[Woah now, Val thinks (but in Orlesian). This is a conflict.
On one hand, he immediately feels a sort of pride and honor to be asked. Because what scholar does not like to be credited for their knowledge, their great and superior expertise in some field? But on the other hand, Thranduil, who she names so casually. Val's new rival, a rivalry that has a keen edge, for all that it is very, probably, one-sided. How is it that some rifter elf should swoop in and steal Val's position when he was said to be dead? It is the height of unfairness. Val is cut about it.
And speaking of elves: Beleth is an elf. But not an entirely bad or a disagreeable one, and elves are very much in fashion now, as friends and companions, if one wants to be very shocking and controversial which Val, of course, does.
A storm of emotions, a hail of feelings. Val is conflicted.]
I do not require Thranduil to agree.
[First of all! Less offended--]
You truly wish such a thing? You are wise, to see that my assistance would be helpful to you. And I would never refuse such a request so immediately as you may believe. Now, please--what is it that I would be contributing to, exactly? What would I be advising? I have many expertises, of course, and a great many resources, as you have so identified.
[ Beleth would be feeling a great deal more disagreeable if she knew of some of Val’s thoughts. Luckily for everyone, especially her, Beleth can’t read minds. So she patiently waits for him to sort out his moral quandary.
It’s amazing how Val can say things that are perfectly true and even wise, and you still want to disagree with him about it. She’s not sure if she’s more amused or irked by his words, but they deserve a thought out answer. ]
I do wish such a thing.
You would aiding me by offering your opinion, knowledge, etc, on matters that I bring to your attention. Which would be most of them, save perhaps the ones that are...under tight security. [ She doesn't need his opinion on assassinating people. ] And attend division head meetings with me, where we discuss various important matters and try to decide what course will be best to take for all of us.
[ The next topic is approached almost reluctantly. She hates to admit these kinds of things, and to someone like Val--but there is no good in lying. ] As for topics...It's hard to say what will come up, exactly. But you've read many things, and seen many things. I...spent most of my life in the forest. I've...spent a lot of time trying to catch up. I know enough now to know just how little it is that I truly know. I suspect there are many topics that I'll be asking you to expound on.
[ It's dizzying, really, to realize just how massive the world is, outside of the small, isolated world of her clan. It's something that still strikes her, even now. ]
For instance--we will be holding a meeting soon to discuss how to start rectifying the tensions between Kirkwall and the Inquisition, particularly the rifters. I've little experience with the nobility of Kirkwall, and how they might be appeased. That's something I would welcome your opinion of.
[Because Val is placated, largely, by how honest she appears to be. He must be reading it correctly, this honesty. She speaks at length, but she does not ramble the way a liar might. And she is correct: he does have knowledge of worlds far outside of the forests of Thedas, and knowledge of a few forests as well.
So:]
Nobility is but a construct. Nowhere is this more true than Kirkwall. There is a legend that once a dog of Kirkwall was elevated to high stature among the nobles, and granted titles. And that, though it may surprise you, is not a joke about the men of Kirkwall being dogs. It was a real dog.
[Talk about easing tensions between Kirkwall and the Inquisition, eh.]
Yes, you were very right to come to me. I am your most valuable resource, I am certain of it. Even if I have very little desire to attend these meetings any longer.
[ Well, that's not what Beleth had been expecting to hear. It's a surprise--not the truth of it, Beleth could have told you that the whole human concept of nobility is some stupid concept that shemlen made so they can get away with doing horrible things to other people. It's surprising that Val would say so. Had she underestimated him--?
And then he speaks again. Nevermind. ]
Perhaps Kirkwall has more in common with Fereldans than previously estimated. [ That's a joke. Because. Dogs. ] Thank you, I'm glad that you'll help me. But you...don't have to attend meetings, if they discomfit you. I can just relay what was spoken of, if that would make you feel easier.
I am certain that if we were to turn to the recorded lineages and histories of this rotting husk of a city, we would find plenty of references to intermarriages. Some even between Free Marchers and Fereldans.
[Instead of just, u know, the people and the dogs. This is a joke.]
It is less that meetings discomfit me and more that they are exceedingly boring. If you consider drool and paralysis a discomfit, then perhaps your terming is correct. I have always detested meetings. I think I have attended only five in my entire life, and one of those was actually a family dinner.
Please, do not tell me that you like meetings so well.
[ Despite herself, she giggles. Val making jokes she can actually appreciate should probably be illegal. ]
It's not that I like meetings, as much as I like getting things done in an efficient manner. How else would all of the leaders be able to discuss our goals and roles therein? Play hot potato with sending crystals?
Perhaps you can attend one with me, and see how you fare. If it's unbearably boring, then I will only call on you to attend when it's absolutely necessary.
Efficiency. [He says it like a dirty word.] The turnkey of creativity!
[O! The sadness. Val's entire tone would not be out of place at a deathbed.]
Speak nothing of character. I have plenty of it. If I built any more, I would hardly be able to fit through doors. In the interest of this work of ours, I will attempt a meeting. A single meeting. I make no promises of how long I will last at it, and if I should die--truly die, this time--you must promise to conduct my body to Freddie and Jeannot.
