[Modifications, has there ever been a more exciting word? Very few, if so.]
If I tell you what I studied at the University, you will then tell me of these modifications. It is only fair of an exchange. But my particular focuses have always been in zoology--an interest of my younger years, particularly--demolitions, architecture, and then particularly the architecture and construction of siege engines. It is very broad to speak of them in this way--there is a great deal more nuance and topics-within-topics, shall we say, when it comes to these. And smaller topics of which are close to my heart, largely of the interests and studies of my friends. We are very close, you see? We have been upon many research expeditions together. Indeed, if it were not for Corypheus and all that is in the air these days, war and the destruction of our very country, and these things, we would be in the world doing just those things. Instead we are here, and what luck for Riftwatch.
[ Fitz is well past physical therapy for brain injuries and language and all that, but he still thinks: trying to follow a conversation with Val would've been great exercise. As is, he's getting used to it. Helps when at least a few of the words are ones he's interested in. Siege engines!!!!!! ]
Yeah, Corypheus and war and destruction. Very lucky. [ The sarcasm's dry and tired instead of pointed and judgy. That means he likes you, good job. ] Did any of your friends join Riftwatch with you?
Of course. We do nothing without one another. Well, there are a few things that we do without one another, and Jeannot was gone for some time, back to Orlais, but he has returned. He could not stay away. I shall introduce you. We will make an evening of it. Freddie will like you. Jehan likes everyone. He is a Chantry brother. Very pious. Even if you were terrible, he would still like you, this is how great his heart is. An example to us all.
Bu-ut, [a little sing-songy,] before I am to make any introduction, you must tell me what modifications you were speaking of. This is the price of the evening.
[ That's so many people. Struggling to balance the scales between 'loves people' and 'hates the process of actually meeting people' when Val gets back to the deal, he gives a quick and apologetic: ]
Right, yeah. Modifications.
[ He hesitates. What's a little advanced but not like, game-breaking? ]
The ones I've dug up in the armory and around Kirkwall are a bit obvious. Even the more compact designs. I was hoping to figure out something more subtle without range and accuracy taking a hit, and I've got a few ideas from home— and you've seen better during your studies, I'd bet.
two people is "so many people", i'm sorry is fitz me
You are seeking compactness. Something easily concealed. I will say, my designs and interests have run closer to those that would maximize destruction. It is difficult to do that with the small.
But. That does not mean it is impossible. Perhaps that is the amusement of it, yes?
I should be able to help with that. I've worked with more compact technology, it's just that it's dependent on being very familiar with the materials involved. Or how things behave, generally, and I've obviously been studying the materials I've got access to here—
[ There's a whole rant about what's available and the fact that lyrium's still a big ????????, which isn't the point of this conversation, so: ]
Yes, and I am very familiar with materials. My friend, we will make a very excellent pair. Tell me, what is it you are doing?
[On his end, Val is shoving things around on his worktable to make space for--?? Notes, mostly, probably. It is rather late at night, slightly too late for any models.]
It's a bit difficult to explain. It's— drawings would be better. I could explain what I'm after for the materials, maybe, but it'd be more useful if you could see how it's meant to fit together.
Yes, good, drawings, notes, lists--whatever it is that you need, and however you manage to get your ideas down! We will complete this together so that we might be working practically more quickly.
Great, yeah. I'll get some notes together, just keep an eye on your book.
[ val about to discover how incredibly bad at drawing this engineer is when he can't use a computer program to cheat his way through it, rip ]
In the meantime, any research you've got on metals'd be helpful. Strength, flexibility, weight. Or anything else you've done with siege engines and springs, honestly. We'll be working with all the same principles.
Yes, yes-- [Cheerfully making notes on all of that--] There is a great deal on metal that I have researched and can provide readily. I apprenticed with a blacksmith for a time when I was younger--the work was not for me, of course, but to learn the process, its intricacies and the heating and shaping of metals--theoretical work is very fine, but I much prefer to work within the space physical. And springs. A fine thought.
