It isn't. [Pel comes up behind Adelaide and starts arranging her hair.] I'm...seeing someone. I'm seeing a Templar. We decided on it last night. Knight-Commander Norrington.
[Pel answers calmly.] I'm seeing a Templar. Who is on the Templar council. I am also a Councilor, but for the mages. Do you think I won't fight hard enough if the Templars try to encroach on our liberties, because I am seeing one of them?
I'd imagine you would fight harder for it, if I am to be perfectly honest- but Pel. [ She reaches up to gently pull Pel's hands away from her hair so she might turn and face her properly. ] Norrington. Truly? This seems a bit sudden.
Have you both considered how this might look? I know you. I know you would not stand for any attempt of coercion or make attempts to curry favor with the Templars. Others do not know you near as well. [ Those that did not wish anything to do with the templars might see this as a betrayal-
But Pel is no Circle Mage and this Council is something new even while there are shades of the Circle that surround it. As an apostate she never had to live with a templar's sword hanging over her head; of course she'd see him as a man before anything else- especially if she found him charming.
How it was she found him charming, she couldn't guess. ] I am going to have to speak with him.
We have. I figure the only thing I can really do is exactly what I've been doing: uphold the things I value, publicly. And be honest. Peoples' imaginations are usually calmed a bit if you answer questions truthfully. We haven't done more than go on a chaperoned walk, really. Pretty boring.
You thought to have a chaperone. [ Her shoulder sag at that, some of the pressure of the situation taken off not only Pel and Norrington- but the remainder of the Council. Fighting for approval and authority is difficult enough without potential murmurs of a scandal. ] This is why I am fond of you. Always so practical.
You will likely need to remain mindful and- I am not going to lie. I have my reservations. I will likely have them for some time more- an I am going to speak to him about this. The situation is delicate with the new order and the Council within the Inquisition- it is delicate for the Inquisition as a whole. We must be mindful as we move forward of...everything.
That's why I wanted to talk to you. We have to be really careful about this, and investigate every corner. I'm not so attached to this relationship that I'm willing to compromise the Council.
I grew up among elves in the Spire. [ She shrugs. ] I am aware that you age gracefully- and that sixteen year olds tend to be a bit shorter and a bit more...I think the term they used most often is 'noodly'.
Which is why I have reservations rather than concerns. Concerns are professional. Reservations are personal and have no weight in the matter. I am worried for you but...I trust that you will handle yourselves accordingly.
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[ It is only that she is facing away and the lack of a mirror in the room that spares Pel her expression. ]
You are what?
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[But pride swells in her to think Adelaide knows she would still fight.]
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But Pel is no Circle Mage and this Council is something new even while there are shades of the Circle that surround it. As an apostate she never had to live with a templar's sword hanging over her head; of course she'd see him as a man before anything else- especially if she found him charming.
How it was she found him charming, she couldn't guess. ] I am going to have to speak with him.
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You will likely need to remain mindful and- I am not going to lie. I have my reservations. I will likely have them for some time more- an I am going to speak to him about this. The situation is delicate with the new order and the Council within the Inquisition- it is delicate for the Inquisition as a whole. We must be mindful as we move forward of...everything.
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But, um. The chaperone was his idea.
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[ It isn't an entirely unbearable idea. ]
He is a bit older, isn't he? [ A bit. A respectable bit at that. ] I suppose I should not be so surprised.
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[She doesn't recall ever telling.]
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