Adventurers of the Inquisition: A Dragon Age RP (started)

[IFS]

Eventually the excitement of the battle faded and sleep engulfed the town. By the time the party rose the next morning many of the villagers had begun work on repairing the damage caused, though they were happy to help resupply the group for their trek back out of the mountains. In fact most set aside their work for at least a moment to wish them goodbye, by the time they made it out of the village they'd had their hands shaken by almost everyone, and heard "maker bless you" more times than they could count. The last person to wish them well was Arthur, who was still recovering from his injuries but looking quite well considering the condition the abomination had left him in.

"I'm almost sorry to see you go," he said "this has been the most excitement I've ever seen, I don't think we'll ever forget how you helped us out. Don't see too many visitors up here, but anyone we do I'll be sure to tell them what you did for us."

With the storms having passed said trek proved much easier going back than it had been before, though it was still a tiring trip through rough trails that were in places still covered with snow and ice. By the second day hiking back though the sun had melted the worst of it, and they made excellent time back to the Inn where Calien had first hired them. However Calien was not there to meet them and instead they were greeted by a rather strange sight. In his place two men dressed clearly as agents of the Inquisition. As the group approached the Inn they moved to speak with them.

"Ah, you must be the party Calien hired," one of them said.

"We don't know that," the other said to him, annoyed.

"They match the description exactly," the first one said "how many groups containing two Quns, and two dwarves do you think are up in the mountains anyways?"

"I dunno, its a big mountain range," the second said "besides, they're missing a person."

"They were sent to investigate demons, we've lost more people on operations to investigate nugs," the first one said, causing the second one to shudder.

"Don't remind me, I still have nightmares."

The first one sighed and turned back to the party "Were you hired by Calien?" he said "If so we've instructions to gather your report and escort you to Haven."

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"I'm almost sorry to see you go," Arthur said, "this has been the most excitement I've ever seen, I don't think we'll ever forget how you helped us out. Don't see too many visitors up here, but anyone we do I'll be sure to tell them what you did for us."

"It certainly has been an eventful couple of days," Berund agreed with a nod. He added, chuckling, "Just try not to go after any more abominations, right? Best of the vein, friend."



"Were you hired by Calien?" he said "If so we've instructions to gather your report and escort you to Haven."

"Yes, that would be us," Berund stepped forward to answer. He expected the welcoming party to at least be under a roof where they could take a moment to rest and eat. He could feel his stomach rumbling, though thankfully it wasn't particularly loud. "Are we expected to give our report here, or shall we take this inside?"

 

[Athol]

She felt like she?d nearly had her arm shaken off by the exuberant locals, had her back slapped so many times she was sure there was a hand print on her armour, and received one stammered marriage proposal from a little boy; she thought he would burst into flames when she kissed the top of his head. Getting her sword back from the smith she?d been greatly impressed by his skill in re-honing the blade, as well rebinding the grip.

"I'm almost sorry to see you go, this has been the most excitement I've ever seen, I don't think we'll ever forget how you helped us out. Don't see too many visitors up here, but anyone we do I'll be sure to tell them what you did for us."

?Well don?t take this the wrong way boy-o,? She said with a smile. ?but let?s hope that that was the most exciting thing you see. Tangling with demons can have a pretty disastrous effect on your health.? With that, she clapped Arthur on the shoulder, and headed off after Berund.

--------------------------------------------------

Kari nodded in agreement as Berund identified the group, but she couldn?t help but tighten her grip on her sword when one of the Inquisition soldiers mentioned ?escorting? them to Haven. Being ?escorted? by uniformed forces had a tendency to have negative connotations in her experience. ?Aye we?re short one.? She added, doing her best to keep a note of suspicion out of her voice. ?Turns out she didn?t have the nerve for it and bailed on us.? Maker damned drunk?

 

[DarkRawen]

For all it was worth, Ash had slept well that night, and though he still felt rather good, he could feel the influence of the demon again, creeping back into his mind. However, at least the rest helped him be calm as he and the others suddenly were the centre of attention. Ash wasn't skittish, not at all, and he didn't mind talking to people, he could quite enjoy it. That was when it was some people, though, the entire village as well as the mages, shaking and patting his back and praising him and asking and--- he was a bit unnerved by the end of it. Despite his size, he had gotten fairly decent at avoiding attention from 26 years of hiding, sit in the back and ignore the pointing and occasional remark thrown his way.

