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

[Athol]

"How many of you have heard of Kal Hirol? For those who might not be familiar it?s an old Dwarven city, lost to the Darkspawn ages ago. Some ten years back or so it was uncovered by the Warden Commander of Amaranthine during their efforts against the Darkspawn threat following the Blight, astoundingly he managed to clear it out enough that the dwarves of Orzammar have been working on a reclamation effort. Unfortunately trouble seems to be revisiting the region."

Leaning forward, Kari peered down at the map, shaking her head ?no? when asked if she?d heard of Kal Hirol. That was followed by a resounding ?FUCK!? when Calien mentioned Darkspawn. She?d had her fill of the twisted bastards during the Blight, and could happily live out whatever time she had left never dealing with them again?but it looked like she wasn?t going to be that lucky. ?Just because the rock hounds say they don?t think it was ?spawn, doesn?t mean those freaks ain?t sniffing about.? She muttered.

"So Orzammar has asked the Inquisition for aid, and you've been selected as the investigative force, now are there any questions?"

?Fan-fucking-tastic.? She said after Nola had finished. ?I?ve got a couple, one of them ties in with what Nola asked. One, what?s the pay? I joined on to fight ?Whatshisnuts? and his pet Vints. If I?d wanted to fight ?spawn I?d?ve joined the Wardens; and speaking of the Wardens, that gets me to my second question. Can we expect any support from the Wardens or Orzammar??

 

[DarkRawen]

"Nice duds, they look good on ya."

Ash smiled brightly at Kari's compliment, it was clear that he had taken a while to plan out the outfit. And it was so soft, he kept moving his hands just so that he could feel the fur in the sleeves against his skin.

"Quite well, you actually look like a mage now. Though I can't imagine whoever had to make those was happy when they got your measurements, they must have been sewing for days."

"More like weeks," he smirked as a reply to Calien. "Or rather, they worked on it when they weren't busy with the less custom-made items. I couldn't really have squeezed into what they seem to think a mage should wear, so I took the opportunity to choose what it looked like myself." He beamed, and chuckled at Jarrett's statement about that the elf might have been there first. For all Ash knew, that could be the truth, Jarrett was difficult to find and almost just as difficult to see through. However, Ash's heart sank a bit when Von entered.

"Anyway, glad we're all here again. We all look a little different... And I'm same, but also internally. One little thing, if you see a trio of dumb Templars squawking, scold them for me please ... I believe they didn't learn their lesson from trying to replace a mage's Deep Mushroom extract with Deathroot extract."

Ash frowned at the mention of the trio of templars. He'd have to move his stuff after hearing about that incident, in fear they'd try to do the same with some of his ingredients. Besides, the mages who had been in a circle -which was most of the others- spoke of these "pranks" with unease. From what little he had been told, he could understand why, it wasn't fun when the people who used to be your prisoners kept messing with you when you'd gotten outside.

"If I see them, I'll do more than scold them," Ash muttered as a response. It was mostly a joke, though he wasn't going to promise that he wouldn't send at least a little fireball after them. "And I would have visited you, but you were too busy to talk to me," he added, sounded a bit insulted. To be fair, he hadn't tried too hard after he had realized that Von had gotten himself new friends. Besides, while he personally had no experiences from the Circle, the mood of the other mages sort of affected him too, so Ash found himself unsure of whether he wanted to be around that many templars at once. In the end, he had decided against it.

Ashtalan greeted the others when they entered, the Qunari mage not keeping up the sullen tone he had spoken to Von in, and instead greeting them warmly. Finally, they had all gathered around, and Calien started speaking.

"How many of you have heard of Kal Hirol?"

Kal... Hirol.

Ash had read something about it years ago, though it was difficult to remember. It was a Dwarven... city of some kind, that had been overrun with Darkspawn. Or something. He nodded, it was familiar even if he was unclear on the details. Calien spoke, and Ash got what he knew confirmed, along with more information about it. Apparently it had been uncovered and had started being reclaimed.

I wonder why this is being brought up. Don't say our mission is going into that place... I've never been underground.

"Something has been plaguing the reclamation effort, dwarves vanishing into the dark, attacks on their supplies and such. Personally I'd suspect Darkspawn, after all what else lives in the Deep roads, but they claim that Darkspawn aren't nearly clever or organized enough for what they're seeing. So Orzammar has asked the Inquisition for aid, and you've been selected as the investigative force, now are there any questions?"

