[ His first instinct is to argue. His second instinct is to say that there's no need for him to warm up, as he's been talking to people and thus pained all day. By the time he's thought through both those instincts it's been a pretty long pause and he gives up on both of them. ]
[ She waits patiently, and assumes he's chosen to practice silently, out of courtesy to not sigh in her ear. How polite. When she speaks again, there's less humor, but it's replaced by nervousness, of all things. ]
I...want you to be my advisor. Officially and everything.
--You can refuse if you want, of course. You're under no obligations. But. I think you would be well-suited for it.
[ There's another super long pause. He doesn't sigh during that pause, but mainly out of contrary spite. Now that she said he would, he can't. Them's the rules. ]
If they did notice it would be an interesting experiment. Who does Thedas hate more?
—elves, I assume, but there's value in objective proof.
[ A much shorter pause this time. He has a lot of problems, but self-esteem—at least with regard to his Professional Capabilities—is not among them. Unlike, apparently, eighty percent of the people here, he fought in a war before this one, and spent most of it at the side of a leader. Complaining, mostly, but that's almost the same as Advising. ]
[ Mostly because she doesn't want to hear them bickering about mediums vs spirit healers while they're trying to deal with a sudden deluge of a thousand orphan scarves. ]
Well, there will be a meeting soon, to discuss the information that I've collected on the current...strained opinions of the Inquisition, from the citizens of Kirkwall. And what might be done to alleviate tensions.
If you'd like to go over the information with me and see what you think, that would be helpful. And I'd also appreciate it if you would attend the meeting with me, as well.
[ At least Beleth makes everything sound optional?? ]
[ Alleviating tension isn't Kostos' strong suit. As if to demonstrate, he is quiet for a possibly uncomfortable length of time while he debates explaining that alleviating tension isn't his strong suit, and whether that would be a step too far toward sounding like he doesn't want to do it. ]
[crystal]
[ A beat, then less formally: ]
I'll give you a few moments to warm up your pained sighing before I continue.
no subject
I... appreciate the courtesy.
no subject
I...want you to be my advisor. Officially and everything.
--You can refuse if you want, of course. You're under no obligations. But. I think you would be well-suited for it.
no subject
Did everyone else not want to report to an elf?
[ #onbrand ]
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No, I just figured that no one would notice some jerk mage missing after I used you for a ritual blood sacrifice.
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—elves, I assume, but there's value in objective proof.
[ A much shorter pause this time. He has a lot of problems, but self-esteem—at least with regard to his Professional Capabilities—is not among them. Unlike, apparently, eighty percent of the people here, he fought in a war before this one, and spent most of it at the side of a leader. Complaining, mostly, but that's almost the same as Advising. ]
All right.
no subject
For future reference: when you attend division head meetings with me, feel free to ignore Iskandar. Everyone else does, as well.
no subject
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And Anders.
[ Mostly because she doesn't want to hear them bickering about mediums vs spirit healers while they're trying to deal with a sudden deluge of a thousand orphan scarves. ]
no subject
[ Anders is all right. But they would probably fight about spirits, yeah. ]
Is there anything you'd like me to do now, or should I just be ready to tell you when I think something is stupid?
no subject
Well, there will be a meeting soon, to discuss the information that I've collected on the current...strained opinions of the Inquisition, from the citizens of Kirkwall. And what might be done to alleviate tensions.
If you'd like to go over the information with me and see what you think, that would be helpful. And I'd also appreciate it if you would attend the meeting with me, as well.
[ At least Beleth makes everything sound optional?? ]
no subject
I'll... do what I can.
no subject
That is all anyone can do, Kostos. Thank you.