lionheartedman | IC Inbox

Lord Alexander Luthor, the blacksmith from the Free Marches working in the Undercroft now, read that we needed resources here in my pamphlets and came to work.

G.V.

A difference made, and because of your words. You keep this up and perhaps we won't be so outnumbered for long.

C. Rutherford

I wouldn't doubt what you can achieve as you are, but I would be delighted to contribute in even a small way to making it a bit easier.

G.V.

You make a very large contribution. You spend your energy thinking of how you can help. Even if it doesn't always work out, the fact that you keep trying matters.

C. Rutherford

I feel quite unequal to the praise, but I'm glad to know that it means something to someone besides myself. Morrigan proposed the work, originally - I suppose I want to make her proud of me.

G.V.

There are plenty of people who are proud of you. I hope you're able to be proud of yourself from time to time.

C. Rutherford

( even in a letter, where cullen can't see the thing her face did or how she crumpled his note up and threw it away - and then flung herself across the room to find it again and painstakingly smooth it out, tuck it between the pages of a book she judges least likely to be picked up casually by a visitor to her rooms - these aren't words she feels equal to answering. not today, at least.

but jim doesn't return empty-handed; gwenaëlle sends him back with a soft piece of fabric that someone (gwenaëlle) has taken the time to painstakingly embroider the inquisition's sigil onto, wrapped around a small box containing pen and ink pot set of a higher quality than the one she saw on his desk the last time she visited.

the ink pot has been opened, and the pen dipped; she hadn't planned on giving gifts. still, it's mostly unused. )

[Cullen doesn't have a gift to send back, and he's not the kind of person who gives things that aren't personal. Gwen's gift may not be intended, but it's thoughtful. So Cullen takes the ink pot from his desk and seals is up, places it on an out of the way shelf. It's not a bad one. He'll either be able to use the ink when the new pot runs out, or he'll find someone who needs it. The current pen also gets put away in favour of the new one. It's a finer tip than he's used to, but it's beautifully made.

He smiles, and sends Jim off.

At some point the next morning, while getting Puppy his exercise, he slips a piece of parchment under Gwen's door. A simple line drawing made with his new pen. Thanks.]

( there's no response, but Jim does eventually hear servant's gossip about one of the Orlesian ladies requesting a frame for a picture of a mabari, of all things. going native? )

Why are we surrounded by fuckwits? Don't answer that. I spoke with my cousin but he's crawled up the arse of his high horse and there's no reasoning with him - I'm going to see Harriman. Aleron won't deal with Coupe and I understand because I detest the woman but she knows politics so I do think someone should -

( has he even heard. probably, the rumors are rife already, else she wouldn't have heard. )

I will let you know how Harriman goes. Eat something.

I feel very certain I only know half the story here. I also feel very certain I don't want to know the other half. If you think you have things in hand, I trust your judgement.

This can not happen again, and it must be dealt with. It's unacceptable. We have to live in this city.

Can I have that bit about my judgment in writing?

( she's probably not serious. )

Coupe has Harriman by the scruff. I may have gently blackmailed Forces to see that she continues to have the freedom to manage him. I promise to come to you instead of following through if there's an issue.

( even if pulling the trigger on her threats would be a lot more satisfying -

but she sounds much calmer, so it's as in hand as it's getting. )

Cullen.

This is Inezia. It appears those of us who went along have been moved to a finishing school. Lady Pheme is "most offended" by our behavior. We are being asked to learn how to properly conduct ourselves.

I already dislike how well-bred ladies of this land are expected to ride horse back. There is a style of riding in which we must sit with both legs over one side of the saddle gripped about a strange handle?

It's awful and I hate it. That is one thing I plan to find a way to ignore. There is something slightly wrong about this place but I am not concerned. I noticed there are others here from backgrounds similar to mind.

If I have to mount an escape should things turn bad I know exactly whom to call upon.

Stay well. Stay safe.

- Inezia HF.

I have ridden in a similar manner, but only out of necessity and for a short time. It is not easy. Are you expected to ride that way all the time? You should not learn if you do not want to. It can be very dangerous, even for an experienced rider.

Should you begin to feel unsafe there, I trust you will tell me.

C. Rutherford

The way it is designed it looks like that is the only way they expect a lady to be seen riding. Apparently ankles are so attractive men might faint or something silly. They are overly concerned with controlling women and what they are doing. That seems more likely to me. So far it has not been terrible. I suspect I will be irritated by the end however because I am not from this kind of background. These people are ridiculous. Inezia HF.

When you return, if you would like to hit something, I will take you into the forest and we can beat up a tree. Perhaps not with your frying pan. We would not want to start a fire. Might I suggest a rolling pin? They seem quite formidable here. Or I could give you lend of my sword.