"Darkspawn?" Ash asked. After what he had been through, the Darkspawn didn't seem that frightening. Even so, there was a deep seated feeling of disdain that spread across his face. They'd made his life more than difficult when he was still a teen, after all. Still, he sat back, listening to Kari and Nola's questions. Those were good enough to cover most of his, though he had one of his own. Smiling, innocently, he spoke, though there was something in his tone that made it clear that it wasn't a joke of any kind.

"So, I get to burn and electrify a whole lot of Darkspawn? Or are we just supposed to try to keep as little attention to ourselves as possible, find out what's going on, and get out of there? I'm hoping for the former, because I'd like to repay them a bit from when I was still a child."

 

[Protocol95]

"So Orzammar has asked the Inquisition for aid, and you've been selected as the investigative force, now are there any questions?"

It hadn't seemed like there was anything vital Calien hadn't shared so Jarrett didn't feel the need to ask questions. He hadn't heard of Kal'Hirol before, but Nola's vague description did remind him of some uncomfortable rumours. He was hesitant to speak given Kari's colourful reaction and her second question.

"Can we expect any support from the Wardens or Orzammar?"

"If you want an honest answer I've heard good things about King Bhelen making progress with reclaiming thaigs. News about the Wardens has been unreliable as of late unfortunately. While it'd be rational to expect darkspawn you don't need to assume that. Those thaigs have a rich history and certain groups may have an interest in that, you understand?" Jarrett doubted the last of what he'd said but he hoped it would calm her. With that said, he turned his attention to who spoke next.

"So, I get to burn and electrify a whole lot of Darkspawn? Or are we just supposed to try to keep as little attention to ourselves as possible, find out what's going on, and get out of there? I'm hoping for the former, because I'd like to repay them a bit from when I was still a child."

Jarrett was somewhat amused by Ash's bloodlust. "Thinning a few of their number won't cause any tears." Commenting on and encouraging it, Jarrett was curious as to how such an attitude would work with Ash. Having said what he could to some of the group, he was satisfied to accept unless there were other concerns.

 

[StormShaun]

"And I would have visited you, but you were too busy to talk to me,"

Hearing the hurt tone from Ash slightly irritated Von. Furrowing his brow as he had a little eye twitch, which shook only a little in his ashen blue eyes. Picking up his mug and taking a large swig, the Templar looked reluctant to speak. "Well, there is a difference from being busy from unconsciousness, and being busy from recovering after becoming a squeezed human sponge." He said, the tone sounding more hurt than bold.

"Von! Glad to see you up and about. Woulda visited but....well I've been preoccupied since we got to Skyhold."

Von shook his head. "Tis no issue, I was plenty busy myself. I had to get up and back into health ... Well, once I was conscience that is." He said, an awkward smile barely appearing on his face. Yet he had no idea if the Templar Trio would let anyone in to see him besides Kari.

Before the mood in the air turned to black, Calien intervened with a map and a interesting question. Von almost sighed, but his eyes could only meet the Inquisition recruiter's as it was asked.

"How many of you have heard of Kal Hirol?"

Raising a brow, Von shook his head. "Never, I've been out of Kirkwall for most of my life, and even after that incident, I never had the urge to enter the Dwarven world ... I have heard news about their latest king, and how we don't want to get on his bad side." He said, bitterness hanging off the final Kirkwall memories. For a Templar, it was hard and unnerving to throw around the blame, so Von placed it on both sides, giving him a little self-guilt. Dragging himself away from the past, Von listened to the information.

With words such as "Darkspawn" and "Gray Wardens" being brought up, Von pinched his procerus and gently messaged it. "Demons and Darkspawn ... I can't tell which one is worse." He remarked quietly before their mission was revealed.

"So Orzammar has asked the Inquisition for aid, and you've been selected as the investigative force, now are there any questions?"

"None, but as Kari mentioned, support would be nice for a place many of us have never went. Still, exploring the Dwarven home would be interesting, and it would give me a chance to see if I'm in shape." Von said, moving his arms in a stretch. After his injury, Von was moved into the new Skyhold medical area. For most of the time everyone was getting settled in, he was recuperating, yet Kullem, Gerald, and Sault visited him each day. Even when he was somewhat recovered, they made sure his body was in a top form. After asking, they knew the position that Von had gained.

Smiling at the image of his new friends, Von completely finished his drink and let out a refreshed gasp.

 

[DarkRawen]

"Thinning a few of their number won't cause any tears."

I suppose it wouldn't. Can Darkspawn even cry?

