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

[StormShaun]

"If Von wants me to heal him, I can do that too, but I'm not going to force anyone, and he might prefer not to have a mage do something like that to him. It is mostly magic, after all."

After his ears pricked up due to the talk between dwarves, Von turned his attention to the Dwarven Champion and Mage. His name had came up, and in a somewhat disappointing way. Coming up behind them, he clasped the shoulders of both." I'm glad you're worrying for me, but I'll be fine, I took a potion. But some booze here and some eats there, and my ribs will be back in place." He said, flashing a small, downhearted smile. "I'm just desperate to smell some surface air. The next time I go underground, I hope it's Orzammar."

Letting go, he walked around the two, and came to the main group, and witnessed how personal this topic was.

"Old business,"

Unsure how long this personal business will go on for. Once again, the Templar came behind, and clasped Berund's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll make sure that they save you two a tankard... or ten." He chuckled, flashing a bright, devilish smile. Feeling his fatigue, Von gave a nod before letting go and the people who have already left. The surface was a sight sorely missed by the former noble. Sure, it isn't a estate, nor a inn, but still, the freedom of the air and sky felt comforting. It won't be any time soon that he'll want to see another Darkspawn... and more importantly, another Lyrium vein.

That was when he was hit by many, many questions, by elf, human, and dwarves. It was a surprising experience. "Whoa there!" He said, spotting a Kari entering the tent. "Ah, hopefully she can save a table..." He mumbled to himself, but while the pain somewhat remained, and his body was about to crumble, a neat little smile couldn't but help indulge. "Alright you dirty sweat-rags. I'll tell you all ya' want. Head into the tent give me a second!" He yelled, getting into the festive mood.

Distracting the eager mob for a few seconds, the tired Von came across a really nice patch of dirt, and with one solid nod, he decided where to set up camp. Setting up his bedroll and tent in a matter of minutes, the human threw off his armour, cloak, pack, blade, before revealing his forest-coloured tunic and taking off to the tent. The mood and smell of alcohol overwhelmed him, and Von could only screw up his expression before a wooden tankard from thrust into his hand.

"Okay, what do you want to know?"

"Honestly, I believe we should tell them... tell them about the most fucking ugly Darkspawn you've seen, and not the one that talked." He said loudly and immediately thrust the drink to his mouth. Beginning the first chug of many drinks to come. Internally, he could only think, it's not bad rowdy once in a while...

"Everyone, listen carefully to us. We'll most likely speak about this thing once, before I drink it away from my memory. Cheers to that!" He said, raising his cup to the whole room.

 

[DarkRawen]

"Yeah Ash, I'd appreciate it."

"Okay then, I'll help you out," Ash smiled. As was about to lean down to heal her -she was a fair bit shorter than him, after all- he felt Von's hand on his shoulder.

"I'm glad you're worrying for me, but I'll be fine, I took a potion. But some booze here and some eats there, and my ribs will be back in place."

"Okay," Ash said, unsure of how to address Von without sounding worried or uncomfortable. Even if Von was back to normal -and he wasn't entirely sure of that- there still had been a rather unpleasant situation.

I want to get along with people, though.

Hiding all of his doubts and insecurity regarding the man, he added; "Save some for me, okay?" and gave a short chuckle. When Von had left, he leaned down to heal Nola.

"It would be easier without the armour, but I have a feeling that neither of us want to be spending too much time doing this... especially if it could mean we get to leave before any uncomfortable conversations," he said, motioning towards where Anso had been standing. "Let's see... I had expected the spell to do more than this, I suppose I should've expected your resistance to do something," he said, sheepishly. It took the rest of his mana, but he managed to patch her up. Sure, it would likely be sore still, and she was probably exhausted themselves. "That should be it, I'm not entirely sure but it should be all repaired now. If not... then sorry, I don't have any more energy." He gave an apologetic smile, before standing up.

"I'm going to head outside now. Want to come along?" Whether she did or not, he was surprised to see the others flocked by people asking how it had gone. Even him, as he approached the tent where the others were.

"Everyone, listen carefully to us. We'll most likely speak about this thing once, before I drink it away from my memory, hah!"

He heard Von say, and Ash grinned. "Oh, I'm sure..."

"Oh they love you now. Just wait though, soon enough you'll be alone again and then who will you call on?"

Not you at least.

