, so when he neared the door to the great hall and heard arguing, he sighed into his hand.<br><br>&nbsp;"I had to drain the barrel last night, didn't I?" Well it was a lesson learned at least; and hopefully this time it would stay learned. Opening the door, he strode out and walked toward Juliette and the Tevinter man. "There are <em>always</em> more important matters for me to attend than the last. I am the Inquisitor after all. That doesn't make this man's request unimportant however." Like many others, he bore no love for the average Tevinter. A few were okay, but on the whole they were elitists and insufferable. But it was his duty to suffer them, and so for now he did. <br><br>He couldn't manage a full smile with the hangover beating at his temples, but he got something good enough plastered on his features as he stopped slightly behind Juliette. "Now Juliette, let's not torment the man." Stepping closer, he leaned down to whisper in her ear and put a gentle hand on her shoulder. <em>"He's already Tevinter. That's punishment enough don't you think."</em> Standing back up, he eyed the messenger and nodded politely. "You have business with me; well let us speak business."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaer Darkwail</strong> on <strong>12-02-2015, 22:28:36</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/165/7/1/qunari_by_victoriadaedra-d690fc0.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Arisehan<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold bridge =&gt; Gates of Skyhold<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Kain Valerian<br><hr><br>A lone figure with thick fur lined cape walks upon grand arch bridge which leads to gates of Skyhold, the guards in the gate look curiously on the figure. They had seen figure approach in steady stride from the horizon for long while now....it has traveled all this way unmounted? As figure approaches they start to make out the figure is very tall, no doubt a qunari. They see gleam of steel underneath the cloak and also from figure's back, handle of a greatsword which is carved resemblance a grinning dragon skull. The figure looks up onto Skyhold, gleaming steel is shown even under the hood....a steel mask covering top half of his face.<br><br><em>Very defensive position, single bridge while canyon and mountains surround it. Almost impossible deploy siege weapons onto mountains because logistics. Has stand well over the years so it's regularly repaired. Single well guarded gate and lots archery towers and tall walls. Good fortress.</em><br><br>Thus so lone qunari warrior, mercenary, summarizes the fortress. The wind is refreshing and view is calming, but he would dismiss both for sake of comfort what such solid fortress would provide while living there. This reminds the qunari how he wound up here; weeks ago Inquisitor, fresh and new, had gone to Ferelden to handle some bhaalspawn sightings and folks already rumoring about new Blight. But what was found that there has been a earthquake which had reached all way to Deep Roads and resulted a open passage into it. Even today Deep Roads were infested with bhaalspawn even without Blight going on, so no new Blight but there was open passage to dangerous parts of Deep Roads which needed plucked close.<br><br>Inquisitor had too few men handle that scale of a job so he had hired mercenaries help block the passages which led to main chamber where was support pillars which when exploded off with Lyrium charges would make chamber and thus passage sealed off from further intrusion by bhaalspawn. There was one Grey Warden present in operation, leading the mercenaries in defense while Inquisitor handled deploying the charges, a aged old geezer who was hard as steel nails. Arisehan had liked him, man bound on duty till death.<br><br>And to death he went with duty, as everything went swell for while despite bhaalspawn pressed constantly on mercenaries but there was no losses until a armored ogre (http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141016174047/dragonage/images/2/25/Risen_ogre_HoDA.png) showed up to butcher mercenaries left and right, the Grey Warden without hesitation jumped and plunged sword on ogre's neck...and ogre jumped off the bridge which they were holding and grey warden's final orders were as he fell along with the ogre; <strong>"Hold the bridge until horn blows!"</strong><br><br>Yet loss of grey warden had demoralizing effect on mercenaries, as swarm of bhaalspawn surged from the depths ferocious as ever and mercs started running and abandon their posts and run where Inquisitor was. Inquisitor Kain Valerian was forced to leave his leading post and leave it for second in command as he rushed into bridge, thinking he has to guard the bridge alone and stall bhaalspawns....but he was not alone. As Arisehan was blood soaked, both from his own wounds and bhaalspawns, yet he held the ground alone against the swarm. He had to retreat to the narrowest passage in the tunnel so not that many bhaalspawn could get past him, without being cut off by his sword which compared to his armor was well made....and despite endless swinging it had no notch nor scratches on it's blade. Together with Inquisitor Arisehan held the bridge until horns were blown for retreat. Then they ran fast as they could and horde of bhaalspawn behind them, they reached surface and then lyrium charges were activated and they did the job done.<br><br>It was good job for Arisehan as he was only mercenary getting paid the entire sum of money from the job, as fleeing mercs were not paid from job they did not complete till the end. But what surprised that Inquisitor then gave him invitation to join Inquisition, he told him he considers it. And Arisehan had deep pondering on that discussion while enjoying his spoils from the battle. More as time passes the offer became inviting....as Arisehan did not consider offer with gold in mind, but more about following <em>Qun</em>, code of qunaris which he had no obligation to follow at all as a outcaste (but yet he did so, much as he was able to). He had never belonged to anywhere and Qun had very central ideal around belonging to somewhere in the society and he had no place at all expect lowest rank possible. A rank which he was born into and not by his choice.<br><br>So he took long journey, by walk as he refuses mount horses and cart ride only when necessary. Sea voyage was nauseating experience and one which he wishes not to repeat any time soon. But the sea voyage brought him quickly closer to Skyhold so he had endured it but rest journey he walked on his two legs. So after weeks of journey he reaches Skyhold and guard shouts from small hatch in the gate; <strong>"Who approaches! No step further until you identify yourself!"</strong> There were crossbow men and archers ready on stand by to shoot him down if he takes further step. Arisehan raises his head up and pulls slowly hood back, reveal his onyx colored flesh, curved black horns and pair of pitch black eyes peek through steel half-mask as he speaks with deep but calm voice; "I have come meet with Inquisitor Kain Valerian, tell him a <em>Tal-Vashoth</em> Arisehan has come answer the offer he gave."