Maker, please, can't it stop?

The mages especially made him look to the floor, even if what Jacques had said was true, even if they weren't going to hurt him. It took some getting used to. Not to mention, it was... embarrassing having so many people thank you when what you had done amounted to letting a spirit into your body and casting one spell. Embarrassing, yet it felt good, yet he'd wish they'd tell him once at a time, and instead it became mixed with everything else, and he took a breath of relief when they had finally gotten to the last person, Arthur.

"I'm almost sorry to see you go. This has been the most excitement I've ever seen, I don't think we'll ever forget how you helped us out. Don't see too many visitors up here, but anyone we do I'll be sure to tell them what you did for us."

"Please don't mention me then," Ash frowned. "Not, like, in details, not... I'm... happy you're fine. Don't let that pretty face get any more scratches on it, okay?" With that, he stepped away, more eager to face the storm than the village. He knew that once he had let it sunk it... like, a lot, it would feel better, he'd feel like their thanks meant something, but right now it was a little too much.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Were you hired by Calien? If so we've instructions to gather your report and escort you to Haven."

"I can help give the report," Ash said, defensively, stepping a bit away. With what the others had said, he couldn't deny being who they were looking for, but he didn't like the situation. It was barely noticeable to the rest, but for him it meant a straight path to the door and outside, in case they tried to do something. He settled for a somewhat intimidating expression, hostile and suspicious, he had no plans of letting whoever that was taking him anywhere, regardless of if it was the inquisition or not.

An odd change, perhaps, for the rest of the group, but the hostility was more a ruse than anything else, hiding the fact that he was fearing the worst right now. It was, however, an easily seen through ruse.

"But after that I want my money. I don't want to get escorted anywhere by anyone. Not unless you tell me why."

 

[StormShaun]

"Have a meal first please."

"Don't worry, they will bring it up in a second. Surely my ghastly face will encourage them to spice the tasteless stew up." Von chuckled with warmth.

"What use is the past?"

Hearing his courageous comrade speak of such as thing, Von turned his head to the floor and placed hand upon chin. "Ah ... a difficult question as any." He gasped with his former strangeness. Starting to walk around the room, Von's feet stepped slowly, and his eyes met each object. "Of course, the past is something everyone has, and it builds the road to the future ..." The Templar's voice echoed through the room, containing hints of slight bitterness.

"From family to failure, it sticks with us to death." His mutter sounding more distant, as if he saw into the Fade. Swiping his finger across a dusty countertop, Von came to the fireplace. Quickly, he threw a piece of wood into the raging flames. "Even you have an answer to that question. My past has dictated my need for redemption and discovery, and I use these feelings for those goals, like kindle to my dying flame." Von lastly said, before his eyes gazed deep into the fire.

Spinning around back to Jarrett, Von clasped his hands together, fire back into his eyes. "Well then, I better clean up here." He said eyeing the bloody mess on his sword and biting his lip. Yet, before the Templar said anymore, there were three knocks on the door. "Come in, come in!" Von announced from the inside with joy, a smile now spread on his face.

A young girl excused her way in, handling a tray with stew and wine like a professional tavern maiden. "Here my Lord." She said with a lack of emotion, at that moment even Jarrett could see the shocked eyes of Vonr. "Ah ... no, you don't need call me that." He said with gentleness. Taking the tray from the girl, Von placed it by his fire. "As good as any home." He announced, turning back to the girl. "Thank you little missy." Von's voice filled with cheer. With a true smile, he handed over more bronze than usual to his tips.

Looking gleefully at the tip, the girl bowed. "Thank you, thank you sir." She said before rushing out. Which left Von turning to Jarrett. "And that felt like a good award as any." He giggled before opening the door. "It was ... good to talk, thank you Jarrett." Von said, a friendly face and noble tone overtaking his horrifying aura beforehand. With his guest gone, the Templar sat down for his meal.

Before he knew it, sword was polished, armour was shining, and the fire was dying.
Von quickly jot the thoughts of today in his journal before turning in, just as darkness took the room.