I don't think the Inquisition will run on creativity alone. Not well, at least.
But if you truly die, I will do as you ask, you have my word. Only if you truly die though. And I'll be checking. If you fake your death without telling me again, I'll bury you and let you figure out the rest.
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no subject
On one hand, he immediately feels a sort of pride and honor to be asked. Because what scholar does not like to be credited for their knowledge, their great and superior expertise in some field? But on the other hand, Thranduil, who she names so casually. Val's new rival, a rivalry that has a keen edge, for all that it is very, probably, one-sided. How is it that some rifter elf should swoop in and steal Val's position when he was said to be dead? It is the height of unfairness. Val is cut about it.
And speaking of elves: Beleth is an elf. But not an entirely bad or a disagreeable one, and elves are very much in fashion now, as friends and companions, if one wants to be very shocking and controversial which Val, of course, does.
A storm of emotions, a hail of feelings. Val is conflicted.]
I do not require Thranduil to agree.
[First of all! Less offended--]
You truly wish such a thing? You are wise, to see that my assistance would be helpful to you. And I would never refuse such a request so immediately as you may believe. Now, please--what is it that I would be contributing to, exactly? What would I be advising? I have many expertises, of course, and a great many resources, as you have so identified.
no subject
It’s amazing how Val can say things that are perfectly true and even wise, and you still want to disagree with him about it. She’s not sure if she’s more amused or irked by his words, but they deserve a thought out answer. ]
I do wish such a thing.
You would aiding me by offering your opinion, knowledge, etc, on matters that I bring to your attention. Which would be most of them, save perhaps the ones that are...under tight security. [ She doesn't need his opinion on assassinating people. ] And attend division head meetings with me, where we discuss various important matters and try to decide what course will be best to take for all of us.
[ The next topic is approached almost reluctantly. She hates to admit these kinds of things, and to someone like Val--but there is no good in lying. ] As for topics...It's hard to say what will come up, exactly. But you've read many things, and seen many things. I...spent most of my life in the forest. I've...spent a lot of time trying to catch up. I know enough now to know just how little it is that I truly know. I suspect there are many topics that I'll be asking you to expound on.
[ It's dizzying, really, to realize just how massive the world is, outside of the small, isolated world of her clan. It's something that still strikes her, even now. ]
For instance--we will be holding a meeting soon to discuss how to start rectifying the tensions between Kirkwall and the Inquisition, particularly the rifters. I've little experience with the nobility of Kirkwall, and how they might be appeased. That's something I would welcome your opinion of.
no subject
[Because Val is placated, largely, by how honest she appears to be. He must be reading it correctly, this honesty. She speaks at length, but she does not ramble the way a liar might. And she is correct: he does have knowledge of worlds far outside of the forests of Thedas, and knowledge of a few forests as well.
So:]
Nobility is but a construct. Nowhere is this more true than Kirkwall. There is a legend that once a dog of Kirkwall was elevated to high stature among the nobles, and granted titles. And that, though it may surprise you, is not a joke about the men of Kirkwall being dogs. It was a real dog.
[Talk about easing tensions between Kirkwall and the Inquisition, eh.]
Yes, you were very right to come to me. I am your most valuable resource, I am certain of it. Even if I have very little desire to attend these meetings any longer.
no subject
And then he speaks again. Nevermind. ]
Perhaps Kirkwall has more in common with Fereldans than previously estimated. [ That's a joke. Because. Dogs. ] Thank you, I'm glad that you'll help me. But you...don't have to attend meetings, if they discomfit you. I can just relay what was spoken of, if that would make you feel easier.
no subject
[Instead of just, u know, the people and the dogs. This is a joke.]
It is less that meetings discomfit me and more that they are exceedingly boring. If you consider drool and paralysis a discomfit, then perhaps your terming is correct. I have always detested meetings. I think I have attended only five in my entire life, and one of those was actually a family dinner.
Please, do not tell me that you like meetings so well.
no subject
It's not that I like meetings, as much as I like getting things done in an efficient manner. How else would all of the leaders be able to discuss our goals and roles therein? Play hot potato with sending crystals?
Perhaps you can attend one with me, and see how you fare. If it's unbearably boring, then I will only call on you to attend when it's absolutely necessary.
And endearing hardships builds character.
no subject
[O! The sadness. Val's entire tone would not be out of place at a deathbed.]
Speak nothing of character. I have plenty of it. If I built any more, I would hardly be able to fit through doors. In the interest of this work of ours, I will attempt a meeting. A single meeting. I make no promises of how long I will last at it, and if I should die--truly die, this time--you must promise to conduct my body to Freddie and Jeannot.
Agreed?
no subject
But if you truly die, I will do as you ask, you have my word. Only if you truly die though. And I'll be checking. If you fake your death without telling me again, I'll bury you and let you figure out the rest.
no subject
[Well.]
Not idly, at least. You must trust me that it was a choice of sheer necessity.
no subject