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

[TheIronRuler]

It was at the moment that Raven balled up some snow with a rock in the center and hurled it at the fleeing wolf with her knife still lodged at his back that she realized the absurdity of slaying beasts with snowballs. It was only by sheer dumb luck and a good throwing arm that the ball hit the wolf on the head and dazed it long enough for her to get her bloody knife out and watch it scurry away in whimpers of pain. "And tell your mother!", she waved the knife around while the wolf ran off, and then cleaned it on her borrowed coat.

"Didn't expect to see travelers in this weather, but then I heard the noises and had to come see...What brings you lot up here? Adventurers I expect from the look of you, names Arthur."

"Andraste's balls", Raven jumped when that shady-looking and awfully friendly stalker - who called himself Arthur - showed up from nowhere. Raven walked funny all the way to the rest of the group who was standing around the new arrival, her impromptu ride on a wolf still sending jolts of pain down her pelvis. "We killed dozens, I tells 'ya, dozens!", she motioned at the field of corpses a mile away from them with exaggerated hand gestures, "You just had to look at all the dead puppies, it was enough fur to last you ten winters!".

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

By the end of the fray, several wolf corpses were lying around Berund in a jagged ring. Any wolves that were able to had scampered off into the white with their tails between their legs. Watching them retreat, he laughed and said to no one in particular, "Looks like I'll be on the feastin' tonight, eh?" He took a moment to clean some of the blood off him with handfuls of snow, though it was hardly an ideal cleaning he still managed to get a decent portion of the spatters. Then he collect his pack and slipped the maul into its sling on his back before examining the carcasses he left. Choosing two of his kills that were for the most part clean--the last thing he wanted was bits of bone in the good meat--and threw one over each shoulder. With his temporary trophies, he regrouped with the others and onward they went...

"Let's just hope your innkeeper has a well-stocked cellar...he's going to need it."

"And a good cook, for that matter!" Berund called forth from the rear with a hearty chuckle.

"You just had to look at all the dead puppies, it was enough fur to last you ten winters!"

"I dunno about that, though I've enough here to last me a couple, I think," Berund said, stepping forward towards the one-man welcoming committee. "Nice to meetcha. I'd extend my hand, but..." the dwarf trailed off, shrugging to emphasize the fact that a wolf kept each of his arms occupied.

 

[StormShaun]

After the battle, Von gave a thankful wave to Jarrett for his help. Gaining back his posture, he cleaned his weapons off, leaving his armour to later. Von's thoughts were occupied by the burden of addiction, he could not do anything useful with his Templar powers due to the lack of lyrium flowing through him, which acted more like a locked gate to his possible true potential ... and death. Shaking the thoughts off him, he just about saw his new companions near the village, meeting with on one of the locals.

"Von ... and somewhere warm would be welcome." Von said arriving next to Ash. His weapons were already back in their respective sheath, and yet Von's hands were still working. His right hand were covered with dried blood, and two fang-sized holes. Von was applying a healing salve onto it, with a painful smile on his face, it almost looked like there was something beyond it.

"Place is a bit packed at the moment, turned into our own little circle if I do say so myself, too bad the mages can't seem to do anything about the damn wolves, most people have been afraid to leave their homes lately."

"... hope it has food." Von said, before turning his head slightly to Ash. "Demons ... huh." Von muttered softly, as he recalled the feeling his mind gave to him, before the pinch of Lyrium addiction called it. Even now, that addiction called to him, like a bitter, soft song lingering in the back of his mind.

 

[DarkRawen]

"Demons ... huh."

"Yeah, that's what it felt like," Ash replied, thoughtfully. He was sure it wasn't some delusion of his too, the wolves had been acting odd, everyone could see it.

"Rage, and hunger, most likely. They were desperate, and then something likely used that to take control of them. just..." he trailed off, as he heard Berund speak. The dwarf was carrying two wolves, and while not a bad idea, Ashtalan had decided against it. Besides, his kills wouldn't taste very good, nor would the fur work very well, due to the spells. It was so much easier to do when he killed animals through blood magic.

