The First Blight: Curse of Dumat [RP/Closed]

[ShadowFolk]

Sulahn'nehn tilted her head in question. "Yes, of course it is. If I can be of use, I will. It's no trouble." She leaned to speak to Ghil, "This extends to you as well. I can only imagine throwing about that greatsword does terrible things to your arms and back."

 

[Rosen2012]

Ulrin ate his own bread in silence listening to Sulahn'nehn and Diocles' conversation. He had his own choice words for the female elf pent up in his head, but they would stay there if only because he didn't feel like fighting her again in such a short amount of time. Despite how nice the food was at the inn, he found himself wishing they were back on the road either toward their next battle or returning to the fortress. Who knew he'd prefer fighting Darkspawn to sitting at a table with a good meal before him?

 

[FortyThree]

Diocles smiled at Sul, distracted only slightly as the serving girl came with his food-And some for Ghil as well. He thanked the young lady with a smile, passing Ghil her plate before digging in to his own.

"You're a remarkably kind woman, Sul.. That's it, you have to teach me to get your name right. Say it slowly for me?"

 

[Cinnonym]

"She is Soolanin, it is easy."

Ghil had no head for charm, or attempted charm; she hunched over her plate, eating quickly. The habit could have been acquired in the swamps just as easily as just before a match at the coliseum. Ulrin beside her, she nudged him with her elbow between chewing and swallowing.

"You are quiet, and for what?"

 

[Rosen2012]

What was a slight nudge from Ghil, was enough to make Ulrin nearly choke on his bread from the disruptive jolt. He coughed lightly and then looked up at the barbarian, "I, um, just a lot on my mind... It was hard to sleep." The elf reached forward and took a gulp of his water to wash down the food.

 

[ShadowFolk]

She giggled, "My goodness. I can scarcely remember the last time a human- Er. Yes. Ghil has it right." The mood, whatever it was, had tapered off with the interrupt. She cleared her throat softly, nibbling at the remained of her food. "But, whenever you like, let me know."

 

[Cinnonym]

"I see you're all awake and equipped." Thaedrin descended the steps, alive and well--or, well enough. He paused near their table and looked each Warden over in turn before he spoke again. "Finish your meals quickly. The army will be providing us with fresh mounts for the return to Weisshaupt. There is already another errand requiring our attention."

His measured stare lingered on Ghil a moment more. It was her kind that was the problem, after all. Then, he turned and moved outside to speak with his peers from the Imperium regarding the city's needed repairs and suggested defenses for future assaults.

Ghil snorted in derision, looking to her comrades. "Shame he woke up."

 

[Rosen2012]

The elf agreed, "Well, there is always next time." He finished up his drink and left the rest of his food. He was glad to be on the way to a battle and away from awkward air around the table.

 

[FortyThree]

"Soolanin. Right."

Diocles seemed like he had more to say, but Thaedrin's arrival cut him short. He nodded politely at the Constable, listening attentively. Once Thaedrin had left, however, he relaxed.

"Well, I guess the hereafter doesn't want him either."

He dug into his food ferociously, following the order to eat up quickly-Though at this rate he'd likely make himself sick.

 

[ShadowFolk]

She placed her fork down in disgust. His face was just so upsetting. "On this, I agree. I suppose it is too much to hope that we wouldn't be rushed off so soon."

The elf placed her plates to the side and stood. "Best not to keep him waiting too long."

 

[Cinnonym]

Ghil agreed, standing from her seat with the last of her breakfast between her teeth.

When the surviving Grey Wardens had gathered behind him, Thaedrin led them back through the mountain pass to Weisshaupt. With somewhat less urgency, the journey took even longer? or maybe it was only the company that made it seem so. Ghil was silent, as she so often was, stiff upon the horse. The wind kicked up and laid a fresh dusting of snow to their arms and armor.

Eventually, Weisshaupt was before them. Handing off his mount to a slave, Thaedrin turned to give one more order: ?Rest and take leisure, but be ready to move at a moment?s notice. I do not yet know the brevity of these new reports.? He let them be, afterward, briskly striding up the stairs and through the Great Hall to attend the Commander.

The barbarian woman shrugged her shoulders, ?Then I will be on the training grounds if any of you has a need.? She took her greatsword off her back and leaned it on the wall outside the door, then made her way inside.