Ash shook his head. "No, I know it won't. It's because I want to rise above it, so to speak. Back then I was weak and helpless, and they ended up making my life quite a nightmare. I want to feel better about that, I suppose," he chuckled, scratching his cheek sheepishly.

"I'm just checking if I have the opportunity."

"None, but as Kari mentioned, support would be nice for a place many of us have never went. Still, exploring the Dwarven home would be interesting, and it would give me a chance to see if I'm in shape."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "If you're still injured, or suspect you might be, just stay behind," he said, speaking without holding back on the sharpness. Perhaps he was being rude, but it was true, if it was such a concern, perhaps underground wasn't the best place for one to make sure of that.

"If it's so difficult to recover from "becoming a squeezed human sponge" that you need to put up Templar guards, I'd rather not risk having you around to get hurt again." He had learned a healing spell so that it wouldn't be an issue, Von getting hurt had been the thing that pushed him to choose to learn it, after all. However, he wasn't going to tell any of the others that now. Hoping that he hadn't made the atmosphere around the table sour, he smiled again.

"Regardless, I'm sure Calien has more important things to say, so I'll stop chatting." He took another sip of his milk, and looked up at his staff, the orb was still glowing a soft maroon.

 

[StormShaun]

"If it's so difficult to recover from "becoming a squeezed human sponge" that you need to put up Templar guards, I'd rather not risk having you around to get hurt again."

A single ashen-blue eye twitched once again, more noticeable than the last. Breathing in deeply and closing his eyes, veins started to bulge on his hands and hair slipped in front of his face. Von, whom was gripping his metallic tankard tightly, slowly lowered it back onto the table. Allowing a soft breath to come out, the Templar opened his eyes again, yet the sharp gaze that was directed at Ash contained feelings of irritation and anger, some might even consider bloodlust. "It could be they are cautious, for who knows where the monsters lurk around here."

"Regardless, I'm sure Calien has more important things to say, so I'll stop chatting."

Swiping his ash-brown hair backwards and starting to rub the scar beside his right eye, Von gave a forced smile. "But yes, the monsters here are the Darkspawn. So I'd like to quickly wrap this up and leave soon as possible." He said, a tone leaving a desire to be absent from this current location as soon as possible. Internally, Von was reminded why he hated people who underestimated his abilities, but those people are dead.

 

[DarkRawen]

"It could be they are cautious, for who knows where the monsters lurk around here."

Did you just call me a monster? How about you look at yourself, tiny. At least I never held anyone prisoner or oppressed a group of people.

Ash narrowed his eyes, feeling magic surging through his body. He had to remind himself of that the rest was there to to not test out his new staff on Von, though it gave off his intent with a bright -but brief- fire appearing around the orb. Ash forced it down, and anger got replaced by sadness. Hurt.

I'm not a monster.

He looked away from the others, pushing his cup away forcefully and hiding his face in his arms.

It's not my fault it ended up like this. I was only doing what I had to in order to survive. I was a child, how... how can someone like him judge me?

Ash had considered Von... different from the other templars. People who could hurt Ash. They'd fought together, after all, risked their life, he'd considered the other a part of the group Ash considered friends. However, he'd been wrong, of course he had.

"I want to leave too," Ash whispered from inside his arms, suddenly, good mood pretty much wiped away from his voice.

I'm not going to help him if he's about to die. Screw him. The Darkspawn can eat him.

 

[IFS]

"A few, where will we be going down into the Deep Roads? Will we be meeting someone there, and if so who?"

"I've got a couple, one of them ties in with what Nola asked. One, what's the pay? I joined on to fight 'Whatshisnuts' and his pet Vints. If I'd wanted to fight 'spawn I'd've joined the Wardens; and speaking of the Wardens, that gets me to my second question. Can we expect any support from the Wardens or Orzammar?"

"So, I get to burn and electrify a whole lot of Darkspawn? Or are we just supposed to try to keep as little attention to ourselves as possible, find out what's going on, and get out of there? I'm hoping for the former, because I'd like to repay them a bit from when I was still a child."

Calien listened to the questions, and prepared to answer them each in turn when Von and Ash had their spat. Sighing he shook his head and turned to address both of them.

"Enough you two," he said "if you can't get along then you can both be replaced by agents who can work together, now then the questions."