C. Rutherford

I do not wish to be responsible for a forest fire. I did once hac to improvise and use a chair to stop a bar fight. I may not be built to throw down with my hands but I am not afraid to try either. It is still funny years later that my friends dumped someone into the rain bucket to help me out. Halflings do not enjoy being dunked. That said? Thank you. I may have to take you up on that. They gave us balancing a book on our heads to show what could posture we have! This is so infuriating. - I. HF

What happens if the top of your head is not flat?

And what were they half of? The person who went in the rain bucket.

C. Rutherford

I think it's a point in keeping you back and shoulders straight at all times? It seems pointless. Halflings are a race of people. Little bit shorter than a dwarf, they do not grow beards typically, and tend to never wear shoes. They have very hairy feet. I have also heard them called hobbits? There are actual communities of mixed blooded people. Typically halfelves and halforcs. From human relationships with their others halves. Halforcs tend to be around your size with very unusual coloring and well, tusks. They're a sturdy people and frequently end up having more "halforcs" with each other. We had family in my home village. They were fun. - Inezia.

I am familiar with dwarves.

[ Most of the rest of it, not so much. ]

My world has Dwarves, Humans, Elves, and Qunari. Mixed blood individuals are also possible, as you've described them.

Are humans in your world generally smaller than I am?

C. Rutherford

I am considered exceptionally tall and you make me feel small. We usually do not see humans above five feet and four inches. It is not unheard of. There are so many actual races and bloodlines but for someone like me who is wholly human I am just strikingly tall. You'd stand out moreso. I will say the biggest disadvantage is there are few chairs suited to my height. It must be worse for you. - Inezia.

So a full foot shorter than I am. Goodness, I must have seemed a very strange sight to you when we first met.

Qunari are larger than humans where I come from, and I am tall, but not to the extent I seem to you. My problem is usually beds. My feet end up sticking out.

C. Rutherford

I didn't need to pry and had other things to focus on. At least at the time. I thought to ask but thought it would be a bit late at the time. Got it. You're about the size of the youngest of the Halforc brothers I know. The eldest is approaching a full seven feet. He was a total sweetheart to talk to. Well aware everyone else was much smaller than him. Gunnar wouldn't do well here. Imagine trying to sit in a chair here when you're around six feet and ten inches. I'm only five feet and seven inches. My maid has to customize my dresses because I am so tall if she doesn't I'm flashing everyone. This place is made for people who are much shorter than us! The tubs are awful and hurt my back. I can't imagine what it's like for you. - Inezia

Edited 2023-05-14 23:27 (UTC)

Goodness, yes. Can't have anyone knowing you possess ankles. We might go mad.

The tubs here are absolutely the worst. I miss natural hot springs. I miss indoor plumbing. I miss a lot of things.

C. Rutherford

Ah yes, that is how I will get my next spouse. They will be so distracted by my ankles they'll do anything. Indoor plumbing. I am officially envious. I must have been out in the field for too long if a toilet has me feeling envy. Much of what I was doing was field work. They never warn you about how terrible a bed roll really is. Yet? I miss it. I could see the familiar stars when we weren't in the Underdark. Or hear the horses trying to rest. Our trap finder had this little firebrand of a pony that would shit stir. Ah, enough of my wool gathering. I could keep going on! Now off to attempt to learn "womanly arts". (Fire is still an option.) - Inezia.

response

It seems my maid has decided I needed a horse. He is bigger than I expected when she said "horse". Seems friendly. I have no idea who needs more training. Myself or the horse. Either way my maid seems terribly amused. - Inezia

Do you think this was a kindness or a punishment?

You are a taller than average woman, so a horse best suited to you would probably also be slightly larger than average. If it makes you uncomfortable, and you have not yet gotten attached, I could help you try to find something you feel more at ease with.

Or we can work with what you have.

C. Rutherford

Maybe both. He is a large horse. Honestly his size is better than the horse they had me training with at the school. He is big enough I think my legs won't feel cramped from having to fold a little more. He seems sweet? But also very much a menace. I have counted the number of buckets he has knocked over give a chance. Six. So far. He needs things to keep from getting bored or he makes his own fun. I may have to keep him just because I understand that. - Inezia

Whatever kinship you may feel, if he is that intelligent and that easily bored, do not keep him simply out of a sense of camaraderie. You will need to spend a great deal of time with him, even after he has been trained. He'll need constant mental stimulation, and a great deal of exercise to tire him out.

If you think you can do that, I can come take a look at him for you. Perhaps he and Bay Star can provide one another with company. That is as important for them as it is for us.

