inbox.

[assistente]

written correspondence preferred. please don't leave complaints here.

Comments

{ action because is he gonna turn down food? no. }

[zombra]

[ True to her word, Tessa just shows up one day with a basket like she's freaking Red Riding Hood. As soon as she sees him, she starts talking. ]

So I said to the cook, I said "What have you got that's easy to carry with me?" and he's like "I made stew," and I was like "Uhh, I can't carry stew. Don't you have those Thedas Hot Pockets? You know, meat pies or whatever?" And he was like "Nope. It's stew today." So I had to get a basket and risk spilling the whole way, but anyway, have some stew and bread and butter.

[ And with that, she sets the basket on the edge of his desk, so hopefully she's not displacing any papers. ]

Whatcha working on?

absolutely would NEVER turn down food

[assistente]

Ah--

[Salvio's startled look fades into--well, something a little less startled at least. Visitors or other members of Base Operations entering and exiting the office are not unexpected. Occasionally they might address comments to Salvio. But Tessa is very direct and comes bearing a basket and that takes some reorienting.

Tessa. Basket. Food, as she promised. Yes, it all begins to catch up now. Salvio sets down his quill and just manages to tug aside some of the paperwork that would have been dangerously close to the corner of that basket.]

Hot... [Pockets?] I mean, thank you. For the basket of stew, which is-- impressive, that you managed to carry stew in a, um. Basket.

[It smells good, Salvio thinks. When did he last eat? Breakfast, yes? Or was that yesterday's breakfast?]

Hm? Oh--it is a proposed, uh, survey. A small thing. Designed to assist with the placement of Rifters into projects and divisions. I have only just started on this, the fourth draft.

crystal b/c im lazy;

[ebeje]

[ fuck what was his name— ]

Seneschal. [ ... :) ] My name is Max. If you are not otherwise engaged, I should like a moment of your time.

[assistente]

[Who? What? Yes he is otherwise engaged, he is always otherwise engaged, but also--]

Yes? [No. Wait.] Uh, that is. Yes, now, if you-- Um, the base operations office has a suitable space for. For a meeting. Unless you prefer to discuss--as this.

But now, yes.

action;

[limier]

Seneschal,

[ hello salvio! good morning salvio! someone's remembered that he exists long enough to drop in unannounced, and loom in his doorway brandishing one of the magical books.

her tone is exceedingly polite, or might be if it didn't involve brandishing a book. ]

How are security measures progressing?

[assistente]

Nnna.

[--Surprised, strangled, stifled. Salvio is seated at his worktable, and so thoroughly engaged in his paperwork that his surprise at this address is completely genuine.]

--Ah. Yes, c-- That is-- Commander, I-- [A templar, a fucking templar, Commander Coupe, the templar, in the base operations office, holding one of the experimental Compendiums as if to use it as a weapon, and Salvio shrivels back in his chair.] They are, um. They... progress.

not-at-all-mysterious-orders-because-anonymous-envelopes-might-be-construed-as-a-threat

[matchymatchy]

[ When Salvio wakes, he’ll find that he’s received orders from Skyhold to review a few Inquisition suppliers around Kirkwall of importance to the scouting division. The Scoutmaster is also requested to attend.

The list is beautifully calligraphed, and limited in its scope; the vendors selected are all located in Hightown. First there’s a florist, then a vintner, a perfumer, and finally a maker of hardwood desks.

There are no other customers, and the reception of a Dalish elf and a mage — even those of minor status — is unusually warm: No hovering faces or worries that they’ll pocket the silver. They are followed, first by a very persistent man playing the violin, and then small children tossing petals in their path. They don’t really look where they’re throwing (faces, eyes) and if Beleth and Salvio don’t keep track of their coinpurses, those will vanish with the flower girl. She's eight, she claims her name is Darling, and she does the biggest saddest puppy eyes.

OOC Note: Beleth is played by Ema. Feel free to play out a thread, handwave things, or ignore it entirely, but check with each other first! ❤ ]

[skulltasm]

[ It’s in Salvio’s bed, this time. Neatly tucked between the blankets and the pillows, so it might be mistaken for just one of those bed lumps. You know how common bed lumps are, right? ]

[assistente]

[Bed lumps.

Salvio sees it, and thinks, That is not a pillow, but he has this thought just as he is pulling back the thin blanket, so it is too late, really--

(His bed is one of standard issue, situated in one of the dormitories. By some illusion, it might appear narrower than the others, meager and mean. But it is probably just that: an illusion. All of the beds are the same. Painfully, regimentedly the same.)

The blanket drops off of the rounded curve of the jar, the final veil in a horrible striptease that no one asked for. Salvio recoils in horror.]

Wha-- What are you-- What--

[heirring]

Behold, a package left on in his chair. It is exactly that last thing she does before running down to the ferry slip to catch her boat and go capering off to Nevarra. Hopefully nothing terribly happens, or this will be a truly bitter Satinalia gift indeed.