He stopped talking, and felt his expression get less cheery. Ash mood changed suddenly, he couldn't help but feel depressed as he heard the demon speak. Even with all the happiness around him, the joy of being outside, he was brought into the reality of his own situation. He could never be pleased, could he? Right now, it hit him a little too hard.

If only I hadn't been tired... and hungry, and... I shouldn't let anyone know how I'm feeling. It'd only ruin the mood.

He didn't want to sleep, though, and he certainly didn't feel like eating anymore. A drink would've been nice, but he didn't want to go through the effort of getting one. Addressing those of the others who were closest, he thought he might give a heads up before leaving.

"I'm... going to rest for a little while, in case Calien wonders where I've gone."

He forced his way past those who had flocked around them, they were loud but he ignored them, just kept walking till it looked like he could be alone. The Qunari mage sat down. With his legs pulled close to his torso, Ash rested his head in his arms, looking at his feet. His chest felt heavy, and his throat felt painfully strained, as if he was about to cry. He wasn't, but he was happy no one was around to see him if he did.

It's better like this. To be sad all alone.

He wondered if the demon hadn't spoken the truth. Eventually, he would be alone, right? Either alone or dead.

Perhaps getting attached isn't the best idea.

Perhaps it was better not to rely on people like he had. While it was a stupid demon who had said it, it was a reality that it was only during a situation like this that anyone would respect someone like him. Even if they did, it didn't change that it was the Inquisition and the threat they faced that had caused them to group together like this, not friendship or anything like that. Ash would, eventually, end up alone, yet again, demon or no demon.

Ugh. I hate it when I agree with that bastard.

 

[Protocol95]

"I'm not sure what my brother is concerned about with you lot, but as far as I see it we owe you and the inquisition a debt, and by the Ancestors my family repays our debts."

Things did not proceed as Jarrett thought they would. Indeed, Volshen left only gratitude, however reluctantly. However this was by and large irrelevant to Jarrett, at least immediately. "Thanks. It's good to have people able to rely on each other. Consider the name Jarrett trustworthy, sir." He said while politely bowing. 'Well, if nothing else, better to make this something I'm able to use. He thought to himself.

With that bit of business done, he saw know better use of his time than approaching Calien. "So, what'd you think of this job?"

 

[sage42]

Nola nodded as she began to unbuckle her armor. She grunted she lifted her breastplate away from her body, revealing a simple under shirt. The damn thing felt heavier than it should have.She was going to be very happy once her ribs were patched up.

"Let's see... I had expected the spell to do more than this, I suppose I should've expected your resistance to do something,"

She shook her head with a smile, wincing a little as the movement sent a bolt of pain down her chest. "No worries Big guy. I was able to move at least thanks to that. Don't know how your surface armies get by without constant healers." She said with a chuckle as she felt a warmth spreading through her as the Qunari literally worked his magic. She sighed relief as the pain subsided. Sure she still felt sore, but it was better than what she had before.

"That should be it, I'm not entirely sure but it should be all repaired now. If not... then sorry, I don't have any more energy."

"Nope that'll do. I owe ya big time, Ash." She grimaced "One we're outta here, and if I'm not kicked out of the Inquisition once the higher ups learn about my past with House Orban, I'll buy you a drink." She shook her head. She needed to think for a moment, try to workout how this 'talk' with Anso was going to go. "Nah you go ahead, I'll catch up later." She said as she began to strap back into her armor. After making sure it was secure, she left the tent, looking for Berund. This talk involved him as much as it did her, she didn't want either of them off guard.

She found him in the clearing, resting against a rock. Probably just trying to avoid the talk as much as I am. She thought moving to the dwarven scout. "Her Berund, got a minute?" she asked more to be polite than anything. She glanced around, hoping Anso wasn't nearby. "We need to talk. I don't know why House Orban has it out for you too, but my guess it ain't any better than why he has it out for me." She crossed her arms over her chest. "As much as I hate to say it, I think we need to know each other's past a little, if only so we're not caught off guard when we talk with Anso."

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Hey Berund, got a minute?" she asked more to be polite than anything. She glanced around, hoping Anso wasn't nearby. "We need to talk. I don't know why House Orban has it out for you too, but my guess it ain't any better than why he has it out for me." She crossed her arms over her chest. "As much as I hate to say it, I think we need to know each other's past a little, if only so we're not caught off guard when we talk with Anso."