[hr]

In the bright morning in the mountains, Von woke up surprised at his surroundings. "At least it isn't a barn." He muttered to himself, at that moment he could feel the warmth back in the skin, yet as usual, the coldness of the mountain nipped at any revealed flesh. Cuddling himself with his cloak, Von hurried downstairs to get his fill of food. The time went faster than usual, and by the time all had gathered for a farewell, Von almost talked up the young lass that gave him his food last night.

Bah, I know, I know. Maker, you can't give me some personal time. Von thought in his head before meeting up with everyone else.

"This has been the most excitement I've ever seen, I don't think we'll ever forget how you helped us out. Don't see too many visitors up here, but anyone we do I'll be sure to tell them what you did for us."

Still in the middle of saying thank you to those that blessed the Maker upon him, Von finally turned to Arthur. "Thank you for all the hospitality ... but if you need assistance again ..." Von's voice trailed off, his mind was filled with doubts, but for once he smiled at them. " ... You can call the Inquisition!" The Templar boldly claimed before turning. His cloak flowed with energy as Von walked by his comrades.

[hr]

The Agents of the Inquisition, it all seemed a strange sight for Von, it was the first time he has seen others from the faction. By the time Berund and Kari has spoken, even Von noticed a light sense of tension between the two groups. Stepping forward, Von gave a strong nod to the two. "Yes, we are that party, and we have fulfilled our contract. As the strong one suggested, one party member abandoned us." Von said, his tone now turned into one of bold confidence that one could usually hear from a Templar.

"Before we do anything, we would like proof of identification. For in the world of today, trust is a most sacred thing." Von boldly asked, his sharp eyes turning on them. In Von's mind though, all he had tried to do was imitate his father who was Knight-Captain, after all, it did run in the family.

 

[IFS]

"Are we expected to give our report here, or shall we take this inside?"

"Turns out she didn't have the nerve for it and bailed on us."

"But after that I want my money. I don't want to get escorted anywhere by anyone. Not unless you tell me why."

"Before we do anything, we would like proof of identification. For in the world of today, trust is a most sacred thing."

The duo both started to speak at once, answering different questions, then paused. The second shook his head, clearly annoyed, but the first shrugged and turned to address Von. He rummaged around in a bag for a few moments before producing a small letter, from the folds of the paper it looked to have been rolled up at one point.

"This will hopefully do as proof," he said "it's the instructions we received from the Nightingale, er, she is the Inquisitions head on such matters."

The note indeed seemed to be instructions, and bore the seal of the inquisition. Simply put it told the two agents, Norton and Pell, to wait at the inn, though anything beyond that was written in some sort of cipher.

"As for your money I'm rather sorry to say we don't have it here," the first one said "that's part of why we're required to escort you to Haven. Simply put Calien didn't have the authority to hire agents to act in his place so we were a rather short notice replacement for him once he was recovered. We were fresh off of another operation and didn't exactly have much money on us. Besides sister Nightingale is interested in getting your report herself."

"That said," the second one interjected "we'd like to hear it now, that way we can be sure you were the ones Calien hired."

His eyes wandered over the group, lingering briefly on Jarrett who was standing back from the others, carefully observing the conversation. He sighed and spoke again.

"Calien certainly hired an odd bunch though, I doubt there are many other groups that would match your description," he said "I have to wonder at how he found you."

"Not like we can talk," the first one said cheerfully "from what I hear the Inquisition recently hired on some mercenaries led by a Qunari, flames I even heard there was a Vint in the band."

The second rolled his eyes "So then, your reports?" he said, then turned to Ash "I trust there will be no issue in coming to Haven for your payment? You'll be free to leave afterwards."

 

[sage42]

Nola stayed quiet as they other voiced their suspicions. No reason for five people to say the same damn thing. Nola grabbed the note first. Her own curiosity getting the better of her. Simple instructions and scribbles. Yup those were orders all right. She handed it back to the men with a nod to the others. "Can't say I'm not unfamiliar with orders from the higher ups. If it makes you feel better I get your suspicions now." She shrugged.

"We went to the village like your friend said. It was getting hit pretty hard by all sorts of things. Most of them stemming from a demon possessed mage. Crazy Wolves, a Giant Bear, A demon made of lava. Even tried to get a drake under it's control." She smiled at that and pulled a scale from her pack. She looked it over, showing the two men the proof of the kill. "That was a fun fight. Got a pretty decent reward out of it even if you don't pay us." She chuckled and put the scale away.