This, as it just so happens to be beneath the plain paper wrapping, is a cushion meant for whatever chair is most convenient but ultimately sized for the one it has been left in. It's a pale color, more blue than grey, and features a simple embroidery pattern of flowers. They are not espcially botanically correct, but they are very sincere. The note says:

Seneschal—

Please take this opportunity while so many of us are away to sit down and put your feet up on the spare stool while I am away. Happy Satinalia!

Best Wishes,
Ms. W.A. Poppell

P.S. I've re-indexed all the reports from 9:42 using a more streamlined filing system, detailed in the attached twelve pages. Please let me know how you care for it.

[tender]

Also deposited on his desk prior to the Nevarra expedition—

A package, neatly wrapped in brown paper and bound with twine, containing an encyclopedia on insects in Thedas, a wooden desk puzzle of moderate difficulty, a small bottle of dark Antivan rum, and a soft, exceptionally warm woolen shawl in varying shades of gray. A small bouquet of embrium is set on top of the package, with a little note. unsigned:

Happy Satinalia, Seneschal. I hope at least one of these items is to your liking.

letter.

[luaithre]

Seneschal Salvio,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Marcus Rowntree, former Senior Enchanter of the Starkhaven Circle. I have recently committed myself to Riftwatch's cause and preside now in the Gallows as a part of the Forces division.

I am writing you with the intention of making myself useful to the organisation between such times when my combative skills might be of use. As a ranking member of a former Circle, I have adequate experience in tending to the needs of a diverse organisation of individuals. In the past, this has manifested as basic education (both children and adults), holding personal counsel with troubled individuals, and creating opportunities for merriment and/or liesure.

As Seneschal to Riftwatch, I imagine you best placed to understand the current needs of its populace and suggest how those needs could be met by someone such as myself.

I anticipate your response gladly.


Many thanks,
Marcus R.

a letter, in return

[assistente]

Senior Enchanter Rowantree,

It is with great pleasure that I read your letter and it is with great pleasure that Riftwatch receives you to our number. We are bolstered by the presence of any new member. Those that take interest in our work are appreciated. Those that come to our ranks with a keenly developed interest such as your own is greatly encouraging to our cause as well as to me, as seneschal of Riftwatch.

As to your specific inquiry and set of skills: I can think of many uses and many ways in which you would be an asset to this organization. In particular I will say that Riftwatch has established a position of 'morale officer'. This officer holds responsibility for the organization and operation of activities, events, and opportunities for members of Riftwatch to find merriment and leisure and to create a more cohesive atmosphere of teamwork and camaraderie among our number. I see opportunity for teaching within the scope of this work.

I hope in reading this meager description you understand the great importance of this position and the work that it would manage and do not take any offense at this suggestion. I would be pleased to speak more with you on the matter and to answer any question, either by corresponding as we are now or in conversation. I may be found in the base operations office and would make the time to have such a conversation, should it be preferable.

And there is much work to be done so if the position that I named does not interest you, please express this thought in whatever method you prefer and I will provide a list of others.

I and Riftwatch thank you for your interest and your presence here with us, and look forward to your response to this letter.

-Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo, of Riftwatch

a note;

[badbeliever]

Seneschal,

I am Sister Héloïse recently come to Kirkwall from Orlais and informed by Sister Sara that you are the person to direct my query.

I wish to procure some hens. To ensure I have eggs for trading since eggs are a valuable commodity to, please forgive my words here I have been running about in the small hours, unscrupulous merchants charge small fortunes for basic goods and things such as eggs are then more valuable to them, without having to deplete our own stores. Is this a thing that would be allowed? I wasn't sure of the rules in the Gallows when it comes to these matters.

a note, in return

[assistente]

Sister,

I hope this letter finds your accommodations within the Gallows, and that you are well.

I will submit your query of hens (some) and will see that the paperwork is processed on the usual timeline. I do not see why any objection to their purchase would be raised.

To clarify: from our offices, you require:

- allocated space in which to build hutch/yard,
- small sum to purchase the chickens
- materials with which to build hutch/yard
- some combination of the above

Please select one of these and enclose with your reply. Please detail within your reply the number of hens, previously referred to as "some". You might also find a form within the Base Operations office to complete this request.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, as is your forethought to ledge this query with the Base Operations office.

- Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo

action;

[katabasis]

[Riftwatch's Commander turning up in the middle of the day, unannounced and looking grim, is probably nothing to be concerned over.]

Seneschal.

[assistente]

[Salvio, midway through his reach to grab his ink bottle, fumbles so thoroughly that he knocks the ink bottle over. Against all odds, he knocks it toward himself. A great black bloom of ink spreads over the page that he had been writing, and he jumps to his feet as if scalded, knocks his knees against the bottom of the desk, jars the whole scene as he stumbles back.

And all this before a second word from Commander Captain Flint.