Not to mention, they're almost prepared already then.

"I dunno about that, though I've enough here to last me a couple, I think,"

"A good thing you brought those with you," Ashtalan remarked. "Seeing as mad with hunger those wolves were, the rest may just cannibalize their friends' remains." A grim thought, to be sure, but one that should be acknowledged as well. He looked to the two-headed-yet-not man, Arthur, wondering what he thought of the whole affair.

 

[Protocol95]

Once the battle had calmed, Jarrett wasted little time returning to his captive only bothering to wave back to Von on the way. When he returned the Wolf had perished. Unfortunate for Jarrett as he'd hope to study it's nature. He must've felt rushed and exceeded the necessary number of wounds to immobilize it.

"Didn't expect to see travellers in this weather, but then I heard the noises and had to come see. What brings you lot up here? Adventurers I expect from the look of you, names Arthur."

"What timing", Jarrett thought to himself. The situation was becoming stranger to his eyes by the minute. The others were eager to move on for warmth and Jarrett wouldn't stop them. He remained close to his companions, his left hand calm but ready to grab a dagger.

Berund, Kari and Raven seemed to be causing the most notable commotion. They were discussing their recent kills. "So how'd you enjoy your recent kills? It's... engaging." His tone towards them was judging, calm and yet accepting all at once. He no doubt sounded a tad odd to them.

 

[IFS]

"I'd say so too, I think we took out at least twenty of them,"

Arthur whistled at that "Flames, that ought to keep them off us for at least a little while," he said "I'd be surprised if that was all of them though, we've already lost some people who tried to go for help or set up traps."

"You just had to look at all the dead puppies, it was enough fur to last you ten winters!".

"Ha," Arthur laughed "glad to see you're in high spirits, most folk around here could do with a bit of cheer lately."

"And a good cook, for that matter!"

"Ol' Marsha's pretty good, we get Avvar parties through here every now and then, on their way to Orzammar, so she's used to having to whip up something big real quick," he said "though the mayor says if things keep up we might have to start rationing supplies."

As they walked through the town it was easy to sense the feelings of fear and desperation, Arthur's own upbeat attitude couldn't hide the boarded up windows and fearful glances as they walked though. Many were directed at the Qunari party members, these people had likely never seen a Qunari before as isolated as they were.

"Ah speaking of, here we are!" Arthur interrupted any discussion as they reached the 'Inn', a modest establishment that looked to serve more often as the local watering hole than as a place of rest. Arthur pushed open the door and marched in, holding it for the party behind him "Marsha! We've got some adventurers come up the trail! Real interesting lot, even got some big horned fellows with them!"

The inside of the tavern was a chaotic and packed place, a few locals sat at tables discussing among themselves and they looked up to greet Arthur warmly, though they greeted the party with a mixture of suspicious and hopeful glances. Fully half the establishment seemed to have been claimed by a group of mages wearing circle robes, they varied greatly in age from a few teenagers up to the balding man who seemed to be their leader. Marsha herself was a short woman busying herself with cleaning a glass when the group entered.

"Maker's breath! What were you thinking going out there Arthur? Why if your mother..." she stopped as she saw the group "More guests, wonderful, as if we didn't have enough troubles already. Dwarves and more demons too," she continued waving dismissively at the Qunari in the party "Well find yourselves some seats, I'll go see what I can cook up."

"Don't mind Marsha, she's just a bit irritated with having her tavern taken over by refugees at the moment," Arthur said "now if you don't mind I'm going to go see if I can get some boys together to go see what of those wolves you killed we can recover before this storm buries them."

As Arthur left the leader of the mages stood up and walked over to greet them, he seemed to shake a little while he walked and his voice was terribly tired.

"Hello, I do hope you are here to help," he said with a thick Orlesian accent "I am Jacques, formerly a senior enchanter of the circle of Orlais. If you like I can tell you all I know of the current problems here, though I assure you my people had no part in causing them."