"As for where the possessed mage came from, a group of escaped mages made their way out there to get away from the fighting when they got caught in a blizzard. They lost a few of their own and apparently one hung on long enough for the demon to take notice. From there it tried to raze the village. Whether out of some sorta sick kicks, or if it had better plans, I don't know, it didn't get that far." She finished with a smirk. "I think that's about it, unless I forgot something?" She asked looking back at the group.

 

[DarkRawen]

"So then, your reports? I trust there will be no issue in coming to Haven for your payment? You'll be free to leave afterwards."

Ash nodded, carefully. While he still didn't completely trust these people, orders or no orders, he honestly wasn't looking forward to when they eventually split up. Having people, -someone, anyone- around him was comforting. Well, as long as they weren't there to harm him, of course. He let Nola talk about the events.

"As for where the possessed mage came from, a group of escaped mages made their way out there to get away from the fighting when they got caught in a blizzard. They lost a few of their own and apparently one hung on long enough for the demon to take notice. From there it tried to raze the village. Whether out of some sorta sick kicks, or if it had better plans, I don't know, it didn't get that far. I think that's about it, unless I forgot something?"

"I don't think so," Ash said, not exactly feeling eager to mention what he had done. "A rage demon, the hunger demon, some lesser fade-beings, more than two dozen wolves, a drake..." he counted.

And apparently a bear.

He definitely would've remembered that one. "And a bear. The village should be safe now." With that, he went quiet again, eager to get moving, though not so eager to be left alone.

I do wonder how much that'll get me.

It should be enough for a fairly comfortable bed for at least a couple of weeks. Perhaps he could go home too, though he always felt emptier, more lonely, each time he left. He heard the words leave his mouth before he realized he was still talking.

"Uhm... is the inquisition hiring? I'd like to join. I can do... magic things."

Anything was better than being alone, but Ash still found himself surprised at his own mutterings. Yet, it made sense.

I'm tired of being alone. And I'm tired of hiding that I'm a mage.

 

[Protocol95]

Listening to the situation unfold, Jarrett was unconcerned about the matter of payment. If anything, it could clear up any lingering doubts as to everyone's motive. He was however annoyed once Nola spoke up, up to and including the end of her report.

"I think that's about it, unless I forgot something?"

Jarrett couldn't help but give a frustrated expression as Nola revealed many of the dangerous details early on. It wasn't just that she gave what he saw as an unprofessional impression but that it could give the Inquistion a grasp on the situation firm enough to make their own decisions on the situation. He'd prefer to have greater control over it.

"Uhm... is the inquisition hiring? I'd like to join. I can do... magic things."

Speaking up Jarrett acted casual as he attempted to add to this. "Your magic was of aid to us. Kept good control over the battle." He tried to direct the conversation to avoid the specifics of Ash' abilities and actions. Ash's request did have the benefit of reminding him of something.

"We won't have trouble with the Templars here since he's with us? Are there Templars here actually?" A question he already knew the answer to though.

 

[StormShaun]

"We won't have trouble with the Templars here since he's with us? Are there Templars here actually?"

Hearing the concerns of Jarrett, the party, and the surprising wish from Ash, asking to join the Inquisition, Von decided to speak up. "I've only heard rumors, mostly concerning Knight-Captain ..." Von's words trailed, making him look down as his memories flashed back to his life in Kirkwall, and how he served Cullen back in that career. Finding his voice again, Von cleared his throat. "I heard some things about a possible former Knight-Captain, in fact I served under him before." Von said, gently grabbing the note from Nola.

Opening it up, his eyes remained on the Agents in front. "Even if there isn't a single Templar ... there is now. For I also will join the Inquisition." He announced to the party. Internally the now former Templar only hoped that the rumors were right, for if Cullen were there, certainly some special Templars would rally to him.

Nodding, Von opened up the note, fully gazing over each word. "Nightingale ... I swear I've heard that somewhere, something about shadows ..." He muttered, but his voice trailed off once more, deciding that sometimes, the shadows do not need to be exposed to light.

Closing the letter, Von spoke up once again. "I will certainly go with you, but I wish to ask, may I report to the Commander of the Inquisition?" His voice trailed on the edge of hope and worry.

 

[IFS]

The duo listened carefully to the reports, the second making notes as they spoke the first just nodding as they spoke. When they were done they turned to answer the group's questions.