"Hmm," Berund audibly mulled. He shifted in his seat and scratched his chin. "I'm not opposed to that. S'pose I'll go first then. As ye know, I was a scout in the Legion. I was a volunteer. Mind you, it wasn't somethin' I had planned on doin'." He looked down and began making lines in the dirt. "My family has been the guard of a house of nobles fer generations. Mostly without trouble. Until my fool of a brother decided to draw a sword on one of 'em. Left a stain that I had to wipe away, servin' in the Legion. Didn't know how else. Anyway, I found a way out as ye can see. And if I had to take a guess why Anso's eager to talk, well..." There was a pause. "The name of the house of nobles my family has guarded? Orban."

 

[sage42]

Nola listened quietly as Berund spoke. A bodyguard from generations of bodyguards, stepping up to wipe away shame on his house. At least his name would be recorded for the memories. Her's was probably just a blank spot on her familial slate. She sighed when he finished speaking. The name of the house was no surprise, they shared a common element to their stories. "Well a better past than mine at least. Though you're probably not gonna care to hear my story now that I know yours. Just uh....try not to kill me once ya hear the whole thing." She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"In case it wasn't obvious, I wasn't born a warrior. Never wanted to join the army or the Silent Sisters. I was happy at my forge, and was looking forward to teaching my own daughter how to work it." She placed her hands on her hips and looked down, kicking at the dirt. "Till I started getting commission's from an Orban. The noble come's in one night while I'm tryin to work, smelling like he had just drank Tapster's out of their stock of wine. Now drunk's of any other caste I could handle. Most see the heavy hammer and hot metal and stay away. This one didn't, and started pawing at me. I must have shrugged him away wrong or something, cause next thing I know, his hand i beneath my hammer on a down swing. A few quick mistakes later and he's dead on my floor, the bloody mace in my hand." She grimaced. "You can guess how the rest went. Short trial, no defense, then thrown to the Deeproads. Finding the Legion never crossed my mind, just escape from the Darkspawn. Found my way to the surface somehow." Nola shook her head. "My first kill, and not one I was proud of." She looked up, eyeing the other dwarf, half ready to dart away should he get violent. "My guess is Anso is more concerned about me than you."

 

[IFS]

"So, what'd you think of this job?"

"If I never set foot in the Deep Roads again it'll be too soon," Calien replied "I still can't believe we made it out in as good of shape as we did."

He frowned for a moment then shook his head "I should be thankful, more thankful at least," he said "but something is still troubling me, that creature... The Child as that spawn called it, what do you think happened to it?"

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Outside the medical tent the crowd was enthused by Von and Kari's offers to explain, if only just once, what had happened. Even the dwarves who had been rescued seemed amused by the prospect of hearing the tale, no doubt they'd relate their own later to more sober minds.

"Okay, what do you want to know?"

"Was there a dragon?" a dirt covered elf worker asked.

"You mean, how many dragons were there!" a dwarf soldier, his arm in a sling, called out. Laughter and excited murmurings spread through the crowd.

"I heard you wrestled with the ghost of Paragon Hirol himself," another soldier called out, barely managing to keep a straight face.

"Did you mention a talking darkspawn?" a human worker asked, his expression a mix of awe and terror at the thought of such a monster "those haven't been seen since they attacked Amaranthine!"

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"Oh did I ruin your good mood?" the demon whispered with an unsettling smoothness "not to worry, we can have our own celebration right here, just you and me, what do you say?"

For a moment Ash's hallucinations were completely absent, if anything the world seemed brighter, more alive and more vibrant than before. Then it faded and the norm he had become accustomed to resumed.

"Come now, you just need someone to teach you how to relax," the last word lingered in the air for a few moments before fading, "you should take the chance while you have it, who knows what might be coming all too soon."

The demon gave a short chuckle "certainly not I."

 

[Protocol95]

"If I never set foot in the Deep Roads again it'll be too soon, I still can't believe we made it out in as good of shape as we did."

"Understandable, heh." Jarrett dryly laughed, acknowledging to himself that his group were in a problem that should've been far beyond them.

"But something is still troubling me, that creature... The Child as that spawn called it, what do you think happened to it?"