<br><br>The guard in gates send one the guards move into the Skyhold Fortress....to ask a okay from Inquisitor to led in a lone qunari from the gates.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>johnnyboyboy</strong> on <strong>14-02-2015, 19:09:54</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i.imgur.com/tlYtNOs.png?1)<br><strong>Name:</strong> Alec Emberwood<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Rookery - Spymaster Quarters<br><hr><br>"Send the birds to kirkwall, i want to know why one of our agents has not made contact" Alec said as he scribbled down a note and giving it to the nearest man "Thats the second who have not made contact, possible they are waiting or have not made it to where they need to be but this is still a problem" he finished as he stood up and tucked the chair in. Moving towards the window he looked out to the mountains "Two agents" he mumbled before being interupted by several more people who needed his approval, his time or resources.<br><br>He glazed over several reports, some were well written and others were hastily wrote or mere scribbles and hard to figure out. Some of them even written in a special code as to not give away anything important, he gave the encoded ones to others who had more time then him to decode them. He also made sure to verify and send information to several agents in the field who would rely on any new information. after a dozen or so letters his wrist started to hurt he organised a few people to finish what he had started and then decided to take a break.<br><br>He started to walk around the skyhold garden breathing in the fresh air clearing his head before sitting on one of the benches and relaxing with his eyes closed listening to everything.</div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vergil Tanner</strong> on <strong>14-02-2015, 21:41:46</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww181/ninjabreadman1993/Dragon%20Agetrade_%20Inquisition_20150128001607_zpsyvaq12th.jpg)<br>(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww181/ninjabreadman1993/Avvy1_zpsqbjmr9np.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Kas.<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Rookery ---&gt; Skyhold Great Hall ---&gt; Skyhold Garden<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Juliette, Kain, Alec.<br><br>It doesn't take long for Kas to reach the base of the tower that is home to the rookery, Alec's "base of operations." Whilst it's never been made formal or official to the best of Kas's knowledge, the location at the top of Skyholds main tower has always been where the Spymaster's office resides, all the way back to the first Spymaster of The Inquisition, the fabled Lelianna. There is never much furniture up there, the majority of the space belonging either to the ravens or the supplies needed for the care of said birds, but from what he's seen, there's enough; there's the inevitable shrine to Andraste some way around from the stairs, there's a desk next to the window facing the stairs and there's a door to the balcony...and that's really all that is needed in an office, he supposes. He did wonder, once, why the Spymaster would locate themselves at the highest point of a tower that very few people ever actually wandered through, seeing as how the main entrance to the Great Hall is always so much easier to access, and how the side door to the kitchens is located directly above the stables. But the more he thought about it, the more he realised that it was the perfect place for a Spy to set up shop; the height allows for the storing of the birds, obviously, and the door to the balcony allows for quick, easy release for the birds. Similarly, the balcony offers an excellent view of most of Skyhold itself and much of the valley below, and is almost inaccessible except to a very determined infiltrator...and infiltrator who will inevitably be spotted scaling the tower if the guards are doing their jobs. Besides the balcony door, there is only one method of entry - the stairs - which the Spymasters desk is usually directed towards...and, the tower being fairly infrequently travelled means that any suspicious individuals walking through it are that much easier to spot and deal with if they become a problem. And even if they do succeed in an attack on the Spymaster, they still must walk through the majority of Skyhold whilst avoiding suspicion in order to escape, which is much easier than simply walking to the front gate from the tavern, for example. <br><br>So, after some thought, the Spymasters position in the rookery makes a lot of sense, if the Spymaster can handle the inevitably unceasing rustle of feathers, cawing of crows and the stench of bird waste. Though he understands that with how regularly servants clean the cages, it rarely becomes an issue for the Spymaster, at the least. Entering the bottom of the tower, Kas turns his head skywards, squinting a little in an attempt to discern movement from the rafters; Alec is known for taking breaks when his writing hand becomes tired, and those breaks frequently take him away from the Spymasters unofficial "office..." understandable, given the noise and smell, but it does make locating him difficult sometimes. And honestly, whilst Kas is more than capable of doing it, he would rather not climb two flights of stairs, then turn around and come back down because Alec is not there. If he can discern some kind of movement up there, at least that would give him some indication as to whether or not Alec is presently in his office. Whilst he can't see any movement, the shadows are thick from where he's standing, so....it's entirely possible that Alec is simply at his writing desk, out of sight. Again, that makes sense; if he was visible at his writing desk, anybody with half decent aim and a crossbow could assassinate The Inquisitions Spymaster without even having to climb the stairs. <br><br>Just as Kas is about to resign himself to ascending the two flights of stairs to see whether Alec is currently in his "office," one of the servants - a young elven girl, perhaps nineteen summers old, lithe with slightly tanned skin, typically angular elven features and short-cut auburn hair - that has been bustling about the room making it clean speaks up. "E-excuse me, serrah," she says timidly. Kas turns towards her silently, eyebrow raising quizzically. "I-if you're looking for Spymaster Alec...I saw him depart some time ago. I-I haven't seen him return yet."<br>Kas nods slowly...yes, that would make sense. As he noted earlier, Alec tends to take walks during his breaks. "I see. Do you happen to know his destination?"<br>The servant girl nods. "I-I believe he was headed towards the gardens, serrah."<br>Kas nods again. Yes...Alec always did like the peace of the garden. "My gratitude, <em>Athlok.