"Uhm... is the inquisition hiring? I'd like to join. I can do... magic things."

"We won't have trouble with the Templars here since he's with us? Are there Templars here actually?"

"I will certainly go with you, but I wish to ask, may I report to the Commander of the Inquisition?"

"Mages are certainly welcome in the Inquisition, as are others who are willing and able of course," the first said "in fact last I heard the Herald was pursuing an alliance with the mage rebellion."

"We might've been helping with that if we were only stationed closer to the Hinterlands," the second muttered.

"As for templars there are a few who are with the Inquisition already," the first said "though I'm afraid the majority have rejected the possibility of an alliance, sequestered themselves somewhere to the east I believe. Still you needn't fear them working for us, it's going to take all sorts to seal the breach, mage and templar alike."

Finally he turned to Von "And I suppose you can report to Commander Cullen if you like," he said "though he's rather busy, so he might not appreciate you doing so."

"The man needs to learn how to delegate better," the second said.

"Anyways you should make yourselves ready to head out," the first said "there's still plenty of daylight left so we should get heading to Haven while it lasts."

____________________________________________________________________________________

They arrived at Haven several days later, their pace aided by the agents obtaining spare horses for the group though these were quickly stabled on arriving. They were not the only recent arrivals to the Inquisition's headquarters though, it seemed that the Herald had indeed succeeded in allying with the mage rebellion and the camps were practically overflowing with newly arrived people wearing robes and carrying staffs. Indeed the soldiers and agents of the Inquisition seemed to be struggling to manage all the new arrivals. The two agents who had brought them to Haven departed to make sure people were aware of the groups arrival and returned a bit later.

"Well I've got some bad news," the first one, who by now they knew as Pell, said "seems like things are a little busy right now."

"You can say that again," Norton, the second one, said.

"Yeah, the Herald and the mages are preparing to seal the breach," Pell said, looking excited "but uh, it does mean that it might take some time to sort out paying you."

"Don't worry, it'll get done," Norton said "just make yourselves comfortable in the meantime, some of us agents are going to be skywatching, see if we can watch the breach get closed. Or hopefully at least shrink a little, so long as it doesn't start spitting out demons again I'll take anything."

"Have a little faith buddy," Pell said, then turned to the group "if you need anything we'll be over by the chantry."

With that the two left, leaving the group standing in the snow. Around them soldiers sparred and practiced, though many had taken a break to watch the Breach. Mages discussed and argued among themselves, and some merchants and other civilians went about their own work.

 

[Athol]

After saying her piece, Kari remained quiet as the others fired questions at the Inquisition troops that?d met them. Bit by bit she relaxed, they were answering questions too readily for it to be likely that they were going to be lead into a trap. Unless that?s the intention, and this is just?Andraste?s Ass girl, this isn?t Val Royaux. Chuckling to herself, she noticed things appeared to be wrapping up.

"Anyways you should make yourselves ready to head out, there's still plenty of daylight left so we should get heading to Haven while it lasts."

?Fuck?? She muttered. It?d been a long cold walk and she?d been hoping to get warm meal, a few drinks and maybe a nap, in before they headed back out; unfortunately that didn?t seem to be in the cards.

------------------------

She was glad of the horse, but would?ve been much happier riding towards somewhere much warmer, and much further away from the Breach. During the ride to Haven, Kari found herself staring at it often and growing uneasy the closer they got. Her unsettling thoughts were pushed aside when they finally came into view of Haven; sure it was little more than a few huts clustered near a Chantry, protected by little more than a simple palisade wall, but the sea of tents and constant streams of people moving about showed that the Inquisition was far better organized than one would expect from such a newly founded organization. While their handlers went off to check in, she admired the set up.

"Well I've got some bad news?seems like things are a little busy right now."

Oh no?

"Yeah, the Herald and the mages are preparing to seal the breach, but uh, it does mean that it might take some time to sort out paying you."

?I fucking knew it!? Kari spat, trying to keep a lid on her temper. One or two soldiers looked her way as she took a deep breath. Don?t start shit?at least not with you sword. Sure she was good in a fight, but she was way outnumbered, and that didn?t even count archers or mages.

"Don't worry, it'll get done, just make yourselves comfortable in the meantime, some of us agents are going to be skywatching, see if we can watch the breach get closed. Or hopefully at least shrink a little, so long as it doesn't start spitting out demons again I'll take anything."