"Right," one of the locals said "the wolves just happened to go crazy after you mages showed up, pure coincidence my arse."

 

[Athol]

Following Arthur into the inn, Kari moved towards the fire to soak up the warmth, taking care to avoid any 'accidents' with her sword in such a crowded place.

"Hello, I do hope you are here to help, I am Jacques, formerly a senior enchanter of the circle of Orlais. If you like I can tell you all I know of the current problems here, though I assure you my people had no part in causing them."

The mage speaking up caused Kari to make a bit of a face; not that she had anything against mages, it was just that his accent reminded her of the job she'd left to take this one...and the 'hand-sy' noble involved. "So then Jacky boy, what is going on around here then?"

"Right, the wolves just happened to go crazy after you mages showed up, pure coincidence my arse."

Resting the tip of her sword on the floor, she rested a hand on the pommel. "Easy friend," She said calmly. "Let the man speak his piece."

 

[StormShaun]

Following the rest of the group, Von already had his hood back on, and his cloak wrapped around him. This did not make his weapons visible just in case something were to happen. Yet, taking a look within the establishment already had him on alert. ("Mages ... and a lot of them.") Von though, touching the supply of Lyrium he had in his pack, now he hoped none of the mages could sense that he had Lyrium, or make the connection he was a Templar, especially since the two sides were sour and raging at each other. Once again, hoping they were nice, Von followed the rest into the Inn.

Keeping his hood on, but sweeping his cloak back, Von allowed the heat to surround him. "Ah, that's it." He said to himself. When the party was introduced Marsha, Von was surprised by the lack of information in this region of the world. "By the Maker ... the don't know about the Qunari. Strange, little place this be." He muttered to those around him. Shortly after Martha dismissed the group, Von gave a little bow out of respect. Now when the lead mage came to introduce himself, Von stuck to the back of the group. Placing a hand to his chin. "Quick to proclaim innocence." He mutter again. Realizing he was practicing his Templar 'habits', Von shook his head.

"Right," one of the locals said "the wolves just happened to go crazy after you mages showed up, pure coincidence my arse."

A ear of Von perked up. Whenever a direction such as this was approached, chaos was sure to follow. Keeping calm, he had already witnessed Kari doing her duty.

"Let the man speak his piece."

"Agreed." Von said, approaching the head of the group. Von wondered how this all happened, especially if demons are involved. After all, half a story, is a unfinished story

 

[DarkRawen]

It seemed the local freak-show, Arthur, was impressed by their kills, and thankful as well. He was almost disappointed that the wolves seemed to be the only thing bothering these poor people, not because he wanted them to suffer, but because the more they dealt with... well, it was obvious why by now.

If we had to walk through that storm just to take care of some wolves...

There would be something in it for him, but not nearly as much as he had hoped. However, his sort of sour mood changed when he got inside the inn, warmth from the fireplace and the people, and no snow or fog. The amount of mages bothered him a bit, he had tended to avoid them, just in case they wanted him to join them, or help them fight a fight he didn't feel was his.

"More guests, wonderful, as if we didn't have enough troubles already. Dwarves and more demons too. Well find yourselves some seats, I'll go see what I can cook up."

Ashtalan just bowed, while slightly insulted, getting some food and a place to sit meant that she could call him whatever she wanted. Besides, considering what he could do, perhaps it was a bit true either way. Of course, she couldn't know that, for her it was the horns and the size, and perhaps even the colors of his skin, hair and eyes.

"Yes Miss," he replied, though he wasn't entirely sure she was young enough for that.

"Hello, I do hope you are here to help. I am Jacques, formerly a senior enchanter of the circle of Orlais. If you like I can tell you all I know of the current problems here, though I assure you my people had no part in causing them."

Ash didn't reply, just nodded and looked away. He didn't like being all shy and quiet, it made him feel out of place. However, it was for the purpose of safety.