"That's gotten to you too?" The small bit of light in Jarrett's face faded, leaving him looking only dry and worried. The Child was a loose end and if his trade had taught him anything there shouldn't only exist when they could be turned to your advantage. Only a insane evil matching that of the darkspawn would believe such a monster could be useful, so Jarrett absolutely did not want to leave the worry of a rampaging monster in the back of his mind.

"I think it's still alive, waiting to wreak havoc at any moment and any defence we set up would be torn apart. I don't want to kick this problem down the road, I want to make sure it's dead, but it's your call what to do." What little he knew of the darkspawn only told tales of innocents cut down in an instant and the vengeful tide that would push them back. Personally, Jarrett wanted to skip the first step.

 

[Athol]

"Was there a dragon?"
"You mean, how many dragons were there!"
"I heard you wrestled with the ghost of Paragon Hirol himself,"
"Did you mention a talking darkspawn? Those haven't been seen since they attacked Amaranthine!"

?One at a time good people.? Kari replied with a laugh. ?I?ve had a long and shitty day?? Smiling, and much to the obvious annoyance to some, she took a moment to have a long drink. ?Alright then, where were we? Ah yes?questions.?

?Sadly there were no dragons.? She sighed with a shudder. ?Fuck, I?d?ve preferred a dragon, Fade take them, I taken a whole nest of ?em.? Shaking her head a bit the smiled. ?Did see ghosts, though can?t say if that Paragon of yours was there. Ghosts of dwarves and ?spawn clashed in a battle that happened long ago; that would?ve been creepy enough, but then one of ?em decide to make a stone ogre?which yes, sounds as shitty as you think.?

?Well after we avoided getting killed by all that, we went to see if we could stop it, so Anso and his lot could get out. Found some weird ass red lyrium that made my skin crawl, i-? She stopped, supressing a shudder. ?That?s all I?ll say on that?it?s gonna give me enough Maker-damned nightmares as it is.? After a bit more food, and a few more pulls of ale to push those memories aside, she went on. ?We did meet one of those talking ?Spawn?and its ?pet? that seemed to feed on lesser ?Spawn?but the less said about that shit the better.?

?After that shit show, Anso?s boys blew up the red stuff and we got the fuck outta there?when a real ogre showed up.? Some of the crowd looked incredulous. ?If you don?t believe me, that?s your business, but the rest of my party can back everything I said and Anso and his men saw the ghosts and the last ogre?damn, they were dealing with the ghost well before we showed up.? Raising her arms, and unintentionally flashing a fair bit of skin, she stretched, her joints making a rapid succession of ?pops?. ?Anything else??

 

[DarkRawen]

"Oh did I ruin your good mood? Not to worry, we can have our own celebration right here, just you and me, what do you say?"

Ash felt a mixed feeling as he saw the world vivid and different, clean almost, from how he saw it. From what he had since long come to consider the norm. On some days, it was far worse, but he could feel his chest hurt, feeling heavy, as he saw how beautiful it really all was.

Don't stop it. Don't take it away again.

He wished it would stay that way, he wished he could beg the demon not to let it fade back into how it had to be. Yet, Ash would not beg the demon, he would not follow its whims.

"Come now, you just need someone to teach you how to relax, you should take the chance while you have it, who knows what might be coming all too soon."

The demon chuckled.

"certainly not I."

"I had someone who taught me how to relax, someone I felt safe around," Ash replied, whispering bitterly. "But he's... I don't know. I wish I knew what happened to him. For all I know, I never did see him a second time. Or he could have died, perhaps one of those nightmares of yours really were true." He refused to let the demon know he was upset, yet his voice shook a little as he asked.

"Did he even exist? Or was Solthe just a trick, someone you created in my mind so that I could be hurt? I know you couldn't make me believe all of this is fake, it is far too intricate and complicated. But him... did you just try to fool me into thinking that there was someone out there who honestly cared about someone like me, apart from my own mother, so that I could get hurt when I saw him scared? So that I could miss him, and get my hopes up every time another nightmare had him appear, only to make me feel worse, even lonelier, when you had him die? Always, always because of me, so that the loss would be mixed with guilt."

He looked at the sky, having made himself sadder at the thought. Ash felt a couple of tears roll down his cheek, the thought of his best friend being nothing more than a trick made him feel terrible. However, among his difficult feelings and thoughts, there was still his stubbornness and unwillingness to give up.