 

[Rosen2012]

Between his three comrades,Ulrin felt more inclined to follow Ghil off to the training ground than listen to whatever nonsense Diocles would have to say. And he was still avoiding direct conversation with the female elf. At least with Ghil there was away to relieve a bit of his anger, even if he'd probably break his wrist trying to hit the giant woman.

"Ghil, I will go with you."

 

[FortyThree]

After Ulrin and Ghil had left, Diocles went to get Sul's attention. He wanted an elf's advice on Ulrin-That, and the horse ride had not helped his back. He spoke quietly to her, not wanting any keen ears to overhear.

"Soolanin. Could we, talk in private a bit? It's about Ulrin, and my.. Lack of tact the other night."

 

[Cinnonym]

Ghil grinned, welcoming his company. She reached a hand out and clapped him on the back congenially. "Wrestling again, elf? Did I not beat you bad enough the last time?" The barbarian watched him with amusement, but slowly the expression became more serious at the sight of his somber face. "What is your trouble?"

 

[ShadowFolk]

Leisure. That was a word she knew. It was an elusive thing, leisure. Now if only there were no darkspawn threat to ruin it later. But had there not been darkspawn, she would not be where she was. She was still weighing in if this was good or not.

"Hm?" Sulahn'nehn snapped out her thoughts. "Oh. Y-Yes. Of course." She gestured for him to lead her to a more secluded place.

 

[FortyThree]

After a brief hesitation, Diocles decided the room he'd broke Sul into before would be a good choice. It was in a fairly isolated part of the fortress, and was unlikely to be in use. Once they arrived, he pulled himself onto the bed, tucking his feet under himself in a sitting position.

"Right, well.. Ulrin doesn't think I can understand him, because he's an elf.. And maybe he's right. So I was hoping to get your opinion. Clearly he's had it rough, and considering his reaction to my joke last night, my theory is a magister forced himself on him. ... Which would, of course, weigh heavily on a person.."

 

[Rosen2012]

Ulrin followed her, he was ready to retort with how he felt about their last wrestling session and the bruises it gave him when the barbarian shifted her tone. The elven rouge shook his head, "You bunked with Sulahn'nehn last night. You mean to tell me she said nothing to you?" He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. "With that girl, I cannot find grounds for understanding. I think at times she is like me, but then I see her making nice with ones like Diocles and she tells me we should be obedient and polite to them- to them that did this to us! And then we argue, every time we argue. I cannot understand why."

 

[Cinnonym]

"She did speak of it, yes." Ghil led him to the training grounds and turned to face him, crouching down into a defensive stance. "You do not understand because you do not see. Not seeing what is different between you and she. If you do not wish to obey, why are you angry that she is? Now that is the part that needs understanding."

 

[ShadowFolk]

Something rang in the back of her head about what she had said not too long ago. Something about two people of opposing gender heading off to a room together. Of course, there was the matter of being seen going to said room. Which they were probably safe on that. Probably.

Sulahn'nehn did not join him on the bed, but rather near it. She listened carefully and was caught off guard. It was surprising, but he seemed legitimately concerned over it. "You...are an unusual human to care so much over an elf's feelings. It's kind of you." She took another moment to gather her thoughts on the elf, at least those that weren't too biased. "It is not uncommon for a magister to have his or her way with whatever elf they fancy, however, in my experience, it is a particular elf. But when I look at him, I see roughness to him. In his hands, calloused. His posture is not perfect. He has the look of a field slave. Given his attitude, it is likely his back is scarred from many whippings. The magisters I knew would turn their noses up at him. Of course, I do not know for sure myself. You could be correct. It could also be someone close to him. It was not so rare a thing to see slaves vow to each other in sercret. When this is discovered...well. The reaction seems to vary from magister to magister. I- I was not aware you were so interested in Ulrin. Not that there is anything wrong with- nevermind."

 

[Rosen2012]

Ulrin stood across from Ghil, like the last time they trained he imitated her stance, even though he knew he may as well just stand perfectly still. He probably stood a better chance not struggling against the larger woman. "I am upset because, she seems to think its beneficial. That it will somehow change things for her... That they will treat her better, or make life easier here. It changes nothing. Obeying only puts you in a better position to be harmed. To be killed. I do not wish to see another of my kind, another young woman's obedience lead her into death."