"Right, the wolves just happened to go crazy after you mages showed up, pure coincidence my arse."

The others opted to hear the mage out, and Ashtalan couldn't fault them. However, he didn't want to get noticed, and it didn't help no matter how many times he told himself to relax. Being as tired as he was, everything became worse, blurrier, almost. Not as much seeing things now, as it was being increasingly unsure of if he wasn't already asleep.

I should just rest for a bit.

He closed his eyes, arms put on the table, and head resting on his arms, listening but also trying to get some shut-eye before the food was ready.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

As Berund walked in with his pair of wolves, he was relieved to be out of the cold and not have to worry any longer about his dinner freezing. He stood by the door a moment as the rest of the group filed in, waiting to catch Jarrett's attention. "Hey, Jarrett, right? I can't say I know you enough to call it strange, but you seem a little on edge. Just very tense. And to be honest, that line of questionin' was a tad...well, it didn't seem like friendly chatter is what I mean to say. I don't know what, if anything is eatin' at ya, but how about loosenin' up a bit? Ain't a bush in sight for anything to jump at ya."

"Well find yourselves some seats, I'll go see what I can cook up."

"We can talk about it over a pint in moment if you'd like, but right now I gotta see about a proper meal," Berund said as he turned and started towards the innkeeper. "Excuse me, ma'am? What would you say to butcherin' up these fine couple of beasts, curin' the lean meat up nicely and stewin' the rest?"

 

[Protocol95]

"We can talk about it over a pint in moment if you'd like, but right now I gotta see about a proper meal"

"So thoughtful" he said with an amused and friendly smile. "I'll be over by the wall at the back". He started walking down the middle of the bar, unsurprised he was ignored by the rest of the patrons caught up in their world. During this, Jarrett took note to keep an ear listening to this mage, Jacques. "Now how does he say he fits into all of this?"

He was about to find a place to relax over there when he noticed an exhausted Ash. Calling back to Berund, "Can you see that Ash receives an extra drink? Help him get some rest."

 

[TheIronRuler]

The stalker - er, erhm, ranger, led them to the village's inn which was a warm and inviting place with the opportunity for a drunk night looming in the horizon. The place was packed full of locals and a group of fellow in robes Raven didn't like the sight of. 'Bloody Mages', she muttered a curse under her breath when they were all seated. The dwarf got two dead puppies in with him in some delusional hope he could eat the damn things, all skin, bones and sinews - he could keep on trying, while Raven gorged on a chicken pie which tasted suspiciously like cat. Not that she would know, oh heavens no, she would never eat such a thing...Though in times of trouble, she was forced to cook up a pet or two. Parrots made for a delicious soup.

A bloke in robes introduced himself to the group and Raven wandered away. She stumbled upon another table and grabbed the first tankard she found, tipping it over abd gulping down whatever was inside. She spat it out violently, "Water?", she eyed the young mage with rage, "You drink water in a tavern?". Raven signaled the serving wench to her, and called out for ale. "This is the time to be merry and whatnot, come with me!", she offered the entire table of anxious mages. Raven jumped over to what seemed like a troubadour, nudged him a bit and whispered a secret before bursting into song.


"Find me, Still searching", she sang with a beautiful melody and an intoxicating voice, "For someone,To lead me". She motioned the rest of the mages to pick up their cups of ale and rose on top of a stool.

"Promise,Surviving,The Breach,In the sky!", she pointed at the roof above and those surrounding her shouted after her, "In the sky!".

"Templar, Igniting, Fire inside me!", she opened her arms and the mages sang with her.

The tavern went along for the ride, and the troubadour was nearly stoned to death with coins flying his way.

 

[IFS]

"Let the man speak his piece."

The local grumbled to himself but turned back to his table, Jacques nodded "Merci," he said "I can't say that I know everything, but I have some theories I will gladly share."