"Whichever it is, I would never, ever give you a way to come into this world. Did you think I would just lay down and give up because you showed me what you've stolen from me? That I so foolishly put into your hands in a desperate moment? That you could try to pretend you'd help me? I would sooner die than trust you. Go away, or I'll deal with you myself." He knew the demon must have found out about his intention, but then he realized, it may not have.

No need to keep it a secret, I suppose. It's been in my thoughts for quite a while now.

Perhaps he could scare it away, not have to risk his life at all. If nothing else, it would release some steam, and he was willing to do a lot to feel a little better right now. Besides, it did sound as if the demon had a suspicion, or perhaps just an inkling.

"Oh yeah, perhaps the spirit, Duty, and Skyhold kept you away long enough for you not to figure it out, but I've learned something. There are mages who have told me how I can go inside and defeat you myself. Have my own little harrowing, as they call it. Did you know that? Your trickery and misguided grooming might have made me strong enough to be a fitting host, but it also made me more than powerful enough to kill you. And I will, soon. So don't play with me, I'm not your prey anymore."

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

The dwarf's knuckles flushed white as his fists clenched. "You what?" Berund asked through gritted teeth. He rose to his feet with startling speed. His gaze was biting. He huffed sharply and paced back and forth across the cavern floor. "This," he began with a heavy breath, "this is just perfect! I leave my home to wipe the blemish on my family's name only for it to be muddied again. With blood no less. If my brother wasn't so witless, if I wasn't so foolhardy, so quick to throw myself into the deep," he paced faster, fists clenching and unclenching.

"You," Berund proclaimed, accusatory finger pointed at Nola, feet stilled. "If ye'd done anythin' else! Great Ancestor's, what kind of blighted joke is this? Somewhere there's a pile o' bones in these blighted rocks just rattlin', laughin' away. That right?" He called into the empty cavern, stepping towards the dark passage. "C'mon then, let's hear it! Ha! HAAA!!"

The dwarf knew anger and he knew loss. But Nola's words pierced him deep. An irrational part of him wanted to break every last inch of the Deep Roads into dust. Ten years. "Ten years of my life in these caves. In this darkness. Things the fortunate only have to endure in night terrors. For ten years. I could have been home. Beside the hearth. But I was hasty. I just had to be the good one. I could have even prevented this if I was just there. If I'd just let my brother's mark fade with the passage of time, if I wasn't so rash. Ten years undone by a single swing..."

 

[sage42]

Nola took a step back, her hands half raised, ready to defend herself. Thankfully the blow never came. But the other dwarf's words cut as deep as any blade. She had realized when he said he guarded the Orban family that her actions had undone his. But hearing it out loud, that she had made his sacrifice meaningless? It hurt, a lot, more than any magic could hope to fix. But when Berund went into the last bit of his rant, she got angry. When she spoke her voice was quiet. "Yeah, yeah you're right you could have been home. With a family that loved you, accepted you. But you made a choice. One that your Family honored you for. Your name will be passed down through your family with pride. Maybe even have a Nephew named after you."

She scowled at the ground. "Your parents are proud for your sacrifice, your brother, if he had any sense in him, turned is life around in your memory. And you got brother's you could rely on down there. But what did my stupid actions get me? Exiled." She spat the word out like poison. "My name was stuck from the records. My parents disowning me that night. By the Stone the deshyrs had to argue to give me a weapon before they sent me away. Into the Deep Rodes, alone. Need I remind you what the 'Spawn do to women they catch?"

The anger left her as she spoke and left a hollow pit in her chest. "As far as anyone cares, I never even existed. No one will remember my name, no one will proudly say they hold a Norzak weapon again. Ten years you've been dead, at least you died a hero. Ten years since I was erased from existence." She leaned against the rock, suddenly very tired, and heaved a sigh before continuing. "If you're gonna kill me, save it till after we talk with Anso. He may let you do it for him." For the first time in forever, she just wanted to be away from the Deep Rodes.

 

[StormShaun]

"Fuck, I'd've preferred a dragon, Fade take them, I taken a whole nest of 'em."

"I... I can agree with that. Probably lose an arm... or two, but better than that other thing." Von spoke after the Qunari, finding his gaze at the end of his tankard. Slamming it down, he raised it upward, spinning a finger, and ultimately signalling for another. It was as a castle servant, people were pushing and shoving to refill it, desiring and lusting for more detail.