"Firstly you will be venturing into the Deep Roads, I can't say how far but Kal Hirol is accessible through a chasm on the surface so you will be entering it through there. The reclamation crews have done a lot of work in securing the site and surrounding passages or so I am told, though that doesn't mean there won't be any threat from the Darkspawn or whatever else lives down there," he said to Nola "as for your contact I believe they are a noble from House Orban, more than that we weren't told but House Orban has been leading the effort for a while now."

Next he turned to Kari "Pay will depend on what you face, same as last time, as for support Orzammar can't send anyone who isn't already there with the reclamation effort, and the Grey Wardens have been absent as of late, we sent a message to Vigil's Keep but have yet to hear back. As for Corypheus there is reason to suspect his involvement, Red Lyrium originated from the deep roads so there is some concern that he might have agents attempting to use Kal Hirol to secure a supply line to it, and even failing that Orzammar has allied itself with the Inquisition, we are performing this favor for them in part to cement that alliance, basically they'll owe us for this."

Finally he returned to Ash "If Darkspawn are involved then by all means fry up as many as you can, though unless it is related to your mission I would ask you to avoid seeking out danger in the Deep Roads," he said "If you uncover anything send a bird to let us know, if you can handle it yourselves that would be excellent but if the matter is too large we will send troops, for now though consider yourselves scouts."

Clapping his hands together Calien spoke to the group as a whole "Now then, if you have more questions I will be here for much of the night, otherwise I encourage you to get some rest, its a long road to Kal Hirol and we leave at dawn tomorrow."

 

[StormShaun]

"Now then, if you have more questions I will be here for much of the night, otherwise I encourage you to get some rest, its a long road to Kal Hirol and we leave at dawn tomorrow."

With those words spoken and the short silence that followed, Von was the first to break it. "Good." He said, a tone still full of bitterness, and a look that was equal with it. Moving quickly, he raised from his seat and quickly walked out of the tavern before anyone could address him. After all, he could easily recognize an environment where he was not welcome, Kirkwall taught him that well. Even if anyone did try to call to him, Von could not distinguish those words from the tavern banter that surrounded him as he left.

Exposed to the cool air surrounding Skyhold, Von gathered his cloak around him. Upon looking at the newly used fortress, he thought that returning to his recent Templar friends would only make it worse, for both them and his mind. After all, he wouldn't want to spread the poisonous thoughts he held at the moment. Sighing, white breath flowed out, as if it was the last source of decency that dwelled within him.

Giving an irritated grunt and obtaining the urge to kill something, Von walked up the stairs to the battlements, a perfect place to cool down both body and mind. Walking besides the short barriers, he fixed his gaze on the view that was laid before Skyhold. Tall, snow covered mountains, and the great highway that came to the fortress. Yet what interested him the most was the pale blue lake that was cradled in-between mountains.

"Boy, I wish I could fish." Von muttered, before cold gust swept up at him. "I sure fucked up ..." He said, with voice trailing after. Internally, Von felt like he had done something right. He would not feel bad for defending his friends, especially since they are something more than many of the current day Templars. Leaning against the barrier, Von allowed himself to stay with the coldness until he felt the desire to go back to his residency.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Something has been plaguing the reclamation effort, dwarves vanishing into the dark, attacks on their supplies and such. Personally I'd suspect Darkspawn, after all what else lives in the Deep Roads..."

"...Darkspawn..."

"...Deep Roads..."

"...Darspawn."

These words hung in the air, echoing in Berund's mind. He raised his hands to his face, rubbing his eyes and temples, trying to soothe the ache that awoke inside his skull. A familiar ring began to fill his ears and beneath the lids of his eyes he saw the gnashing teeth and flesh-rending claws flashing across his vision. The dwarf's breaths grew heavy, his heart raced, and then he heard the screams.

Chills races across Berund's skin and he was pulled from the depths of his memories. The ringing faded. As did the ache in his temples. He looked around the table, hoping none had noticed his brief episode. He tried to focus on what was present to distance himself as much as he could from his previous thoughts. Calien spoke of where they were to move into Kal Hirol and something of an alliance with Orzammar.

"Now then, if you have more questions I will be here for much of the night, otherwise I encourage you to get some rest, its a long road to Kal Hirol and we leave at dawn tomorrow."

"Rest assured, I'll be sure to rest. And not a moment afore a hearty meal," Berund returned with a chuckle, more as a way to settle his nerves than anything else. He wasn't particularly eager for what would surely await them in the coming days. He'd hoped he'd seen the last of the Roads. So much for wishful thinking...