"The wolves did become aggressive shortly after our arrival true, but I believe that is an unfortunate coincidence, the breach has weakened the Veil everywhere after all, and while I don't know of any rifts in the area that still allows demons to more easily slip through and possess animals, corpses and the like. I will admit that even given that this is an unusual concentration, though personally I attribute that to the Avvar barbarians, they have strange rituals said to involve willingly letting themselves be possessed, none of my people have had any traffic with demons so it must be some Avvar shaman, there is a shrine of theirs not far from the village, I'm certain a local would be able to lead you to it."

"Sure none of your lot had anything to do with this," the belligerent local said "just like I'm sure you've got nothing to do with that avalanche what blocked the route to Orzammar, or the dragon that's coming to eat us all."

Jacques sighed and his expression became forlorn "there was an unfortunate avalanche that caught us when we were coming across the mountains, we lost a few good mages to it, as for the dragon I believe there was a rumor of some drake being sighted nearby, though you'd have to ask the locals for more. If you have any questions to ask me then by all means go ahead, I am eager to find some relief from this nightmare."

"Excuse me, ma'am? What would you say to butcherin' up these fine couple of beasts, curin' the lean meat up nicely and stewin' the rest?"

"Eh?" Marsha said, looking at the wolves "We don't eat wolf around here, but eh, I'll see what can be done if you insist."

She started to take the wolves when Raven began her singing, Marsha listened for a few moments then began to laugh "Ha, seems you lot might be good for business after all, you're right what kind of tavern serves water at a time like this, help yourself to whatever you like! There's not much left, but if we're all going to be eaten we might as well provide a well rounded dinner!"

With renewed enthusiasm she set about providing food, primarily stew, and drinks for all, it was surprising how quickly the small woman could move about.

 

[DarkRawen]

Ash listened to the head mage speaking, with some interest. He had been correct in believing that the wolves were possessed by demons, and while there were no rifts, a weakened veil could be rather bad news. He hadn't expected for the man to know this much, however, apparently Jacques knew both the cause and solution to the problems the village was experiencing.

And something about a dragon... I do wonder how much we would get to take out a dragon.

He'd probably give up a lot of that money for the meal to arrive faster, however. As the necessary information had been given out, Ashtalan felt himself slipping into a comfortable sleep. It would surely be less so soon enough, but he liked this feeling, it was a rare moment of calm... which is why he couldn't help but feel very annoyed when the small human, Raven, started running around, starting a ruckus and even singing.

Must every day be a party to her?

He thought to himself, remembering how she had acted back when they were taking the job. He covered his ears, shutting out as much noise as he could.

I'm not getting any sleep tonight, am I?

A dreadful thought. However, as a bowl and cup was put in front of him, Ashtalan lifted his head, smelling the delicious food. It didn't look that delicious, but he was sure the ants were not actually there, nor the... eyeball. Actually, that one could be real.

He started eating, happily, though not touching his cup. While he'd love something to drink, he wasn't going to try his luck.

 

[Athol]

Ignoring the noise being generated by their pet drunk, Kari focused on the mage's words?as well as the outburst from the local, while the Elf faded into the crowd.

"The wolves did become aggressive shortly after our arrival true, but I believe that is an unfortunate coincidence, the breach has weakened the Veil everywhere after all, and while I don't know of any rifts in the area that still allows demons to more easily slip through and possess animals, corpses and the like. I will admit that even given that this is an unusual concentration, though personally I attribute that to the Avvar barbarians, they have strange rituals said to involve willingly letting themselves be possessed, none of my people have had any traffic with demons so it must be some Avvar shaman, there is a shrine of theirs not far from the village, I'm certain a local would be able to lead you to it."

"Sure none of your lot had anything to do with this, just like I'm sure you've got nothing to do with that avalanche what blocked the route to Orzammar, or the dragon that's coming to eat us all."

"There was an unfortunate avalanche that caught us when we were coming across the mountains, we lost a few good mages to it, as for the dragon I believe there was a rumor of some drake being sighted nearby, though you'd have to ask the locals for more. If you have any questions to ask me then by all means go ahead, I am eager to find some relief from this nightmare."