Good thing there's nothing to be concerned over.]

I-- Yes. Sorry. Let me just-- [Fall in a hole and be buried alive--with frantic haste, Salvio grabs for the inky page and folds over the end, trying to contain the blotch.] Um--yes? Cap, um, Commander? How may we assist?

action; etc

[sulahnan]

[ It's after a brief, dubious glance around the Seneschal's office that Athessa lets herself in. Had to make sure that manky old Skull wasn't around. ]

Seneschal, [ Far less familiar than her usual greeting. ] I've got a manuscript from the Sister for you, it's about uh...the establishment and upkeep of beehives. And since she's ill and bored, she's looking to read some of the newer scholarly papers we have and some books, too. Any recommendations?

[ She sets the manuscript on the desk, tucking the library book she's meant to return for Sawbones under her arm. ]

[assistente]

[Salvio surfaces from a deep sea of forms, blinking rapidly as his eyes refocus from page to person.]

Oh? Oh--yes. I see. Very-- very good, I-- um, your pardon-- [He casts about, then finds the little cloth that he was looking for, right beside his elbow. Quickly he takes it in hand and wipes the worst of the ink stains from his fingers, and reaches for the manuscript.] Very good. Thank you, Sulahnan. Um, the-- yes, I have some items that I have set aside. I will fetch them.

[But first, he has to take a moment to beam down at the manuscript. Very good.]

Have you read this?

action, when it rains it pours;

[heirring]

[It is not irregular for Miss Wysteria Poppell to make an appearance in the Seneschal's office. She is, allegedly, and despite the occasional evidence to the contrary such as the radical sabotage (re-indexing!) of long established filing systems and extended (and often one-sided) conversation on matters that have nothing at all to do with the work in question, meant to be assisting. What is irregular is that she sweeps directly to Savlio's desk rather than her own overflowing table and promptly takes ownership of the chair across from him.]

Good afternoon, Seneschal. Are you well?

a good rain

[assistente]

[So used to Poppell clattering in to the office and occupying herself, and so used to that personal occupation requiring very little, if any, of particular attentiveness from him, Salvio does not realize that Poppell is seated right before him until he happens to glance up from what he is reading, and--

Oh. She is quite close. Somewhat startled, Salvio leans back in his chair, and blinks owlishly at her.]

What? I-- yes. Good afternoon. [? afternoon ? He looks to the windows. Yes, there is the sun, warmer and oranger. Well.] What is... Do you need something, Poppell?

Note

[okayimin]

Seneschal Salvio,

Enchanter Issac has requested that I obtain permission from you for a mural to be painted in the infirmary. As I have not the slightest idea how to go about this, I will rely on your opinions on the matter. The Enchanter recommended some manner of flowers that hold significant meaning.

Respectfully,
Sister Sara

[assistente]

Sister Sara,

Your request is appreciated, and has been processed and approved. A space of 60 to 100 feet has been allotted for this mural.

The list of those completing the work should be submitted prior to its work so appropriate notations might be made in Riftwatch records and the ledger. The list of supplies needed can be submitted to the Base Operations office and will be approved within the usual timeline. Appropriate funds will be allotted.

Likewise the subject of the mural should be submitted prior to its work; "...some manner of flowers that hold significant meaning", would be acceptable.

The office of Base Operations looks forward to the completion of this work.

I hope that this response finds you will. Forgive me for the personal inclusion.

-- Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo

WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE

[nonvenomous]

Seneschal,

I’ve recently transitioned into the Research division, and will soon be departing on a mission to document some unusual phenomena within the purview of Project Felandaris. I have been tasked with compiling detailed records of our observations and findings, both during the mission itself and in longer form after it. I was told to inquire with you directly about the acquisition of a stock of paper to this end.

- Richard Dickerson

[assistente]

Dickerson,

Base Operations has a ready supply of paper in our storeroom. There is a requisition form that is available in our office and must be completed to secure a stock in advance of a mission.

The normal processing time for such a request is 1-2 days. Expedition of stock requests are possible with approval and clearance.

In light of your unfamiliarity with the process, this office has begun the form on your behalf. Its finalization for submission is dependent upon: certain details, your signature.

Your compliance with this process and your work are greatly appreciated.

- Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo

action?? inasmuch as it ever is with skull

[skulltasm]

[ One day in Salvio's office, after a reasonably lengthy lull... ]

DO YOU FANCY YOURSELF A SUBSCRIBER OF CONSEQUENTIALIST ETHICS, SALLY? OR ARE YOU A DEONTOLOGICAL MORALIST?

good.

[assistente]

Um.

[Salvio's pen scratching comes to a stop. His eyes unfocus on the page as he turns the words over in his mind--then glances over at the Skull. Not that he will get much help from looking at it, but.]

A subscriber of... Er, I am--not familiar with 'deontology'. Consequentialism would be--the ethics of consequences?