 

[Athol]

Before Cailen could begin to answer questions, Von and Ash began to bicker, and after a moment Kari really had to fight the urge to smack both of them with the flat of her blade. [small]?Maker give me the strength to deal with the idiots that cross my path.?[/small] She muttered quietly, rubbing the bridge of her nose. After a sort reprimand from Cailen, he got back to the task at hand.

"Pay will depend on what you face, same as last time, as for support Orzammar can't send anyone who isn't already there with the reclamation effort, and the Grey Wardens have been absent as of late, we sent a message to Vigil's Keep but have yet to hear back. As for Corypheus there is reason to suspect his involvement, Red Lyrium originated from the deep roads so there is some concern that he might have agents attempting to use Kal Hirol to secure a supply line to it, and even failing that Orzammar has allied itself with the Inquisition, we are performing this favor for them in part to cement that alliance, basically they'll owe us for this."

The pay situation was about what she?d expected, but getting official confirmation never hurt; the rest was a little more troubling. With nothing from Orzammar, save whoever was on site, they might lack the bodies to do a hell of a lot and the mention of the absence of the Wardens worried her further. She?d heard rumors that the Grey Wardens had been scarce as late, but she?d hoped it was just a rumor?sadly that didn?t seem to be the case. However, the fact that Coriffyshit might be sniffing about didn?t surprise her. That Maker-damned magister and his pet Vints, or their Red Templar minions, were everywhere it seemed nowadays.

"Now then, if you have more questions I will be here for much of the night, otherwise I encourage you to get some rest, it?s a long road to Kal Hirol and we leave at dawn tomorrow."

?Sure thing boss.? She replied, polishing off her second beer. She considered ordering another one or two for the road, but looking down at Ash with his head buried in his arms, she changed her mind. As Von stormed off she gathered up her kit, then grabbed Ash?s shoulder and shook it lightly until the mage looked at her. Once she made eye contact, she jerked her head towards the door; the look on her face said she wasn?t asking him to join her.

 

[sage42]

Nola sighed, temporarily ignoring the argument between Von and Ash. While Nola knew that Ash needed to grow a thicker skin, Von stepped to far. She would need to talk to him when they were done. She needed them both at their best. She looked back at Calien with an apologetic look as he continued. She nodded as he explained their situation. At the mention of House Orban, she froze. She recognized the name, how could she not? The name of the man who got you exiled from your home kinda stuck with a person. She heaved a sigh.

"Got ya Cailen. Dawn, gotta say that's one of the thing I do enjoy on the surface, sunrise is just beautiful." She said forcing a small smile onto her face. She needed her head on straight in the coming weeks. Glad I made a helmet. It'll make hiding myself that much easier. She thought standing. "I got a few more thing to take care of myself so I'll be heading out. Anybody needs me chances are I'll be in my tent by the forges." She said jerking a thumb over her shoulder.

As she stepped out into the cooling air, Nola spotted Von heading up the steps towards the battlements. Nuh-uh, I'm closing off this bad vein before it makes things worse. She thought following after the Templar. She lagged behind a bit, giving the Templar some time too let the cool air rush through his head before she approached him.

She thought she heard him mumble something about fish. Guess this is as good a time as any. She stepped up the final few stairs, scuffing her feet against the stone of Skyholds walls to give him some warning. She didn't say anything at first. She just stood beside him and leaned on the wall, taking in the view silently. Finally she spoke up. "Ya know, I bet these mountains have a decent supply of ore in them. Iron, Gold, Silver, maybe even lyrium." She said absentmindedly before looking at the Templar. "But I didn't exactly come up here to talk about ores did I?" She turned around, leaning her elbows on the wall. She fixed the Templar with a stare. "Why?" She asked, jerking her head back towards the tavern.

 

[DarkRawen]

Ash only spent half of his attention on listening to the others. He didn't care anymore. Calien mentioned that they could get replaced by agents who knew how to get along, and Ash felt like letting it happen. Who needed another mission anyway? Who needed to try out the new staff, or try walking with his new clothes? What was the point?

I'm not a monster.

Even so, the thought made visions appear. Of people he had fought, scared looks in their eyes as he approached. Regular people, who were hesitant to get close to him only because of the way he looked. His mother, the day she had discovered that he had magic, and every time he had a really bad nightmare. His best friend, Sol, who suddenly needed to be somewhere else after seeing Ash's blood magic. The latter one lingered the most, because even if the other had insisted that it wasn't that, that it was to protect Ash, Ash had always feared it was due to him seeming like a bad person. Perhaps even a monster.