Jacky's comment about the Avvar was about as good a lead as anything, but the dragon really caught her attention. A damned dragon...now THAT is some good coin. She thought with a smile. A nice fat purse from this Inquisition, plus once word gets out I'm a dragonslayer, I'll never have to buy drinks again. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the lady that'd greeted them when they entered taking off with Berund's wolves. "Ma'am," She called out. "Can you set aside a tooth from one of those? We may need it for proof to show our patron."

As food and drink started to appear, she sat herself across from Ash with her blade propped against the table. "Mmmm" She sighed, stretching her arms over her head and enjoying the warmth. "That's nice. Weather like this is why I usually stick to the Free Marches."

 

[StormShaun]

When Raven started to sing, the group started to do their own things in the Inn. Von had already ordered a cup of ale, and crept to a free table in the corner of the room. Sitting down, he exhaled, the journey tired him. Placing his bag down, he enjoyed the warmness as he sat at the corner of the table, back facing the wall. Almost forgetting his best habit, he pulled out his journal, a black hardcover book, which had his family's emblem on it, just like his armour. Von placed it on the table, and soon enough his inkwell and quill with it.

As he held the quill, his handhold on it could tell a examining person, that he was wielded it like a noble, with a graceful style. About to write down his most recent entry, the Inn filled with the voice of Raven. Feeling exhausted, he allowed the song to play, his mind examining each verse of the song. It was one he had heard once before, and he counted it among the best. Waving down a serving girl, Von asked her to get a bowl of stew. She brought it easily to him, but the look on her face said that she'd rather be in a warmer region. Von being ever the gentleman, he paid her and gave a silver coin as a tip, not only that, but he paid her a compliment that gave her a smile.

As the girl skipped away, Von heard the most significant verse of the song.
"Templar, Igniting, Fire inside me!"
Von gave a smile. Taking a moment to take off the top of his armour, he held the Templar ring that hung around his neck, under his undershirt. Picking up his quill again, he felt more motivated to write today's events, and the things he heard in the room.

Entry 24.

Snow falling, like a burning elven forest.
Light signifying. Like magic among the horizon of life.
Darkness descends among us with rabid teeth, and spitting breath.
Eyes betray of others, of other life.

Demonic presence, a enemy to all, a enemy to us.
Blades fall, blades fell. Onto the onward trail of our journey.
Death purged them, and almost touch.
A humble home, for a honest battle.
Songs, warmth surround me.

Myths, making the Dragons come back.
Other influences of magic or men.
Avvar attack?

Templar's burden, igniting my soul, weighing down my path to the Maker.
This lonely path, may be illuminated by others.

Closing the book with a satisfying thud. Von looked up and saw that the table was more populated. Almost forgetting his own stew, he shoved the book back in to his bag, and started chowing. Keeping to himself like usual, he heard Kari speak.

"That's nice. Weather like this is why I usually stick to the Free Marches."

Finishing the last of his stew with a gulp. Von took a sip of his brew. "Agreed, but it's nice to see weather like this once in our lives." He spoke while placing his cup down. "So ... what do we do about rooms? I doubt we will get one here." He asked the crew, wondering where they would sleep. If anyone, Von would like to have a nice bed for once.

 

[sage42]

Nola had kept quiet as Arthur led them the inn. The adrenaline from after the battle already cooling, she wrapped her clock tighter around herself anxious to get to the warmth. She sighed with relief as they entered, enjoying the slight sting as warmth began to spread over her. Much better. Doesn't beat a forge but better than that damned snow. She thought smiling as she made her way behind Kari to the fire place.

She only half listened as Jac....Jaq...Pete gave his explanation of events,to focused on the stew that came by. Not bad as far as surfacer dishes went. She nearly choked on a spoonful though went she heard a particular part of the conversation though.

"....as for the dragon I believe there was a rumor of some drake being sighted nearby, though you'd have to ask the locals for more. If you have any questions to ask me then by all means go ahead, I am eager to find some relief from this nightmare."

