[Instead of yelling he offers her a gracious smile and takes the seat.]
Thank you.
[Then, after a moment,] I wanted to talk in person. First, I want to thank you for the apology and let you know that I accept it fully. Leliana explained a bit about where you are coming from, so I understood it.
[He inclines his head a bit, acknowledging that she shouldn't and showing that he's grateful that she realizes that. It's not a movement of judgement, more of acceptance.]
I wanted to see you in person to discuss it because I... I want to ensure something like that doesn't happen again. Shortly after all of this, my cousin, Pel Ashara, was attacked by a low level solider.
I'm not saying that you don't have the right to punish people who do the Inquisition wrong. I welcome that because I believe that we're doing good work here, my only concern is sending a message that elves are acceptable targets. I was going to offer to help you to make sure that doesn't happen again, but I'm not sure if you'd welcome my help. I don't want to overstep.
[ Cassandra listens, pressing her lips together in a thin line at the news of the attack. She's silent for a moment, doing her best to choose her words carefully. ]
Regardless of the - tone of the letter, Cyril, the message I meant to send was a true one. Galadriel's imprisonment was based solely on her own actions, and her arrest was never meant to implicate anyone other than herself. [ She meets his gaze steadily. ] Anyone targeting innocent elves, as I assume your cousin was, is acting without orders. The Inquisition does not condone such things, nor will it tolerate any further incidents.
It is...it should not have to be your responsibility, or any elf's, to keep your people safe. Not from the Inquisition. Not when we are meant to act as your protectors. I will take full responsibility to ensure such a thing never happens again.
[ Which all sounds very nice, but - She hesitates, trying to calm herself, the cold rage that had threatened to overtake her at the news of her own people acting against those they were meant to defend. She sympathizes with Cyril, with his request. Of course he wants to do all he can to protect his own.
Cassandra would have wanted no less, and she would not have been nearly as polite and forgiving about it. ]
However, the Inquisition is not infallible, as has been made clear. If you wish to help, I am certain the Inquisition can only benefit from any perspective you might be able to offer.
[Her rage is reassuring, actually, and he finds himself relaxing a bit. He would want not to be the subject of it, but seeing it directed towards injustice reassures him that he made the right choice in not blaming her for her actions.]
I'd like to. [He leans forward a bit, offering her an expression that is open and sincere.] Every action we take will be examined and re-examined, certainly by everyone living now and likely by the history books. We all have to work together to make sure the story they tell is a good one.
I think the thing that offended me most about your letter, which I understand you know was a mistake so I'm not angry at it anymore, was the implication that what happened to Lady Galadriel had no impact on elves living in this realm.
Other people are not as able to separate Rifter elves from Thedosian elves. To them, all of us are one people signified by our pointed ears. What happens to them affects us, and what happens to us affects them while they are here. I wanted to make sure you and the other leaders of the Inquisition understood that.
[ Cassandra has her own opinions about how they might be viewed by history, and especially how little control any of them have over such things, but she keeps them to herself.
She presses her lips together, annoyed that Cyril insists on bringing up the letter again - but mostly annoyed at herself, and her own shortsightedness. She had truly not seen how the rifter's imprisonment could possibly affect the elves of Thedas, but now - ]
Do not worry on that account. Sister Leliana understood it from the start. She tried to warn me, but I... [ She shakes her head. ] I did not listen. I did not understand, until very recently.
[ She meets his eyes, her gaze sharp. ] I will not make the same mistake again. But you also must understand, Cyril. I am tasked with the protection of those who come to Skyhold seeking refuge, your clan included. If I see a threat, I must act on it.
Galadriel has been set free, for now. But if she, or any elf, any person, threatens the safety of those under the Inquisition's charge, the Inquisition cannot stand idly by. If she acts against us, her status as an elf will not protect her. The Inquisition will do all it can - I will do all I can to ensure that innocents are not unfairly blamed or accused for actions that are not their own, but that is all I can promise.
[A pause, and then with sincerity.] So, thank you.
I have probably taken enough of your time today. It was a pleasure speaking with you though, if we have a reason to I'd love to discuss something more pleasant next time.