I miss him.

Of course, he had seen him again, in his nightmares. Thinking about that made things even worse. By the time his thoughts went back to the mission at hand again, Calien was already done going through the details.

"Now then, if you have more questions I will be here for much of the night, otherwise I encourage you to get some rest, its a long road to Kal Hirol and we leave at dawn tomorrow."

Ash didn't want to leave, he wanted to stay there until the dark pit in his stomach went away. When he heard Von storm off, he felt slightly better. Von could go back to his friends, for all Ash cared, join their crew. Who needed him anyways? Von should just---

Suddenly he felt his shoulder get shaken, gently. It was Kari. At first, he lay there. At some point, tears had started welling up in his eyes, and he didn't want her to see. However, Kari kept shaking his shoulder, and he finally looked at her. Though his eyes weren't red, they were watery, and he spent a moment making sure they were dry before following her. As they walked, he spoke.

"I'm not a monster," he started. "It's not my fault."

 

[StormShaun]

"Why?"

Forcing his gaze from the ice blue lake, Von looked at Nola, and shrugged with an unnatural deadpan face. "Before you came, I began to wonder about that." He said, with a tone of uncertainly, tinted with fear. "I know I went too far, but that. It came out of nowhere." The Templar said, turning back to Skyhold. Closing his eyes and sighing, Von felt that his mind was ablaze with confusion, each common thought passing by, while the more abnormal one spoke to him.

"When I said Monster, I feel like I was implying that everyone is a monster at one point. Templars, mages, elves, humans, demons. Everything can become one in another's eye." Von said, shortly giving a short giggle. "That would be too philosophical though, I'm not my great, great grandfather." He said, taking each breath slowly, feeling that an answer was almost within his grasp. "Maybe my feelings are overflowing, and I'm just being immature that no one looked for me or forced their way in while I was sick." He said, giving a look of longing and loneliness.

Then it suddenly struck him, an answer dangerous enough to not only make Von question his abilities, but his overall self. "Or ..." He said, with his eyes suddenly becoming sharper than any blade he held, mixed with a unique fear that almost forced him to shake. "Lyrium." He said with disgust, forcing his eyes back to the lake, a well of fear started to swell up inside Von. "You ... You have probably at least heard how strict the Kirkwall Templar branch was." The struck Templar said, taking a couple more seconds to gather his thoughts.

"Imprisoning, killing mages. These were not all their crimes. We, or should I say the Templars, were pretty much forced to take Lyrium." Von said, his eyes once again became filled with hate. "My family were all Templars, and I still remember when I first tasted Lyrium. When I was but a child." He said again, clenching his hands into fists. Suddenly, Von slammed his fists onto the merlon in front of him. "Damn it, I'm an addict." He said, leaving a brief time of silence.

"Paranoia, obsession, and dementia, the effects of Lyrium addiction. It would explain what I saw in the forest ... After we saved that village."

 

[Athol]

"I'm not a monster. It's not my fault."

Kari didn?t reply immediately, instead opting for silence until they reached a somewhat secluded area. ?Bullshit.? She stated without emphasis. ?You?ve killed for coin, simply to line your pocket. That make you a monster?makes me a monster too; I?ve done things that would make most ?common? people recoil in horror, and I?m sure anyone else in our ?band? could say the same. We do the terrible things that need to be done so that others don?t have to. If that makes me a ?monster? then so be it, I just have to live with the consequences; and if you want to keep on in this line of work, so will you.? Her voice held no condemnations, she was simply stating the facts as she saw them.

?As for the ?other one??? She added reaching up to lightly tap Ash?s forehead with a gauntleted hand. ?That doesn?t make you a monster?just a scared kid who made a call in a desperate situation. Sure it kinda blew up in your face, but as you?ve told me?you?d had no mage training, how where you to know just how bad things might get? But sulking every time some windbag throws an insult your way won?t help; you gotta learn to just brush it off. If you don?t you run the risk of turning into a bitter and spiteful person??

 

[DarkRawen]

"Bullshit. You've killed for coin, simply to line your pocket. That make you a monster...makes me a monster too; I've done things that would make most 'common' people recoil in horror, and I'm sure anyone else in our 'band' could say the same. We do the terrible things that need to be done so that others don't have to. If that makes me a 'monster' then so be it, I just have to live with the consequences; and if you want to keep on in this line of work, so will you."