After a brief coughing fit she looked at Pete a grin on her face. "A Dragon ya say? Now that's a piece of news I would have loved to hear about earlier." Any smith worth her hammer dreamed of working with dragon, even if it was only a drake. Ancestors arses I'm half inclined to kill that thing for free if I get a good share of it's scaled and bones.

She snapped out of her thoughts as Von spoke up from the corner.

"So ... what do we do about rooms? I doubt we will get one here." Nola shrugged as she went back to her stew. "Proly right." She spoke around a mouthful. "Times like these, we'll be lucky to get some space in a barn."

 

[Protocol95]

"So you pass off the lacking accusation of you with an equally lacking accusation of the Avvar?" The question was quite loud, meant to draw Jacques' attention. "Either a hypocrite or a liar. Either way," Jarrett pondered to himself but regardless of everyone's involvement in this incident, he needed to know what side everyone was on the moment.

"But will you or anyone else be aiding us in investigating this? The possibility of a Dragon dictates that division is unacceptable. To not do so is insanity.", Jarrett spoke with a commanding tone. Attacking a dragon by oneself is a feat best kept by dead legends. Mistrust, unpreparedness and any other simple factors could spell death for even weaker foes such as the wolves they had encountered.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Times like these, we'll be lucky to get some space in a barn."

"Well, that's not so bad. There are far worse places to lie for a night, I can assure you of that," the dwarf said, taking a seat at the table with a rather large drink in hand. In the time he was making sure the accommodations for his food were in order, he missed a large part of Jacque's story, only catching the tail-end of his spiel. What's all this about a dragon? Berund thought. I've got the slight inklin' that's not gonna be easy to dispatch. Figuring there'd be time to consider it later, he pushed the thought aside and put on a great big smile. "Oh yes, I can tell ya a great deal of places less comfortin' than dirt 'n' straw. Enough to fill that book o' yours, certainly." Berund added with a hearty chuckle, nudging Von in jest before taking a large gulp of his drink.

 

[IFS]

"Can you set aside a tooth from one of those? We may need it for proof to show our patron."

Marsha nodded "that shouldn't be an issue," she said before turning her attention back to making certain that everyone was properly fed and inebriated.

"Times like these, we'll be lucky to get some space in a barn."

"You've got that right," Marsha said, overhearing the statement as she walked past carrying drinks "Every room here is taken, most of the mages are sleeping on the floor down here, Arthur might give you some room at his house he seems to like you folk. Although I expect it'll be space on his floor."

As she mentioned Arthur she nodded towards a corner of the room where Arthur now stood, apparently having slipped into the room during the revelry. He didn't seem to notice Marsha pointing him out, rather was wrapped up in drinking and singing along (poorly) with some of the other locals. Fortunately their singing was hard to hear over everyone else, as high spirits abounded in the tavern.

"So you pass off the lacking accusation of you with an equally lacking accusation of the Avvar?"

"I beg your pardon?" Jacques said angrily, he seemed uncomfortable with all the noise and activity in the tavern and so was already on edge "here I had hoped to find some peace from random accusations in Ferelden, instead I find more of the same Templar inanity as everywhere else. I have been through my harrowing, as have many of my students here, we do not deal with demons yet you do not even consider the possibility that those savages might have a hand in this."

"But will you or anyone else be aiding us in investigating this? The possibility of a Dragon dictates that division is unacceptable. To not do so is insanity."

"It is a drake, not a proper dragon, if it exists at all and is not some drunken yokel's fantasy," Jacques said "in all likelihood it will not even approach the village they are rarely found outside of their mates den after all. If you wish to seek it out regardless then ask one of the villagers, they know the area far better than my people. Who I will remind you are weary and wounded from our harsh journey across the mountains, if we were in any condition to do something about this we would have already, as it stands I will be staying here with my students to ensure the injured among us recover, and to aid the village in case the wolves attack it again."