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no subject
Thank you.
[Then, after a moment,] I wanted to talk in person. First, I want to thank you for the apology and let you know that I accept it fully. Leliana explained a bit about where you are coming from, so I understood it.
no subject
[ She nods slightly, not at all eager to discuss just where she had been coming from. Or any of this at all, really. ]
But...I am grateful. That you understand.
no subject
I wanted to see you in person to discuss it because I... I want to ensure something like that doesn't happen again. Shortly after all of this, my cousin, Pel Ashara, was attacked by a low level solider.
I'm not saying that you don't have the right to punish people who do the Inquisition wrong. I welcome that because I believe that we're doing good work here, my only concern is sending a message that elves are acceptable targets. I was going to offer to help you to make sure that doesn't happen again, but I'm not sure if you'd welcome my help. I don't want to overstep.
no subject
Regardless of the - tone of the letter, Cyril, the message I meant to send was a true one. Galadriel's imprisonment was based solely on her own actions, and her arrest was never meant to implicate anyone other than herself. [ She meets his gaze steadily. ] Anyone targeting innocent elves, as I assume your cousin was, is acting without orders. The Inquisition does not condone such things, nor will it tolerate any further incidents.
It is...it should not have to be your responsibility, or any elf's, to keep your people safe. Not from the Inquisition. Not when we are meant to act as your protectors. I will take full responsibility to ensure such a thing never happens again.
[ Which all sounds very nice, but - She hesitates, trying to calm herself, the cold rage that had threatened to overtake her at the news of her own people acting against those they were meant to defend. She sympathizes with Cyril, with his request. Of course he wants to do all he can to protect his own.
Cassandra would have wanted no less, and she would not have been nearly as polite and forgiving about it. ]
However, the Inquisition is not infallible, as has been made clear. If you wish to help, I am certain the Inquisition can only benefit from any perspective you might be able to offer.
no subject
I'd like to. [He leans forward a bit, offering her an expression that is open and sincere.] Every action we take will be examined and re-examined, certainly by everyone living now and likely by the history books. We all have to work together to make sure the story they tell is a good one.
I think the thing that offended me most about your letter, which I understand you know was a mistake so I'm not angry at it anymore, was the implication that what happened to Lady Galadriel had no impact on elves living in this realm.
Other people are not as able to separate Rifter elves from Thedosian elves. To them, all of us are one people signified by our pointed ears. What happens to them affects us, and what happens to us affects them while they are here. I wanted to make sure you and the other leaders of the Inquisition understood that.
no subject
She presses her lips together, annoyed that Cyril insists on bringing up the letter again - but mostly annoyed at herself, and her own shortsightedness. She had truly not seen how the rifter's imprisonment could possibly affect the elves of Thedas, but now - ]
Do not worry on that account. Sister Leliana understood it from the start. She tried to warn me, but I... [ She shakes her head. ] I did not listen. I did not understand, until very recently.
[ She meets his eyes, her gaze sharp. ] I will not make the same mistake again. But you also must understand, Cyril. I am tasked with the protection of those who come to Skyhold seeking refuge, your clan included. If I see a threat, I must act on it.
Galadriel has been set free, for now. But if she, or any elf, any person, threatens the safety of those under the Inquisition's charge, the Inquisition cannot stand idly by. If she acts against us, her status as an elf will not protect her. The Inquisition will do all it can - I will do all I can to ensure that innocents are not unfairly blamed or accused for actions that are not their own, but that is all I can promise.
oh wow i'm so sorry to be so late on this.
[He says this seriously, and the promise weighs a little heavily on him.]
We are trying to save the world. That burden can't be an easy one to shoulder, but someone must.
np
Let us hope that will never be the case.
But I thank you for your understanding. And for...being willing to listen.
no subject
[A pause, and then with sincerity.] So, thank you.
I have probably taken enough of your time today. It was a pleasure speaking with you though, if we have a reason to I'd love to discuss something more pleasant next time.
no subject
[ Everything went better than expected. ]
Be well, Cyril. If the Dalish have further concerns, they will not be ignored.