</em>* You have spared me a pointless climb." He inclines his head in gratitude, and moves past her towards the door leaving her to resume her duties. See what he means? If you are polite to the serving staff, you can save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run.<br><br>The walk to the garden is not a long one, though it does take him through the Main Hall. He never did like it; too open, too exposed...and anybody storming through the main doors is going to have a direct line of sight at whoever is unfortunate enough to be sitting on the throne at that time...but then, that would suggest that they've breached the main gates, in which case, he supposes that they would have far greater problems than somebody being able to potentially fire at The Inquisitor. And before anybody suggests that The Inquisitor could handle it, he probably could, but...well, it doesn't matter how much training you've had or how powerful you are. The Inquisitor is mortal, just like everybody else, and a crossbow bolt to the eye is a crossbow bolt to the eye, no matter who you are. He slips into and out of the Great Hall as quickly and quietly as he can - though he does register the presence of the Ambassador and the Inquisitor himself addressing an unfortunate 'Vint emissary - you can tell them by the way they stand arrogantly posturing in their rich, pointlessly extravagant clothes; he may not be Qunari any more, but he still harbours a distaste for the 'Vints...they've done too much to him for him to ever really shake that habit - and makes a mental note to seek them out later; both of them will need to be appraised of the changed situation in The Free Marches, and Ostwick in particular, after he has debriefed by Alec. That's the order: Spymaster, then give the Ambassador and Inquisitor the cliffnotes. So, slipping out of the Great Hall as quietly as he entered, he enters the garden.<br><br>After blinking a little in the sunlight - a change from the dank candlelight of Skyhold's interior - it doesn't take him long to spot Alec, sitting on a bench and apparently drifting off to sleep from the way he is holding himself with his eyes closed...of course, Kas knows better. Alec is an accomplished spy and infiltrator, despite his role as a primarily "Scout Spy," and when he appears to be dozing off is the time you are least likely to catch him off guard. It seems like a contradiction, but any spy that has remained alive for any length of time has mastered the art of relaxing but never becoming complacent or too secure in their safety. It's paradoxical, he knows, and unless you're a spy as well, you won't understand. He and Alec go back a surprisingly long way...about a year or so after Kas joined the Inquisition, and a short while after the whole business with the Ben Hassrath had been resolved for good or ill, Alec was recruited into The Inquisition as an intel-Spy. Basically, Alec would survey the local area, gaining intel on terrain and local factions, and would then pass it on to the Agents and soldiers operating in the area for their commanders to use as they saw fit. Kas was assigned to Alec during his probation period in order to keep an eye on him in case he was attempting to infiltrate or betray The Inquisition, and to evaluate his prowess...and he has to say, Alec impressed him. He is a skilled scout and spy, and is almost as good at disappearing into the shadows as Kas is. Almost. Not quite, though. That was five years ago now, and honestly? Kas can see why Alec was chosen as Spymaster. You need somebody who is good at analysing and applying intel, and who better than somebody who used to gather a large variety of intel in the first place? Who else are you going to choose; an assassin? Possibly, since an Assassin is usually required to gather and utilise their own specific intel, but an ex Intel-Specialist is a far better option.<br><br>Regardless, he does hesitate for a moment; Alec is evidently enjoying a break of some kind in the fresh air, and Kas is always loathe to disturb him in these quiet moments. He understands how the job can get to you sometimes, and that's just from an Agents point of view...obviously, the Spymaster has a much, much harder job with far, far weightier consequences. And, unfortunately, it is those consequences that pushes Kas to approach; he must deliver his report soon, so that The Inquisition can act on the new advantage they possess quickly. Obviously he dispatched a raven to inform of his success in Ostwick, but there are always some issues with raven messages...they can't be overly long, since the size of message that the ravens can carry is inherently limited by their relative size and flying ability, it can't give any details other than cryptic comments or coded assurances just in case the raven is intercepted, and sometimes the birds never arrive at all due to bandits, enemy operatives, bad weather or the bird just getting distracted and flying off. The latter is rare, but it does happen. Ravens can be trained, but they aren't the smartest of birds. His message only read a coded <em>"It is done. O is secure. Returning posthaste. K,"</em> but Kas must still make sure that the message arrived. If it didn't, well, they could have a problem. And if it did, Alec will want more details for his inevitable report. It seems that a lot of what the Spymaster does is just paperwork. Important paperwork, but even important paperwork is still paperwork. That is one thing from his days in the Ben-Hassrath that Kas does <em>not</em> miss.<br><br>"<em>Shanedan,</em>** Serrah Alec."&nbsp; Though he is Spymaster, you don't exactly go around addressing him as such. It isn't quite like "Ambassador" or "Commander." There isn't exactly a publicly broadcast rank...at least, not that he is aware of. They do things a little differently here on the Mainland...back in Qunadar, they address each other by their roles, or ranks. Here, everybody has a unique name as well as a rank. It took him some getting used to when he first arrived. Now? Now it's like second nature, though he still slips into Qunlat occasionally. "Apologies for disturbing your rest, but I assumed that you would wish to debrief as soon as I arrived back in Skyhold." He stands before Alec, straight backed, legs set a little apart and hands behind his back....conveniently close to a pair of his small throwing knives. Tiny things, but still useful on occasion. It's an assassins habit...always have a weapon close by, just in case. He stays out of arms reach of Alec, too...he doesn't think that Alec will try to kill him, but that is another old assassin habit; never let anybody close with you unless necessary. The key to hand to hand combat is getting close without putting your target on guard, and he does not intend to get bested, ever. In his line of work, he can't afford to. One mistake could mean death...or worse. "Ostwick is secure. May I assume that you received my Raven?" Not that it matters much if he did or not...but a missing raven could be indicative of something more, so informing the Spymaster that he dispatched one is a precaution that takes maybe a couple of seconds to take, so better safe than sorry.