Ash rubbed his arm, a bit uneasy, though he nodded as Kari spoke. While he didn't enjoy being called a monster, she did have a point. Of course, he was sure that wasn't what Von had referred to, but it made him feel a little better to think of it like that. Monster was a bit strong of a term, but he had never claimed to be morally clean. However, then Kari continued.

"As for the 'other one'... That doesn't make you a monster...just a scared kid who made a call in a desperate situation. Sure it kinda blew up in your face, but as you've told me...you'd had no mage training, how where you to know just how bad things might get? But sulking every time some windbag throws an insult your way won't help; you gotta learn to just brush it off. If you don't you run the risk of turning into a bitter and spiteful person..."

He smiled sheepishly. "I know," he started, stepping back and forth. "I usually deal with insults okay, but... I don't know, I suppose I consider you guys to be something like friends, and I thought it went the other way as well. Stupid, I know, but I can't help it. And it feels a lot worse being called a monster by someone you'd like to get along with, who you've risked your life together with. Not the way you did, that's fine, I can understand that, but the whole... you know. And I was already upset because Von was complaining about not getting visits, when he was busy getting new friends either way.

New friends that probably frightens the mages, because the pranks reminds them of the circle. I know, because I've talked to the mages, and they're already uncomfortable with the presence of templars. But it's mostly the monster thing and the ignoring me that bothers me, I never really regarded templars as anything special, just more people I had to avoid. I just wish he wouldn't act so hurt when he was the one finding new friends and having them tell me to get away when I wanted to see how he was doing. I could've helped him, my mother taught me how to make potions and prepare bandages and stuff, and I know some healing magic now. But I wasn't allowed in. And he spent all his time with them afterwards, so when I saw them I figured I should keep away."

He knew that he was ranting by now, speaking in a quick murmur and looked back at Kari, his expression apologetic. She had probably not gotten half of it.

"I'm sorry... and thanks, really. I'm glad you understand, I really didn't intend for anything to go this way. I didn't intend to get upset either, I should be happy. I have a new mission, and new clothes, a staff..." he smiled more sincerely.

"Really though. Thank you. I'll try to behave next time. And I'll ignore people, especially Von, if they try to insult me again."

 

[Protocol95]

After several had left the tavern following the incident between Ash and Von, Jarrett made his annoyance known to Berund. "Damned fools. The sooner this ends, the sooner concerns bigger than either of them can be dealt with. If you're not alright yourself with the job, just call, alright?" Leavin the building he trailed Ash.

"I'm not a monster. It's not my fault."

Eavesdropping on his and Kari's chat he resisted the urge to groan at Ash's attitude. To his surprise, Kari echoed some of his thoughts.

"You've killed for coin, simply to line your pocket. That make you a monster...makes me a monster too; I've done things that would make most 'common' people recoil in horror, and I'm sure anyone else in our 'band' could say the same. We do the terrible things that need to be done so that others don't have to. If that makes me a 'monster' then so be it, I just have to live with the consequences; and if you want to keep on in this line of work, so will you."

He was half tempted to break out in applause at that speech. Jarrett noted to himself that he had to thank her for attempting to lift Ash's spirits. Once Kari finished the rest of what she had to say, Jarrett briefly spoke before leaving. "She's mostly right you know. But word of advice? Just because something isn't your fault doesn't mean you shouldn't bear it. Nor do you have to be alone in doing so. Now by the time we're leaving, they're shouldn't be any issues? Understand? "

Leaving as quickly as he appeared, he thought to himself whether or not to bother hoping the situation would be resolved. Somewhat at a loss of what to do, he eventually decided to just wander the area, seeing if anybody needed help until Calien summoned him again.

 

[sage42]

"Paranoia, obsession, and dementia, the effects of Lyrium addiction. It would explain what I saw in the forest ... After we saved that village."

Nola listen to Vons tale without a word. The man had seen much to be sure. But when it came to Lyrium he was preaching at the wrong dwarf. She snorted. "You seem to forget I came from Orzammar. You know, the sole provider to Lyirum to your order and the mages the world over? I've seen the effects of Lyirum can have one people. You all get the refined stuff. You ever see what happens to a miner who touches pure unrefined Lyirum? Everything you described and more. At least you can stop. I've seen smiths, miners, and merchants all go stark raving mad. The lucky ones just end up simple minded, barely able to speak more than a few words."