Naturally I cannot take the time to transcribe these into the book for you, but I can provide folios and books for you to look through. I shall mark the necessary and pertinent passages and we can discuss once you have grasped their contents. Of course you will do very well.
The eleventh hour. That is breakfast. We will take it in one of the work rooms, of course, we cannot have such a discussion in the main hall. And be overheard? No. I will see that a champion's meal is laid for us so that we might work straight through.
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[Modifications, has there ever been a more exciting word? Very few, if so.]
If I tell you what I studied at the University, you will then tell me of these modifications. It is only fair of an exchange. But my particular focuses have always been in zoology--an interest of my younger years, particularly--demolitions, architecture, and then particularly the architecture and construction of siege engines. It is very broad to speak of them in this way--there is a great deal more nuance and topics-within-topics, shall we say, when it comes to these. And smaller topics of which are close to my heart, largely of the interests and studies of my friends. We are very close, you see? We have been upon many research expeditions together. Indeed, if it were not for Corypheus and all that is in the air these days, war and the destruction of our very country, and these things, we would be in the world doing just those things. Instead we are here, and what luck for Riftwatch.
And for you.
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Yeah, Corypheus and war and destruction. Very lucky. [ The sarcasm's dry and tired instead of pointed and judgy. That means he likes you, good job. ] Did any of your friends join Riftwatch with you?
no subject
Bu-ut, [a little sing-songy,] before I am to make any introduction, you must tell me what modifications you were speaking of. This is the price of the evening.
no subject
Right, yeah. Modifications.
[ He hesitates. What's a little advanced but not like, game-breaking? ]
The ones I've dug up in the armory and around Kirkwall are a bit obvious. Even the more compact designs. I was hoping to figure out something more subtle without range and accuracy taking a hit, and I've got a few ideas from home— and you've seen better during your studies, I'd bet.
two people is "so many people", i'm sorry is fitz me
But. That does not mean it is impossible. Perhaps that is the amusement of it, yes?
i did think fondly of you while writing it yes
[ There's a whole rant about what's available and the fact that lyrium's still a big ????????, which isn't the point of this conversation, so: ]
But you've been working with them for years, so.
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[On his end, Val is shoving things around on his worktable to make space for--?? Notes, mostly, probably. It is rather late at night, slightly too late for any models.]
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(They won't break anything in Thedas if they introduce them to digital clocks, will they?? But also, a little suspicious in not a bad way—) ]
Nothing. Why?
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Because we must make a start on this straightaway! You will tell me everything you know of making such weaponry smaller, and that will let us begin.
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[ val about to discover how incredibly bad at drawing this engineer is when he can't use a computer program to cheat his way through it, rip ]
In the meantime, any research you've got on metals'd be helpful. Strength, flexibility, weight. Or anything else you've done with siege engines and springs, honestly. We'll be working with all the same principles.
no subject
Yes, yes-- [Cheerfully making notes on all of that--] There is a great deal on metal that I have researched and can provide readily. I apprenticed with a blacksmith for a time when I was younger--the work was not for me, of course, but to learn the process, its intricacies and the heating and shaping of metals--theoretical work is very fine, but I much prefer to work within the space physical. And springs. A fine thought.
Naturally I cannot take the time to transcribe these into the book for you, but I can provide folios and books for you to look through. I shall mark the necessary and pertinent passages and we can discuss once you have grasped their contents. Of course you will do very well.
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That's great, thanks. Should I come to you, or— tomorrow, I mean, after we've got everything together. Have you got anything on for breakfast?
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The eleventh hour. That is breakfast. We will take it in one of the work rooms, of course, we cannot have such a discussion in the main hall. And be overheard? No. I will see that a champion's meal is laid for us so that we might work straight through.
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but also, ]
Eleven AM? [ do they have AM?? ] In the morning.
[ that's brunch. ]
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Is there another?