<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>* <em>Athlok:</em> Worker.<br>** <em>Shanedan:</em> Respectful greeting. "I'll hear you."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>la dame en noir</strong> on <strong>16-02-2015, 20:28:09</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i61.tinypic.com/jjryx1.jpg)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Name:</strong> Juliette Augusto<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Great Hall<br><hr><br><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>J</strong></span>uliette rolled her eyes as she watched the Inquistor appear before the both of them. The last thing she wanted was for him to give the Tevinter messenger more fuel for his fire. The young woman let out an agitated sigh before beginning to speak once more. <strong>"Inquisitor, this is Alexander Deviniti...he was just leaving and has no real business here."</strong> She said in a very crass manner. Her patience was wearing thin and even though the Inquisitor seemed to be in happy spirits, she didn't want to have to deal with the man further. Juliette was a diplomat, yes, but she often forgot that couldn't always turn down every Tevintian that walked into the hold. She didn't like them, trust them, or want them around her longer than necessary. <br><br><strong>"Inquisitor, how can you have such impolite and unprofessional people on your right hand?"</strong> the man replied holding back his anger. Juliette did not care of the man's anger and thus ignored his venom. The woman was quite proficient in handling business, but he had no presented his business in a way she felt was respectful. <br><br>Before she can say more, the three of them were interrupted by a gate guard. <em>"Inquisitor, there is a Qunari named Arisehan here to speak with you. Do you wish for us to send him this way?"</em> The guard asked. Juliette grinned happily, now was the time to get the Tevintian out of her face and out the door of skyhold. Juliette looked over the man once more before turning to the Inquisitor to speak. <br><br><strong>"Inquisitor, might I suggest letting the Qunari through? I'm sure he has better reason to be here."</strong> Juliette snapped as she took a look at the man. <em>"I'll be back with the Magister soon, Inquisitor. I do hope you're here to speak with him and not have this woman here to get in the way."</em> He replied venomously before turning on his heel and leaving out the great hall doors.<br><br>Feeling accomplished, Juliette let out a laugh before clearing her throat to speak once again. <strong>"Inquisitor - I say you bring him here...I would also like to meet him."</strong><br></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Juggtacular</strong> on <strong>16-02-2015, 22:13:21</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://25.media.tumblr.com/44f4197ba605fabb8f4c9e48fed2745e/tumblr_mvzmjvJitJ1rnvzt5o1_250.png)</div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Name:</strong> Kain Valerian<br><strong>Location:</strong>&nbsp; Skyhold Great Hall<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Juliette, Tevinter Messenger, Guards<br><hr><br>His own sigh was much more subtle and restrained than Juliette's when she introduced Alexander Deviniti, a name he quickly committed to memory. He didn't know where in the Tevinter class system the man resided, but he was here and seemed to boast some type of power so he was sufficiently high up he decided. It was painfully obvious that Madame Augusto had no affection for Deviniti from how she spoke and her tone of voice. And while he thought she should act more like a diplomat, her hunches about people were startlingly accurate so he'd come to trust her judgement even if he thought she could go about it a bit more tactfully. Like most of the rest of Thedas, dealing with Tevinter was a slippery slope. They had much to offer in the way of resources and trade, as well as considerable power. <br><br>But they'd done so much wrong that dealing with them&nbsp; in the first place wasn't anyone's fondest wish. Even the good ones like Dorian Pavus who'd joined the Inquisition shortly after it was reformed had a hard time because <em>Tevinter</em> carried so much bad it often completely overshadowed the good. But he was the Inquisitor and if this man and who he represented could help the Inquisition, he owed it to not only his own people, but the whole of Thedas to at least hear him out.&nbsp; "Juliette, please. I'm sure you two have antagonized each other quite enough for one meeting. Let's try to make this meeting informative at least if not positive." Alexander asked him then how he could have such a person as Juliette handling such important matters like receiving and dealing with foreign dignitaries.<br><br>"While Juliette can be rather...<em>fiery</em> at times, to call her unprofessional would imply that she is not good at her job, which is the furthest thing from the truth." His head was still pounding, and the words bouncing off the walls as well as the roaring fires and cooked food were all assaults on his senses. Good thing he was used to hangovers at this point. He'd defended Juliette, and before she could speak up one of the gate guards came into the hall to inform him that Arisehan had made his way to Skyhold. He remembered the mission several weeks ago that brought the two together.<br><br>&nbsp;An Earthquake in Ferelden had been so intense that it shook open a passage down into Darkspawn infested areas of the Deep Roads. People were panicking about another Blight, but anyone would when those monsters started to appear on the surface. All of his forces had been otherwise preoccupied so he hired a band of mercenaries to help him stem the tide and&nbsp; to stop the Darkspawn for good. A Grey Warden named Midas was leading the Merc's, and doing a damn good job until he died taking down one of the biggest Ogres Kain had ever seen.<br><br>&nbsp;His death caused a panic though and soon only he and a battered Qunari with even worse looking armor were left to bottleneck the Darkspawn. With his magic and the Qunari's might, they held the bridge until the explosives were ready and escaped right before the massive explosion sealed that tunnel off for good. All in all, the mission had been a success and he'd had a good fight. And since only one of the two mercenaries who had seemed to be worth a damn that day had survived, Kain gave him the full companies pay; he'd even offered him a job after seeing his skills and ferocity in combat. The memories flashed in his mind as clear as day for a few moments before he turned his golden gaze on the Juliette. <br><br>She suggested letting him in, while jabbing at Alexander in the process. He didn't get the chance to cut her off, and the man finally told her he'd simply return with the Magister next time. "I look forward to speaking with him. And safe travels," he said simply, knowing he'd be seen away from Skyhold with no problems. As he left, Juliette laughed and he buried his face in his hand. "Juliette, we've talked about this. You can't insult every Tevinter that walks through those walls. Even though that was pretty funny."