Hefting her blade onto her shoulder, she made a little sound of disgust the sighed. ?Fuck it, if something needs killing call me; otherwise I?m going for a drink.? Norton raised a hand towards the entrance. ?Through the gate, up the second set of steps, building on your right.? He said. ?Thanks.? With that Kari set off.

 

[DarkRawen]

Ash felt a little tense as templars were mentioned, he had not considered that. Why? Perhaps because he hadn't considered joining the inquisition either, it had just sort of happened. Right now.

I do hope I'm not making a mistake.

However, he was relieved to hear that not only would there be a place for him, but that there were other mages there. He wouldn't have any reason to fear templars if there was that many mages, right?

And I won't be lonely either, Von seem to be joining as well. Even if he's a templar, I don't think he'd try to arrest me.

He looked over at the other, smiling to himself.

"Anyways you should make yourselves ready to head out, there's still plenty of daylight left so we should get heading to Haven while it lasts."

Ash really wanted to get some food, but he nodded. He supposed it was better to just get there and be done with it. Besides, he wasn't leaving again, odd as it sounded, he'd be able to stay there. Surely they would be able to feed him there.

"Let's get going then," he replied, and sat down for a short moment, waiting for the others to get ready.

____________________________________________________________________________________________


As they rode, Ash couldn't help but feel uneasy as he got closer to the breach. It was like a tear in the veil, just bigger, ominously so, and he found himself tugging at his horns as they continued. The closer they got, the more of the fade he could sense, and the more of the fade he could sense, the closer the sloth demon felt. It had definitely returned, though his visions had returned to a somewhat calm, minor version, nothing as severe as what he had felt when slaying the drake. Now, however... he feared falling asleep in Haven, if only because he wasn't sure he'd like the way he could wake up, confused and haunted by hallucinations.

It'll be fine.

When they arrived at Haven, he was pleased to hear that they were preparing to seal the breach. However, he wasn't as pleased to hear that it would mean that they wouldn't get their money anytime soon. Then again, he was cold and hungry, money didn't matter right now.

"Don't worry, it'll get done, just make yourselves comfortable in the meantime, some of us agents are going to be skywatching, see if we can watch the breach get closed. Or hopefully at least shrink a little, so long as it doesn't start spitting out demons again I'll take anything."

Oh. Right, that could happen.

Ash rubbed his hands together, wanting to get inside. Especially since he had forgotten to use some of the cold-salve, and he was freezing. He had no response to the thing with the money, at least they would get it eventually. He hoped. Kari was clearly more upset about it, cursing and leaving to get some drinks.

"Fuck it, if something needs killing call me; otherwise I'm going for a drink."

"Wait up," Ash replied, and followed her, keeping up with her pace. He figured that the food would be in the inn too, and he was getting beyond hungry. He had eaten some berries and such that he had found on the way down from the mountain village, but it wasn't nearly enough to keep his appetite stalled, and whenever they had stopped, he had taken the chance to eat more. The last bit had been a long trip, though. Following for a short moment before catching up, he spoke to her.

"So... are you going to leave after you get your money? I know there haven't been much talking between the two of us, I always seem to trail behind when we walk and I go to bed early instead of drinking, but, if you are leaving, I wish you luck." He smiled, trying to cheer her up a bit.

"Of course, I have a feeling that the people who really need that luck would be whoever facing you in a battle, you're scary," he chuckled, feeling a little warmer as he did, as laughing was almost kick-starting the heat in his body.

 

[Athol]

"Wait up,"

Kari checked her stride slightly and turned to see Ash hustling after her. Odd. She thought. Ash had seemed to mostly keep to himself for the most part, though after the assault on the village he seemed?different.

"So... are you going to leave after you get your money? I know there haven't been much talking between the two of us, I always seem to trail behind when we walk and I go to bed early instead of drinking, but, if you are leaving, I wish you luck. Of course, I have a feeling that the people who really need that luck would be whoever facing you in a battle, you're scary."

?Well thank you,? She said, giving Ash a grin that would?ve made a dragon proud. ?If I can scare my opponent, then the fights half won before we ever cross swords. As for leaving?been thinking about heading home for a bit. Haven?t seen Dad since before the Blight hit; I know he survived and all that, got a letter from him a few months back, but that?s not the same?it?d be good to see the old rabbit again.?

