contact part deux

[bouchonne]

if this were modern times byerly would probably make you listen to total eclipse of the heart before you were able to leave a message

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[venenifer]

I thought I might make a proper introduction, seeing as Project Haven is overseen by the Diplomacy office.

[He glances around quietly, taking in the room.]

Are there any specific concerns you have regarding Chantry relations?

[bouchonne]

[ It's a nice enough office - comfortable and pleasant. Definitely the sort of place where someone could be lulled into a little too much relaxation. ]

Oh, I have many concerns. Please, sit.

[ He gestures to a comfy-looking armchair. ]

[venenifer]

[Gideon nods and goes to sit, but his posture remains as rigid as ever, and he doesn't seem to relax into the chair whatsoever.]

What's on your mind?

[bouchonne]

First -

[ Byerly folds his hands. ]

Tell me about yourself.

[venenifer]

[Well that's easy.]

I'm from Redcliffe. I have worked as a Chantry medic since before the Fifth Blight, which, as I'm sure you know, ravaged the area.

[bouchonne]

[ Hm. ]

One of the hardest-hit places of all. What brought you to the Chantry?

[venenifer]

I studied physicking and herbalism under my parents, and the Chantry hospital needed all the hands it could get. Even before the Blight had ended, I knew deep inside that to serve the Maker was my calling.

[bouchonne]

How did you know that?

[venenifer]

What?

[He's a little surprised by the question.]

That I was to serve the Maker?

[bouchonne]

[ A nod. ]

[venenifer]

I suppose it's rather... what I imagine falling in love to be like. An idea that grips your heart and won't let go. The only satisfaction to be found in your life is acting in its service.

[It's possible he's never thought this hard about it before, as evidenced by the occasional pause between words.]

[bouchonne]

And have you found that satisfaction? Are you happy in your work?

[venenifer]

Yes.

[Spoken as drily as anything else: if Gideon ever feels strong emotions, it's unlikely any person sees them.]

[bouchonne]

Hm. You don't seem to show much joy when you say that.

[venenifer]

Excuse me?

[bouchonne]

[ By imitates him passably well when he intones: ]

Yes.

[venenifer]

[what.]

Are you mocking me, Ambassador?

[bouchonne]

Oh, absolutely not. You'd know if I were mocking you. I do not make a secret of it.

[venenifer]

Then what is your intention here.

[bouchonne]

To learn more about you.

[venenifer]

And to judge what you hear, by the sound of it.

[The walls are officially up, even if his tone remains cordial.]

Is there anything else you'd like to know?

[bouchonne]

[ A shrug. Well, it was nice while it lasted. ]

So what is the nature of your current work?

[venenifer]

[Back to business.]

I have been attending to the wounded in the infirmary since arriving in the Gallows. With this new appointment, I will be continuing that work and increasing outreach to the clergy known to us in Kirkwall and the surrounding area. Sister Sawbones has made a few suggestions.

[bouchonne]

Such as?

[venenifer]

[He gives the names because I don't know them :V]

...and the Revered Mother, who it seems spends most of her time in Tantervale rather than overseeing her parishioners in their struggles here.