She crossed her arms over her chest and fixed him with a hard glare. "As for what Templar's can do I know all too well. My previous company served with them during the war. I saw what they did to mages they didn't kill out right. If that was any indication then whatever happened in Kirkwall wouldn't come as a surprise. But this isn't about the past, shit happened time to move on." She jabbed a finger at the Templar. "I'm gonna give you a warning cause I actually like you. I don't care how you do it, but make sure this doesn't happen again." She told him before turning to leave. She stopped just before the stairs. "I don't care for Templar's Von. I lost what I considered family because of their stupid war. Don't become like the rest of them." She told him before finally walking down the stairs and back towards her tent.

 

[StormShaun]

"I'm gonna give you a warning cause I actually like you. I don't care how you do it, but make sure this doesn't happen again."

Staying silent for most of Nola's talk, the Templar did not care much, after all, he had never been to Orzammar, and he heard no proof that the Kirwall Templars were only receiving refined Lyrium. After all, Meredith was a power crazy fool who sacrificed herself to the red Lyrium, who knows what she could have done to his Lyrium. Ignoring the glare and jab, Von's eyes went back to the lake. Something so cold and still could only remind one of death, possibly comfort. "I'm not about to make any promises." He said coldly, as if the lake had grasped his mind. "You may have seen it, but you haven't experienced it ... And I've heard of no Templar stopping."

"Don't become like the rest of them."

"Well ... Good thing most of them were given to Corypheus." He muttered bitterly as the dwarf left him. From that talk, Von only felt it made him feel worse. Looking over the battlements, he scowled at the small thought that said, "Jump." Instead, bitterness had filled him. "Tch, some friends." He clicked his tongue as the blows of the wind grew stronger. Sensing those dark feelings, the Templar began to walk across the battlements, feeling nothing, only the small whispers scratching in his head.


"They're nothing you know. Not friends or comrades."
"Shut up.
"They're all coddling that mage now, speaking in sweet tones to him."
"Shut up."
"They're planning against you, wanting you to fall and fail."
"Shut up, shut up!
"You're all alone now!"


"Shut up, demon!" Von bellowed in rage, pulling out and slamming his dagger in between the stones of the battlements. Before he knew it, nothing else spoke those sweet, dark tones, leaving Von to himself in the cold. Then he realized that last one was right. No one was around, not even the battlement patrols. Wrenching his dagger free, the Templar stormed off in anger, back to the tavern.

Stopping in front of Calien, Von hid his face under the hood of his cloak. "Could I possibly leave now, and scout the path to Kal Hirol ... I believe it would do me well." Von asked, his tone more honest and emotionless than before. The request was partially true, but he only wanted to be apart from everyone for a while. Von was considering to become mute again.

 

[Athol]

Kari stood quietly while Ash vented a bit; she only caught some of what he?d said, but that wasn?t really the point to what she?d done. Mostly she just wanted to clear the air between Ash and Von; a toxic attitude between members of a company was a sure fire way to get people killed, and she did actually want to retire one day. That or get enough coin together to start her own company?maybe she should see if the dwarves?d be interested in singing on, assuming everyone survived everything that was currently happening. Don?t make plans too far into the future until you?re sure your gonna be around to see ?em through.

"I'm sorry... and thanks, really. I'm glad you understand, I really didn't intend for anything to go this way. I didn't intend to get upset either, I should be happy. I have a new mission, and new clothes, a staff...Really though. Thank you. I'll try to behave next time. And I'll ignore people, especially Von, if they try to insult me again."

?I wouldn?t be too hard on the shem.? She said, re-joining the conversation she?d been having with Ash. ?I get the feeling, that he?s got his own demons so-to-speak??

"She's mostly right you know. But word of advice? Just because something isn't your fault doesn't mean you shouldn't bear it. Nor do you have to be alone in doing so. Now by the time we're leaving, they're shouldn't be any issues? Understand? "

The sudden voice behind her made Kari go for her blade on instinct, before she realized it was Jarrett. Just as quickly as he appeared and said his piece, he vanished back into the crowds of soldiers and civilians that inhabited Skyhold. ?By the Dread Wolf?? She muttered, relaxing her grip. ?If he does that again, that bloody ?rabbit? is liable to get flat-bladed by me?? Giving Ash a smirk, she couldn?t help but chuckle. ?It?s never wise to startle a woman who stabs people for a living.? Shaking her head, she laughed once more. ?C?mon, I guess we should go get some bunk time in before we head out.? She?d never been into any dwarven diggings before, and she really hoped she wouldn?t have to spend her whole time hunched over like a farm hand during the harvest?but she wasn?t too hopeful.