 

[sage42]

Nola sighed, she had wanted to rest for the night. The return trip from the village had been long and cold, and she wanted the drink Kari owed her and a warm bed. Oh well, at least it's a pass the the inquisitions main camp. Maybe now I can actually help on a bigger scale

"Anyways you should make yourselves ready to head out," the first said "there's still plenty of daylight left so we should get heading to Haven while it lasts."

Nola nodded and smiled. "Then lead on man. No since in staying here and getting comfy if we're just gonna leave."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nola jumped from her mount as soon as they stopped, shooting a look at the horse as she massaged her cramped leg. Damn horses. Dwarves weren't built to ride animals like that.

She looked around Haven, admiring thew view of the mountain range despite the big glowing green hole in the sky. She could feel the tension of the passing troops and workers, all anxious to see the Breach closed. Nola tried not to let it show, but so was she. She was almost used to the big empty space above her, but the tares in the sky had brought most of the fear that she thought she had left behind.

Still she smiled looking around. She had made it to the inquisition camp. Maybe she could still make Ilyn proud. She closed her eyes and inhaled the cold air. A familiar scent hit her. It was faint but unmistakable. Her eyes bolted open as she looked around. No, could it really be....? She thought trying to drown out the sound of voices and clashing of blades. The ringing of a hammer, the heavy breathing of the bellows, the hiss of hot steel in the cooling liquid. She smiled as she finally spotted it. The forge.

"Berund, I know where I'm gonna be if anyone needs me." She said without looking at the man. She quickly made her way to the forge, her face in a grin. She set her pack beside the fence and leaned forward, taking in the sight of the forge workers. The hammers rang and the bellows groaned. It was music to her ears.

She looked around and spotted a man who was clearly the one in charge. "Hey! Hey forge Master! Over here for a moment!" She called raising an arm. "Any chance you want another pair of hands? At least for a bit?"

 

[Protocol95]

Entering Haven silently, Jarrett quietly mentioned to the rest that he'd be busy until the Herald closed the breach before waving off the group. Maybe if he had spare time after this he could head to the bar and try and calm her down. Heading to it were looked like there were a number of soldiers training, Jarrett called out to whoever looked the most important. "Names of your Templars and best tailor?"

 

[DarkRawen]

"Well thank you. If I can scare my opponent, then the fights half won before we ever cross swords. As for leaving...been thinking about heading home for a bit. Haven't seen Dad since before the Blight hit; I know he survived and all that, got a letter from him a few months back, but that's not the same...it'd be good to see the old rabbit again."

Ash was curious. Was her father Tal-Vashoth, like his mother? However, he didn't ask, it might be considered rude, seeing as Tal-Vashoth was, according to his mother, traitors to the Qunari. Instead he thought of what she had said.

"I know how you feel, I miss my mother. I mean, I've been to see her after the blight, but it feels like she's so far away. Then again... she's happy where she is, it's a small village in the middle of nowhere, and they let her boss them around because they respect her," he chuckled. "Imagine that, a Tal-Vashoth being respected by humans and elves. It was a wonder we ever found it, almost 15 years of walking back and forth between Ferelden and Orlais, never being able to settle down. We were always moving around, hiding, and then..." he trailed off, looking at the sky.

"Of course, I couldn't stay. I've always had so many nightmares, and they started getting worse after a couple of months there. My mother mentioned leaving, the nightmares scared her even more than the magic. She would always wake up when I had the worst of them, and prepare warm milk for me when I woke so that I would have an easier time going back to sleep. But when she said we would have to leave, even though she was getting settled in and accepted, I didn't have a choice.

She sacrificed everything she believed in and all her friends, and then she became a Tal-Vashoth for real so that I would never have to follow the Qun and become Saarebas. I couldn't take this from her, not this friendly little village of misfits. So I left, 15 years old, during the early time of the blight. I really shouldn't have, but... but she's happy. It's almost been a year since I last went to visit her, but she's always smiling when I'm there, even though she's afraid of magic. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to leave again, she makes things feel so much easier, as if I could be shielded from anything."

He sighed, looking at Kari.