"At least with a Dragon, you can see something nice before dying. But that 'spawn would give you nightmares in the Fade, stone, or wherever you'd go after dying to that." He said, finding his hand on his tankard once again. Yet after taking one sip, he noticed the somewhat shocked crowd. "But we still kicked both of their fucking arses!" He yelled, raising his tankard to the rowdy tent, and chugging the ale.

"We did meet one of those talking 'Spawn...and its 'pet' that seemed to feed on lesser 'Spawn...but the less said about that shit the better."

Von could only nod in the middle of his large gulp. The moment was something out of a nightmare, and the worst part is that it was covered in re lyruim. It was like Von's specific nightmare came to life, but after this, that creature would certainly reappear, either in reality, or a real nightmare. The worst part is that no amount of drinking would erase it. "In all hon-" The Templar belched, quickly placing a hand on his mouth out of habit before relaxing again. "...Pardon, but in all honesty. I would more of us would need a damn drink after all that." He said, looking around the tent for others.

"After that shit show, Anso's boys blew up the red stuff and we got the fuck outta there...when a real ogre showed up."

"It was certainly real... and armoured. I have no idea where it, or the other Darkspawn, came from... but it's dead." He said to back up Kari's fact, yet there was something unnerving about that fact. Just how many Darkspawn bases were down in the Deeproads? The Warden did a massive dent to their strongholds last time they went down there. Or that's how the stories told it, how they cut down waves of Darkspawn to reach some sort of Paragon to rally the Dwarven forces. Such a long tale, and just how much of it was true? He would believe authors, but then again, he knew Varric.

"At this rate, we're going to run out of ale." Von muttered, shaking the remaining liquid within his tankard.

 

[IFS]

"I think it's still alive, waiting to wreak havoc at any moment and any defence we set up would be torn apart. I don't want to kick this problem down the road, I want to make sure it's dead, but it's your call what to do."

Calien nodded "I understand, though I'm afraid that until it sticks its head out again there isn't much we can do about it. Even the dwarves don't know the full extent of the deep roads and it could be hiding anywhere down there for all we know."

He shuddered at the thought of those blighted tunnels.

"Anso and Volshen are aware of it at least, and they'll inform King Bhelen," he said "I suppose if we're lucky it'll just go on eating spawn down there in the dark and we'll hear no more of it, but I doubt that will happen. If we do run into it again though we should have a plan, some way to get through its hide or deal with that red lyrium growing out of it."

He shook his head "A problem for another time, for now I think we could all use some rest."

___________________________________________________________________________________________

"Oh yeah, perhaps the spirit, Duty, and Skyhold kept you away long enough for you not to figure it out, but I've learned something. There are mages who have told me how I can go inside and defeat you myself. Have my own little harrowing, as they call it. Did you know that? Your trickery and misguided grooming might have made me strong enough to be a fitting host, but it also made me more than powerful enough to kill you. And I will, soon. So don't play with me, I'm not your prey anymore."

For a precious few moments the demon was silent, perhaps taken aback by his statement, perhaps simply considering the threat. Still the silence was telling, in his dealings with it before the demon had often preferred to have the last word, departing with a muttered remark and a chilling laugh. Now though his words were the ones that caused the break, if only for a moment.

The silence broke with a low chuckle "You're thinking about paying me a visit? How nice, I'll have to straighten the place up," the demon said, beneath its humorous veneer there was a hint of restrained anger however "my domain is always open to visitors, so welcoming in fact that many find they never leave."

The demon sighed "And to think, I was considering offering you help, information you might have valued. It seems you need some time though, let that temper of yours settle down a bit before you do something you will regret."

With that the demon's voice faded, and surprisingly so too did Ash's visions to an extent, or rather they remained but lessened to an extent. Whether this was the demon withdrawing its influence out of fear of the threat, or to make preparations of some sort, was impossible to say though the change was welcome.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

"At this rate, we're going to run out of ale."

"Not before we drink ourselves into a stupor!" one of the soldiers cried, leading to a cheer spreading throughout the assembled workers.

The questions and celebrations continued well on into the night, though eventually all involved either made their ways back to their tents or at least found a comfortable patch of dirt to fall onto. No doubt there would be a fair number of headaches and other soreness in the morning but for now a satisfied air hung over the camp.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

A tent was set up specifically for the group, and messengers were sent out to inform them of it. It was quite large as such things went and had enough cots for all of them. Certainly it wasn't the finest accommodations in the world but after the deep roads no doubt some of them could fall asleep on a rock.