<br><br>&nbsp;Sighing, he waited a few moments for a sudden throbbing to subside from his forehead before nodding at her. "I remember Arisehan. Damn good in a fight." He turned back toward the guard and waved him away. "Let him through. He's here on my offer, so he is an honored guest." Scrounging up a smile against the pounding in his head, he found a tankard and poured some water into it. After taking a drink he looked at his diplomat. "Somehow you always end up getting what you want, don't you?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaer Darkwail</strong> on <strong>16-02-2015, 23:08:14</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/165/7/1/qunari_by_victoriadaedra-d690fc0.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Arisehan<br><strong>Location:</strong> Gates of Skyhold =&gt; Skyhold Great Hall<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Kain Valerian<br><hr><br>Arisehan stood silently and patiently in the gates. In manner how still he stood he could had been obsidian statue as he showed no sign of restlessness nor idleness....a constant ready alert state while waiting permission to enter. Then guard who went inform Kain about his presence returned and told the guards to give okay for him enter, the massive gates opened just enough allow him to enter. He walks to the gates and the guard who had talked to Kain said; <em>"Follow me, Inquisitor is at Great Hall."</em> Arisehan nods and follows the guard, he after all seems know way around.<br><br>The guard while leading turned look on his face, to his metal half-mask which covers top of his face. He asks; <em>"What the mask for?"</em> Arisehan did not understand why so many are curious for a man wearing a mask. But he none the less gives a tired sort reply, sort reply he has given hundreds of times for various people in the past; "For protection." The guard quirks eyebrow and says; <em>"It does not look strong enough block a direct hit."</em> Arisehan replies on the comment; "Not from foe, but from myself." This point guard just gives up and shrugs it off as some odd Qunari tradition or such. Albeit mask looks plain on the surface. Like all rest did and leave it at that and Arisehan does not mind it, they would not understand as he neither understands it either. It's just what he is.<br><br>The guard opens the door for great hall and Arisehan enters, he already spots Kain Valerian, talking with a beautiful young woman while holding a tankard.<br><br><em>Either drinking early or he has hangover, one these two.</em><br><br>Arisehan strides forward, still wearing his dark cape with thick fur lines and underneath the same battered and worn mismatched armor and in his back the sword which surpass far greatly quality of his armor. Once at talking distance he stops and nods his head to Kain and speaks; "<em>Shanedan</em>, Inquisitor Kain Valerian. I gave time for your words, I was <em>basra</em>, <em>ash ebasit ari</em>, so thus I answer your offer, yes. I would like join Inquisition, if you still have use for me and my skill with <em>Valo-kas</em>." Arisehan stood towering in seven feet, a good head taller than Kain himself and he is not short for human man. Arisehan's skin was dark, having metallic purplish sort sheen to it and his eyes are pitch black dark behind his simple metal half-mask. Those eyes looked on Kain calmly while Arisehan awaited for his reply and commands if any.<br><hr><br><em>Shandedan</em> - Respectful greeting<br><em>Basra</em> - Nobody, purposeless, a thing<br><em>Ash</em> - Seek<br><em>Ebasit</em> - to be<br><em>Ari</em> - person<br><em>Valo-kas</em> - greatsword
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>johnnyboyboy</strong> on <strong>17-02-2015, 12:06:50</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i.imgur.com/tlYtNOs.png?1)<br><strong>Name:</strong> Alec Emberwood<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Garden.<br>Tagging: Kas<br><hr><br>Alec while having his eyes closed was aware of most things still around him, hearing and feeling the slight changes or noises caused by the wind or birds. Alec sighed a breath of relief, what little moments of peace he could afford he would often take. For him being the spymaster while both a challenge was enjoyable for the most part, the gathering of information and using it was something he was very good at, so far he had only lost a single agent if you did not include the two currently missing, and that was due to a sickness rather then a direct action.<br><br>His ears picked up someone moving around ahead of him, not sensing any real danger he remained still and unmoving. "<em>Shanedan,</em>** Serrah Alec." Alec relaxed ever so slightly at the familier voice and his eyes opened to see Kas. "Apologies for disturbing your rest, but I assumed that you would wish to debrief as soon as I arrived back in Skyhold." he nodded, having as much reports and information of the world and keeping it updated was important, try march an army on a bridge only to find out it was destroyed yesterday and now you have to pass through the mountains to get to your target would be a real hassle and you might be ill equiped for such a task. "Ostwick is secure. May I assume that you received my Raven?"<br><br>Alec shifted on the bench to lean in forward resting his arms on his legs "That is correct" he said with a half smile "How fairs Ostwick, and your mission" Alec was sure that the report would yield what he wanted to hear, Kas was one of the better agents he had.</div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vergil Tanner</strong> on <strong>17-02-2015, 16:53:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww181/ninjabreadman1993/Dragon%20Agetrade_%20Inquisition_20150128001607_zpsyvaq12th.jpg)<br>(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww181/ninjabreadman1993/Avvy1_zpsqbjmr9np.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Kas.<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Garden<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Alec.<br><br>Kas nods to himself. Usually he would have caught himself before doing it, as careful as he must be about physically giving something away, but there is little point in doing so in this situation; he is simply acknowledging that his raven did indeed make it to Skyhold, and any information that could be gleaned from any supposed relief that he had is now rendered useless by his presence here. Of course, he has to be careful about his body language - do the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong place and it could get you or somebody far, far more important than you killed...or worse - but he doesn't worry overly much about it at this point in time. Nobody is likely to figure out the <em>real</em> reason he is seemingly relieved that the bird made it back here in one piece, not if they hadn't been spying on him for a lot longer than just this mission, in which case he would have far more serious problems than just slipping up and allowing himself a visible sign of relief during his debriefing. Of course, slip up once and you could do it again...so it's something to watch, at the very least. Regardless, the raven made it back safely to Skyhold, which means that Alec already knows that his mission was a success and that he can skip that part of the report at the very least. However, he got very little word back to Skyhold during his mission, so the chances are that Alec only knows the overview of what happened...he has agents everywhere, of course, but getting word out of the city of Ostwick until Kas completed his mission was difficult, at best, so...you never know how much Alec already knows and just how much the blackout hurt his knowledge of local affairs. In which case, it's probably best to leave out no details.