"She'd not be so happy if she had known about the blood magic, though." He stopped talking as they got inside the inn, and it wasn't before a short moment he continued again. The inn was warm and nice, and he saw a nice spot by the fireplace he wanted, motioning towards it to Kari.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to talk so much. I suppose I've just got a lot to say, huh," he grinned, and tugged at his horns. "Anyways, I'm sure you have a lot better stories than I have, mine are dull, gloomy and unremarkable. And the happier of them reveal that I'm a bit of a mommy's boy, if you couldn't already tell," he chuckled again, for all the regret he was feeling, he wasn't going to make Kari feel down as well.

 

[StormShaun]

Hearing the news that Cullen was certainly alive and at Haven made Von's eyes lit up. Knowing the man, the Templar had served under him, and with him as Commander of the Inquisition, it would certainly be a military marvel to witness his work with a whole army. Yet hearing the news that the Inquisition was still new, it only reminded Von that he could serve as a pillar that pushed the Inquisition to better heights.

Eager to ride, Von looked at everyone, a look in his eyes could transmit feelings of hope. "Let us go."

[hr]

With the group dissipating around him, either walking heavily to tavern, with eagerness to the tailor, or even intrigue to the soldiers, Von only looked up at the The Breach in the sky. A tear in the realm of man, with a green envious glow, it gave the feeling of despair. Von could barely take his eyes off that tear, for a bad feeling swelled up in him, both past and present. Remembering the news from before, this was where many bodies lay, including that of the Divine.

Tearing his gaze off the gash that stained the Heavens, Von knew what he had to do. Marching off by himself, he flowed through the small village with an aura of determination, looking upon the many Chantry members that swept by him. Von could see the hope that came from the center of the Inquisition, the feelings that battled that tear in the sky.

Certainly Von could use the money, and just like everyone else, he was a little annoyed, but with his future in front of him, he did not care as much. Coming in front of the Chantry, the former Knight-Corporal breathed in gently. "So they use this as their headquarters?" He muttered quietly. Shrugging, the Templar walked in, giving a nod to the two agents in front. Busy, was the only word that could describe it. Members of both Inquisition and Chantry ran around.

Sighing, Von knew he would get not silence, but still he would offer his prayers to those that died in the area, and that hope will prevail over the bad feeling he had.

 

[Athol]

This is why I should just keep to myself. Kari thought as Ash went on about his life. ?At least you?ve met you mother.? She said casually as they entered the inn.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to talk so much. I suppose I've just got a lot to say, huh. Anyways, I'm sure you have a lot better stories than I have, mine are dull, gloomy and unremarkable. And the happier of them reveal that I'm a bit of a mommy's boy, if you couldn't already tell."

Settling into a seat beside Ash, she smirked at him. ?Well most of my stories involve fightin', fuckin' or drinkin'?sometimes all three; anyways you?re not that much of a ?Momma?s boy?. I mean you held your own pretty good against that drake, and that thing you did in the village?I?ve met plenty of people that would?ve bitched out in that instance.? Kari paused for a moment as one of the serving staff at the inn brought them tankards and bowls of hearty stew. ?If nothing else, the Inquisition seems to have good grub?anyways?like I said before, at least you?ve met one of your parents, that puts you one up on most Qunari.?

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Berund, I know where I'm gonna be if anyone needs me."

The Brower looked toward Nola and raised a brow. Her words pulled him from his own thinking and he was lost as to what she could mean, but when the forge came into view it was perfectly clear. He smiled as she scampered off like a child. He didn't see that sort of excitement often enough.

Berund had just finished collecting his gear from the horse's saddle bags when he noticed a few of the others heading off in search for a good drink, and perhaps a hot meal. He had a mind to follow when he wondered if he should see about getting his steel checked by the forgemaster. It had been quite some time before his weapons were last touched by a professional's hands, and they had been used fairly liberally in the recent days. For that matter, he figured he may as well get his armor checked as well. He was due payment, so it wouldn't be much trouble for his pocketbook.

After changing into some plainclothes, and sure to wear a thick fur coat to fight the cold, Berund marched towards the smith, taking in the sights of the quaint village as he went. He thought Haven to be the kind of place he may want to settle down many years down the road. Aside from the gaping demon breach, of course. He felt a small village wherein everybody knew everybody and it allowed for a powerful bond between them. He felt it was the sort of environment that bred strength and stability. Ideal for a family. But that was a thought for another time.