Calien greeted each of them as they arrived, asking if they'd been seen to by a surgeon, and informing them that they would likely be departing for Skyhold on the morrow. None of the specters reported in Hirol had been seen since they'd shattered the red lyrium in the roads so as far as could be told their mission had been resolved for now.

 

[StormShaun]

"Not before we drink ourselves into a stupor!"

"Say what?" Von could only mutter, as he found his eyes, once more, at the bottom of the wooden tankard. Yet, this time, he placed it carefully on the table, and it was almost immediately filled up. This... this will not be good for tomorrow. He thought, giving a small smirk as he remembered the last time he had this kind of experience. Back when he had just graduated from being a Templar recruit. The whole squad was roped up into drinking a lot. It was an event that would not happen often in the future.

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Questions and booze, questions and booze, or was it booze and questions? Von thought, stumbling out of the drink tent, tankard still in hand. "O-oh... this." He muttered weakly, placing the tankard just by the tent entrance. Even now the cheer and drinking continued. "Heh... Dwarves. Do they have stone livers?" The Templar said happily, giving a small belch. Yet this time, he could not be bothered covering up his drunk nature.

Using the rest of his energy to find his belongings and the Inquisition tent, Von slowly walked through the entrance. Meeting Calien, he put up his hand, signalling that he doesn't need any more medical attention. A surgeon was on break in the tent, and gave him a short look over. Apparently the potion healed most of the damage, but they placed some poultice and clothe around the area. "Should... should be good tomorrow. I hope. Apart from that, goooooodnight." He said, placing his belongings by the nearest cot, and flopping into it.

That night, there was no nightmares to be seen.

 

[DarkRawen]

"You're thinking about paying me a visit? How nice, I'll have to straighten the place up, my domain is always open to visitors, so welcoming in fact that many find they never leave."

"It's good to know I'm not the only one you've been hassling over the years," Ash replied, dryly. "No need to make an effort, though, I don't care what your grave looks like." He thought that was a good thing to say, though he instantly started wondering just what that "straightening would do". His doubts got further enhanced as the demon spoke again.

"And to think, I was considering offering you help, information you might have valued. It seems you need some time though, let that temper of yours settle down a bit before you do something you will regret."

Ash felt his heart sink as he heard that. Not because it made him particularly sad, but because the demon had a point. He was sure he wouldn't regret killing the demon, but telling it he was going after it...

I shouldn't have done that, should I?

It had left, which was a relief, but what was it doing? Was it preparing for him coming, using the grasp it usually held Ash in?

We have to get back to Skyhold. I have to do this as quickly as I can.

No goodbyes or rest, or anything. He cursed himself for not preparing to do it on the road, though it hardly mattered now.

Relax, Ash. This doesn't change anything. I'm still stronger. I think.

He curled up, allowing some of his doubts to build up as he sat there. It was getting dark outside, and he felt tired, but Ash didn't know where to go or if there was even any reason to. Someone he didn't know came to tell him there was a tent for the group. He didn't feel like joining the others, but he was hungry and there had to be food, somewhere. He also needed some water.

Walking briefly through the party, not looking at anyone or stopping up, he got some food and drink then went towards the inquisition tent. Ash finished his food and drink before coming close enough for Calien to talk to him, but rather than reply he simply covered his ears and lay down on the cot the furthest from the others. He undressed down to the soft underclothing, before turning the other way and staring at the tent-wall. For a while, he stayed awake, feeling upset and wanting to talk to someone, yet not finding any words. He couldn't bring himself to rely on anyone, not now. Not when they would just leave.

Eventually, he got too tired and the cot was too comfortable compared to the rock for him to force himself to stay awake. Slowly and unwillingly, he drifted into sleep.

 

[Athol]

"Not before we drink ourselves into a stupor!"

?Now that man has the right idea!? Kari cried, to the approval of those around her. Polishing of her current tankard in one breath, she banged it down on the rough table with a laugh and pushed it away as another full one saw set by her. How long can you keep doing this? A small voice in her head asked her. Until the memories drown themselves to death? She replied. Outwardly, she joined in a bawdy tavern song with some of the dwarves.