<br><br>He inclines his head respectfully, before lifting it again to look Alec in the eye. "Once I arrived, I succeeded in tracing the trouble back to the <em>dathrasi</em>* self-styled Merchant-lord Vitelius Armiani; he was blackmailing the Viscount in order to secure his own trading interests. Apparently, the Viscount prefers the....company...of men." These mainlanders and their fascination with homosexuality. Back in Qunandar - he stops that thought cold. Best not think about that right now. The point is, though, that these mainlanders put far, far too much stock into who is doing what to who. So long as they do their duty and produce an heir, who cares where else they desire to employ their tools? "It appears that Vitelius feared The Inquisition's influence would lead to a downturn in his personal profits. A sensible fear, I discovered, when I identified several illegal substances hidden in one of his shipments." There were all kinds of black market products present in his fleet; illegally harvested spices, the skins of several protected species, a few cases of raw, unprotected lyrium...in one crate, he even discovered several unhatched wyvern eggs. Naturally, he turned over most of the cargo to the Viscount as evidence of the Vitelius's crimes to aid in convicting his co-conspirators and underlings, but he <em>did</em> claim several of the products as compensation for The Inquisition under the authority that they were far too dangerous to allow to fall into civilian hands. Hence, the lyrium is now en-route to several of The Inquisitions Templar and Mage allies, and the Wyvern eggs are undergoing (armed) study. He understands a few of The Inquisitions dracologists believe that Wyverns - if raised from hatching - could be "broken" as steeds in a similar manner to Dracolisks. Whether they are correct or not, only time will tell. <br><br>He reaches into one of the pouches on his gear, and fishes out a sealed envelope. "This is a complete list of the illicit products concealed in Vitelius's cargo. Items in red are what I managed to secure for The Inquisition. As for Vitelius..." He pauses, and looks around. The garden is still mostly clear, but he just had to make sure. "...he will no longer be a problem. His co-conspirators were arrested and jailed, and The Inquisition now possesses Ostwicks gratitude. The situation in The Free Marches is <em>asit tal-eb.</em>**" He isn't about to say that he assassinated Vitelius in public, after all. After the arrest, Vitelius began attempting to pull strings to gain his freedom...at which point, the Viscount discreetly requested Kas's aid in "disposing" of the problem. Kas made it look like a suicide, of course, which is why he can't just admit to the assassination, even to Alec. Not out loud, of course; hopefully Alec will pick up on his omission of Vitelius himself being arrested and infer the rest on his own. The method isn't important; what is is that Kas was discreet and that now, The Inquisition has information on Ostwicks Viscount that can be used to their advantage. He reaches into the same pouch as before, and pulls out another sealed envelope. After taking a moment to display the envelope in its entirety to Alec, he places it in the same hand as the manifest, and hands them both to the Spymaster. "A full written report of the mission, including agents uncovered and material evidence of the Viscounts preferences." His report was long enough; he's not about to bore Alec with a full lecture on his mission...that's for the written report. The purpose of this debrief is to give Alec the footnotes of the mission, and relay any important information that may have changed since writing the report. He falls silent, hands returning to their position behind his back as he awaits Alec's assessment, or questions. Now that the verbal report is finished, it is time for further questioning, if Alec requires it.<br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>*<em>Dathrasi:</em> An animal comparable to the pig. Used as a derogatory term for over-indulgent individuals. <br>**<em>Asit tal-eb:</em> "The way things are meant to be."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>johnnyboyboy</strong> on <strong>20-02-2015, 01:28:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i.imgur.com/tlYtNOs.png?1)<br><strong>Name:</strong> Alec Emberwood<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Garden.<br>Tagging: Kas<br><hr><br>Alec sat in silence while Kas gave his report, listening intently analyzing each bit of information. It was just as he expected in all honesty. Kas suceeded in what he had been tasked to do and thensome. Alec had only expected Kas to have done the task required and maybe if the Viscount felt so inclined give a small token of reward such as a sum of gold or the like, but Kas being as good as he is knew what to do better. Not that Alec said but the Wyvern eggs had interested him greatly and would have to see about checking on the Dracologists findings and investigating himself as to if what they say about them is true or not. <br><br>Alec noticed as Kas looked around the garden before saying about Vitelius and being quite secretive about it. It was understandable afterall not many would want to announce to killing someone, Alec knew all to well how fast word travels about anything of importance or rumor. Kas then handed to him the Manifest and the envelope of the full report he nodded with a smile "Ma serannas*"he said putting them in one of his inner pockets to review later. "Well Kas, you and i both know i could keep you with more questions about this, but i know everything of importance is in the report" he said patting his left side&nbsp; "Also im sure you had a long trip and would like to relax and such now, i will send for you if i need anything else he said standing up "Better get back to it now, although i left stuff to the others i will have to make sure their work is correct and approve it" he sighed and began to walk, he stopped as he just passed Kas and turned his head back "Oh, and welcome back" he said smiling as he resumed walking.