C. Rutherford

Wouldn't training him up help with that? It would also get me more comfortable with him and help my overall skill level. Damn. I think Thistle is trying to make sure I don't basically live in the pub. I'd have to spend time training with a horse regardless of their personality just to keep up with what I've learned. I think I can manage this. I do know horses need companionship. I'm guessing company may keep this one from acting up as much. - Inezia

There are horses with temperaments more suited to being left on their own for long stretches of time. It isn't any reflection on you. If you want to keep this one, I can help you train him. Just be sure that's what you want before we start.

C. Rutherford

I'll groom him. Grooming tells you a lot. Plus I think he needs to know me as well. I'll let you know how it goes. At the very least if he doesn't suit me he'll look good for what happens next. - Inezia.

Well he does get bored fast! Also he loves any attention. He's hysterical. While I was grooming him he pulled a ribbon out of my hair. I'm not even mad. I actually like him quite a bit. He knows it too. Calling him Gawain. Maybe he'll pick up better manners with some work. -= Inezia

[ During the lull, Cullen makes a prediction. She's either going to come back and complain about how difficult the horse is to deal with, or she will come back to share an endearing moment and tell him the animal's name. If it is still just the horse, she's not attached, and he can get her an animal a little better suited to her. If she's named it, she's keeping it, and he'll have to get it and her trained up quickly so she doesn't get hurt. ]

When should we put Gawain through his paces?

C. Rutherford

Is tomorrow morning fine? I have to try negotiating for a better pair of chairs this afternoon. I have to work on the pub. Trying to make it comfortable is now my biggest focus and the furniture makers are being utter dicks. About chairs. I don't want to stress the horse out by being stressed. That's not good for either one of us. -- Inezia

Edited (There makes the timeline easier) 2023-06-07 00:18 (UTC)

Tomorrow will be fine.

Let me know if you need me to come stand threateningly behind you and glower.

C. Rutherford

I may need to take you up on that. There is only so much I can handle. I strongly suspect Thistle got me Gawain because I'm starting to get tension headaches doing the set up. Having to handle a horse requires I step back and breath. I actually feel better even though I know this is additional work. Hm. I think I may have to actually get help. To finish some details. There are people who owe me favors. For the rest of it I'm not above bribery. (Do you suppose anyone knows how to paint chairs? ) - Inezia, local Tired Wizard

Having a horse also guarantees more headaches. Thistle might be a little sadistic.

Don't you just get paint and a brush and paint the chairs? Is painting chairs different than painting walls?

C. Rutherford

So she might be a bit mean. Hmmph. Although I admit the fact she has been feeding me tea to soothe my headaches has been welcome. I think. I will feel like this until the end of this set up. I need to apply a finish that helps make cleaning up beer spilled easy. Beer if not cleaned up right can get sticky due to the hops. I am making my life simpler by going over everything again right now. Maybe I should just try making nice with the furniture man. - Inezia

Is that a euphemism? You'll get no judgement from me if it is, I just want to make sure we find ourselves on the same page.

As for cleaning up spills, what about the paint they use on the boats in the harbour? If it can stand up to the ocean, it must be able to stand up to a spill or two.

C. Rutherford

What? Oh. No. I just find that I end up having to use nicer wording with people especially when angry. That is the exact kind of paint I need. It will do the job. Especially since it dries fairly quickly I think? I just know I need to invest in anything that makes upkeep easier. I do not wish to faint from over stressing myself. Unlikely but I would rather keep things simpler and easier. Thank you. - Inezia

You are welcome.

If it's a question of time, I have plenty to spare and I know which end of the brush to hold. I don't believe one needs to know much more than that in order to paint a chair.

C. Rutherford

See, now I am tempted to bribe people with beer to help me finish things. There is this other gentleman who is close to your height? He offered to help me make fixtures for the pub. His father was a blacksmith. Painting is not that hard. It just takes time and smells bloody awful. - Inezia

You have a serious obsession with my height. I might end up with a complex.

Things being boring, taking time, and smelling terrible are not huge deterrents for me.

C. Rutherford

[ About a minute passes. ]

That last bit didn't come out right. I just meant that things that are unpleasant still have to get done. I don't know much about setting up a pub, but I know I can move a brush back and forth.

C. Rutherford

IC Inbox

a note sent with a runner.

a note sent back with Jim

Jim can take this one too

Jim's a busy man today

Jim's getting his steps in

Jim is going to go down a dress size

Jim's gonna be Thedas' first fitness blogger

Jim is going to have to have his armour taken in if they keep writing each other

Jim can take a break.

crystal; message left.

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