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Eventually Kari had drank her fill, and with more than a little help, she stumbled to her feet and headed for the tent that had been set up for them. As she left the impromptu tavern, one of the more sober miners offered to collect her gear from where she?d stored it and bring it to the ten, an offer for which she was most grateful.

Arriving at the tent, she thanked the miner and collected her stuff before greeting Cailen with a nod. ?I?m fine??She mumbled as she staggered past, and flopped onto a cot beside Ash, where she was asleep in moments.

 

[Protocol95]

"I understand, though I'm afraid that until it sticks its head out again there isn't much we can do about it. Even the dwarves don't know the full extent of the deep roads and it could be hiding anywhere down there for all we know."

As much as he hated to admit, there options were very limited. The trail of The Child was blocked off and long cold. Blocking off tunnels would hardly slow it even if all parties allowed. Even with the aid of all the people here a full scouting of the deep roads in this area would be too inefficient and unsafe. Turning to his leading Jarrett gave a defeated sigh.

"Anso and Volshen are aware of it at least, and they'll inform King Bhelen, I suppose if we're lucky it'll just go on eating spawn down there in the dark and we'll hear no more of it, but I doubt that will happen. If we do run into it again though we should have a plan, some way to get through its hide or deal with that red lyrium growing out of it."

"I concede to your point." Jarrett thought that Calien, as unnerved as he clearly was, deserved credit for his commitment. He believed that it wasn't fear that stopped Calien from wanting to hunt The Child. He was still after all recommending some form of plan after all.

"A problem for another time, for now I think we could all use some rest."

"At least resting here means we can help if needed." With options limited he decided to find a suitable place to rest. Being informed of the tent they were assigned, Jarrett waited outside it for the rest of the group.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Honor? Pride?" Berund asked sharply, turning his back to the passageway to face Nola. "Yes, all these things I would have if one of the charges under my house wasn't cut down. He was callous and a fool but he didn't deserve to die. I should've been there," he remarked again. A brother shamed, the other miles away?there were simply too few Browers to keep ward.

The dwarf's fury had simmered down but it remained within him. He looked to the dirt and shook his head, defeated. "No, I don't think there is pride to be had in my absence. Not anymore." He looked at Nola again, anger still in his gaze but one that was contained. "If, by the end of this, your death is ordered...rest assured, it won't be by my hand. Now let's just get this over with." He gathered his things and made for the camp, not eager for the coming conversation.

 

[IFS]

Dawn broke and slowly members of the camp, the party included began to wake. For many it would be hours before they were fully awake, after the festivities of the night before no one was especially eager to return to work least of all those who had had too much to drink. Gradually though activity resumed and before too long a messenger was dispatched to the tent, a nervous looking dwarf who informed Berund and Nola that Anso and Volshen wished to speak with them.

If they had any thought to avoid the confrontation they were dissuaded by the fact that Anso and Volshen were waiting not far outside their tent with a complement of soldiers. Both of the dwarves, and many of their soldiers, looked uncomfortable standing under the open sky.

"My brother and I have had a lengthy discussion on what to do," Anso said, "It has proven a more difficult matter than simply one of honor."

He gritted his teeth, expression annoyed "I would think that my families honor might be the most important matter, muddle perhaps only by the assistance you have rendered to me, but my brother brought up several other aspects of the situation."

Volshen cleared his throat "Beyond the offences to our family, and the punishment Berund specifically has apparently escaped there is the matter of your service to the Inquisition, as you are their agents administering punishment on you would fall to them rather than to Orzammar."

Anso spoke up "You are casteless now, and effectively dead in the eyes of our laws regardless of whether or not you have evaded the intent of your punishment," he said "But as a matter of honor I cannot help but feel that the spirit of the law has been defied by that evasion."

"Brother..." Volshen said, sounding nervous.

"Nevertheless my hands are bound," Anso said "I will refrain from informing the Inquisition of your past misdeeds only because of the debt I owe you, still I must ask do you feel you have been sufficiently punished for your crimes?"

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Inside the tent Calien paced anxiously "I don't suppose any of you know what any of this means?" he said "I can't make out what they're saying from here."

He frowned and glanced over the group "they seem to suspect Berund and Nola of something," he said "we aren't going to stand back and let them sentence them though, are we?"

He seemed somewhat nervous, seeming to look to the group for guidance. He certainly had no desire to offend the allies of the Inquisition by interfering in their matters of justice, but neither did he wish to see any members of the party harmed.