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>------------------------------------------------------<br>Ma serannas - My thanks (Thank you)</div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>la dame en noir</strong> on <strong>20-02-2015, 05:46:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="floatleft">(http://i61.tinypic.com/jjryx1.jpg)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Name:</strong> Juliette Augusto<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Great Hall<br><strong>Tagging"</strong> Kain &amp; Arisehan<br><hr><br>Juliette was still bliss when Kain began to speak to her. She ignored him, as usual, but not completely. <strong>"I did not insult him, I simply tested his will and it seems that it is weak."</strong> She spoke confidently as she smiled at her achievement. Sure, she could do with calming down, but she wouldn't be Juliette without her blunt attitude. She wasn't always this this bad, but she had her moments where she could be quite unbearable. Juliette's startling hazel eyes, caught glimpse of Kain's before rolling them annoyingly. <strong>"Anyways, seems that you have work to do and I do believe a Qunari would be a great addition."</strong> She said happily, hoping that the Qunari was a little more pleasant than the Tevinter messenger.<br><br><strong>"Welcome to Skyhold, Arisehan. I am Juliette - the Inquisition Ambassador. Though you're here to speak with Kain. Let me know if the pair of you need me, I will be in my work room."</strong> Juliette gave a slight nod, glancing up at the rather tall Qunari male and then a smile at Kain. <br><br>She turned on her heels gracefully, leaving the great hall and to the left where her work area could be found.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Juggtacular</strong> on <strong>23-02-2015, 17:15:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://25.media.tumblr.com/44f4197ba605fabb8f4c9e48fed2745e/tumblr_mvzmjvJitJ1rnvzt5o1_250.png)</div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Name:</strong> Kain Valerian<br><strong>Location:</strong>&nbsp; Skyhold Great Hall<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Juliette, Arisehan<br><hr><br>Everyone had their good and not so good qualities. You just had to take them as they were, and that's what he did with Juliette. He valued her input, skill, and instincts far more than her attitudinal issues bothered him. Even though her attitude itself didn't even really bother him that much personally. <br><br>"That's what you say, Juliette. So I have no choice but to believe you," he responded in a way that let her know that she didn't really need to go into effort to explain things. He knew how she was, so it was unsurprising that she had less than kind things to say about a Tevinter. The first thing he noticed when the Qunari showed up was that he still had on that same hodgepodge armor Kain had seen him in before. It was just different scraps of metal all held together by twine and ingenuity. <br><br>They'd have to get him some proper armor after everything was made official. After Arisehan introduced himself, Juliette pointed out how Kain had work to do and hoped the Qunari would make a good addition to the Inquisition. "I <em>always</em> have work to do. And I've seen him fight. He'll make an excellent addition to our forces." After that she introduced herself to the Qunari before making her leave. <br><br>But not before he returned her smile and winked playfully at her. "Welcome to Skyhold, Arisehan. And by joining us you will no longer be nothing. You will represent one of the greatest forces for good and peace across Thedas in many centuries. You will represent the Inquisition." His piercing gaze remained locked on Aireshan as he spoke. "I do still have use for your sword, as do the people of Thedas. So I bid you welcome and officially mark you a member of the Inquisition. Welcome."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaer Darkwail</strong> on <strong>24-02-2015, 01:36:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/165/7/1/qunari_by_victoriadaedra-d690fc0.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Arisehan<br><strong>Location:</strong> Gates of Skyhold =&gt; Skyhold Great Hall<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Kain Valerian, Juliette Augusto<br><hr><br>Arisehan silently noted Juliette's introduction, giving her a nod but still waiting Kain's reply to his words. As Juliette walked away, a whisper spoke inside his mind.<br><br><em>She has beautiful body, wonder could she take you entirely in on hilt? What sounds she would make when you do it so?</em><br><br>Arisehan mentally brushes the voice away like minor annoyance as it is. But his dark eyes did notice Juliette's body and in simple terms voice was right, it was beautiful. But he had no active thoughts to follow voice's suggestion to try things out that manner with her. It after all tries tempt him try that every pretty girl he happens come across. As Kain started talk his eyes focused on his as he listened. Arisehan then nods and replies; "Thank you Inquisitor Kain, where I may serve Inquisition now?" Albeit asked in calm tone, there was hint of excitement in Arisehan's voice when he asked where he could be in service.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Skyhold - Downtime IC </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vergil Tanner</strong> on <strong>24-02-2015, 15:40:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww181/ninjabreadman1993/Dragon%20Agetrade_%20Inquisition_20150128001607_zpsyvaq12th.jpg)<br>(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww181/ninjabreadman1993/Avvy1_zpsqbjmr9np.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Kas.<br><strong>Location:</strong> Skyhold Garden ---&gt; Skyhold Interior<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Alec, Juliette. <br><br>Kas inclines his head as Alec passes him by, but doesn't otherwise move; the dismissal is about as clear as can be without a phrase such as "begone," "leave us" or "piss off" being added into the mix, so he has absolutely no desire to follow Alec back to his place of work. His report has been given, and even though Kas had perhaps hoped for a moments conversation to catch up with the Spymaster - they are, after all, fairly old friends from before Alec even became a high-ranking Agent of the Inquisition - he can understand that the job is extremely high-pressure and that only the occasional short breaks are allowed. The chances are, Alec has a mountain of paperwork to get through, and Kas's own report simply reminded him of his duties that required attending. He has no doubt that Alec will seek him out later for a further chat, or that he will soon be given another mission, so he doesn't take the abrupt dismissal all that personally. He watches Alec leave the garden and, for a moment, muses over Alec's suggestion that he might want to unwind; Alec <em>does</em> know Kas, right? Kas's idea of relaxation is ensuring that his quarters are as assassin proof as he can make them, and then settling down to maintain his equipment. Being an assassin isn't a profession, it's a way of life, and "switching off" the instincts of the craft - trust nobody, never let your guard down, watch all the access points and plan an escape route for every eventuality, regard those around you with healthy suspicion etc etc - is next to impossible when they've saved your life as often as they have for Kas. Of course, he won't deny that a chair in a semi-warm room doesn't sound too bad after weeks of driving rain and snow on horseback...whilst he prefers a slightly-below-body-temperature room for its lack of relaxing elements (it is far, far too easy to drift off and become lethargic in a warm room), he'll take a slightly too warm room over the freezing temperatures of the Frostback wilderness. Both scenarios could result in mistakes and death, but at least the too-warm room means that he's comfortable and not in danger of losing his fingers. <br><br>However, he can't retire to his quarters and await further orders <em>just</em> yet. He's delivered his Mission Report to Alec - who will no doubt pass on the relevant information to the correct parties - but given Alec's likely mountainous volume of reports to wade through, he thinks it prudent to inform the Ambassadorial Advisor, Madame Juliette, of his success and the alteration of the political landscape in Ostwick sooner rather than later. At least then, she won't have to hear it second hand in a weeks time, when the information is perhaps less valuable. Alec likely passed on his news of success from his raven, but considering the lack of details in that message, he thinks it sensible to clarify some of the finer details with the Inquisitions head politician. He obviously won't share any of the finer details of his mission - the details that are to be passed on to the Ambassador is up to Alec himself - but Madame Juliette should probably be informed of his return as soon as possible. If nothing else, she should be aware of The Inquisitions new standing with the Viscount of Ostwick before any Ambassadorial overtures are made by either party...if she knows that they negotiate from a position of strength, he imagines it will be easier in the long run. An even-ground envoy is far, far different to an envoy from a position of strength, or so he understands. In that way, at least, politics is a lot like warfare, or espionage; you behave very differently if you're acting from a position of weakness. To that end, he turns his back on the direction that Alec departed in, and makes his way back inside Skyhold proper. He slips through the passageways easily - he long since memorised the layout of the fortress - and soon finds himself climbing the stairs from one of the lower levels to Juliette's office, located just outside the War-Room.<br><br>He turns left at the top of the stairs, pushes through the door...and finds an empty office. He frowns momentarily; is she not done with the 'Vint ambassador? From what he understands of Juliette's temperament, she doesn't hold much love for the Northerners, and usually doesn't make much time for them unless absolutely necessary, let alone a lowly-ranked one such as that snivelling bureaucrat. Oh, he doesn't know that 'Vint's position for certain, but spend enough time in Espionage, and you tend to get fairly skilled at reading people...the agents that don't get skilled get dead instead. It was in the way he held himself; puffed-out chest, as if he thought himself important, but leaning on his back foot as if intimidated or getting ready to flee at the first sign of danger. Always looking up at Juliette and Kain, and from what he could see, playing reactionary to their movements. A high-ranking Magister of the Imperium would have better form in a political duel, Kas would imagine. At the least, he would stand tall and not give any ground to the Inquisitor or the Ambassador, as preening and arrogant as the 'Vint Magisters tend to be. After a moments pause as he takes a few steps into the office, Kas resolves to turn back and investigate to see whether Juliette is still in the Great Hall; if she is, he will simply await her pleasure off to the side, and intercept her when she disengages from whoever she is verbally sparring. If she isn't in the Great Hall, he will see if anybody within knows where she was headed. He turns to leave her office...when he hears the door he just came through opening. He takes a small step back to set himself in case of a rush-attack and his hand goes to his waist, ready to draw one of his knives. The room is too small for a bow to be used effectively, and if the new entrant to the room desires to close the distance quickly, he wouldn't have the time to knock and fire an arrow with any great precision and would then be at a disadvantage using a range weapon in close quarters; in an environment like this, a knife is what you need. Kas coils himself as the door creaks open...<br><br>...and forces himself to relax as the elegant form of the Inquisition Ambassador steps through the doorway. He straightens, his hand falling away from his dagger - though not all the way; you never know what magical illusions an intruder <em>could</em> be using; there was this one time in Antiva where a Mage had managed to cast an illusion on herself to make her look like a free-standing lamp in order to hide in a disused store-room - as he stands at attention. He takes a small step back and to the side, just in case...besides, he doubts she wants to have to walk through him to get to her desk. "<em>Shanedan,</em>* Ambassador," he begins respectfully. Whilst not the head of the Spy network or commander of the armed forces, she is still his superior and deserves the same level of respect as the other two Advisors...besides, Juliette is adept at eviscerating people with words as the Commander is with swords and Alec with poison and subterfuge. Best not to annoy her. "I was just intending to seek you out." He stops there. He doesn't doubt that Juliette knows of his mission in Ostwick, and the fact that he is here already tells her that he has returned, so to tell her that he has just returned from Ostwick would be extremely redundant. Instead, he finishes with "Might I have a moment of your time, if it pleases you?" Whilst the tone is characteristically flat, to the point and rather gruff, it is said with an appropriate level of respect and deference. It might surprise you to hear such manners from an assassin, Kas has learned from experience that you should always be polite to those in power above you. He is usually relatively laconic with his speech, but if a few extra words earns him some goodwill from his superiors, than it is worth the time. The Mainland is not like Qunandar; back home, you greet somebody, say what you need to say, then leave. Here, it's all pomp and circumstance...whilst he may personally find the flowery dialect distasteful, the occasional diplomatic language has its place. He is, after all, requesting she make time for him. The least he can do is to ask <em>respectfully.</em>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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