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

[Rosen2012]

Like Sulahn'nehn, Ulrin was glad to be back at the fortress. He did not care so much about duty as much as he did for the breathing room it allowed them. He wanted to put as much space between him and the Wardens he had been traveling with as possible.

Coming back to find some of the recruits int he middle of training was an even more welcomed sight. He opted to join the ranks in their exercises and let off some of the anger that had been pent up inside him for the past two weeks. He's stay here until he was told otherwise.

 

[Cinnonym]

"I am no demon, though an entity of the Fade is no doubt the same regardless of origin. Yes, I am born from the emotions of loyalty, diligence and duty that color the souls of those who live in this... rather wondrous physical realm."

It paused, regarding the room for a moment, and the texture of the table under its hands once it seated itself.

"I have taken this body because it was dead at the time. However, before I did, the blood mage and I made a pact. I sense you wield magic yourself, Trajan Vorenus, so you must know how seriously my kind takes such matters. I intend to complete the terms of the contract as written: to serve you and the Grey Wardens, and to lay waste to the Archdemon. I hope I will fulfill the role to your presumably high standards."

It touched its throat curiously, feeling the vibrations of the last few words through its fingertips. It was the most the spirit had spoken at once since it first stood in this body.

 

[FortyThree]

His expression fell somewhat as he tried to decide where to start.

"Ah.. That begins the bad news, I'm afraid. We lost Ghil-The barbarian woman in combat. Thaedrin was brought near death and is now possessed. We did pick up a new Warden-Recruit. As for the elves, well.. Their morale is in shambles. Due equal parts to Thaedrin's words, Ghil's death, and my.. Ah.. Indiscretion."

At the very least, Diocles had the good sense to look ashamed of himself. His eyes darted back to gauge Delphina's reactions intermittently, but for the most part he pretended to focus on the skills of the training wardens.

 

[duckflesh]

"If you think touch is impressive, you should try taste," Trajan said. "Eating can be most enjoyable, assuming that body can still process food."

He nodded slowly at the spirit's words. "Alrik assures me that Thaedrin was well and truly dead, so I take no offense at your utilizing his body. Alrik also tells me that you refuse to let Thaedrin take control. Tell me, though-- can he hear our conversation now?"

---

Delphina sighed. "Oh, Diocles."

She looked down to the bow she was stringing. "Well, can't be helped, I suppose. Elves are always sullen, it's their nature. At least the new fellow seems promising, eh?"

In true Tevinter fashion, she apparently did not find Thaedrin's possession worth commenting on.

 

[FortyThree]

"I know. I really should know better. Yes, he's a competent soldier, and he has his head on straight. Jarrik, I believe. ... I lost my family bow, too-Never really got to test this replacement."

In an attempt to move their minds to other matters, Diocles produced his new composite bow. He strung it with relative ease, eyeing the targets appraisingly. He made no move to walk to the firing line, however.

 

[Cinnonym]

"He can, and often does. Whether he is currently paying you mind, however, I can only speculate. Thank you for your advice. I have tasted nothing thus far but this body's blood and bile."

It shifted uncomfortably, all too aware of the hard surface under him. It was only marginally better than the wagon.

"I am certain your other servant, the big man, has told you of the elven girl by now, but please allow me to report. I did suggest she be put to death for her crime of murder, however, I knew your numbers were few and thus rid you of her unruly demon companions myself. She was most willing to comply, to keep her life. That is a good quality in a mortal."

 

[duckflesh]

"Yes. Thaedrin spotted her as a maleficar at once, but I did not believe him. I owe him an apology on that score. There are a few lingering questions about her, however. The first: can we be sure it was the demon that murdered Thaedrin, and not Sulahn'nehn herself? And second: what is to stop her from being possessed again? She clearly has a talent for letting the demons in."

---

Delphina made impressed noises at his new bow. "Looks nice-- those Antivans know how to make 'em, eh? Good for shooting people in the back!" She gave him a wink before calling her recruits over.

"That was a... good start, everyone. Let's spend the next few minutes on technique. Diocles, would you like to show us how it's done?"

 

[Cinnonym]

Fidelity's good eye grew distant for a long moment, focused inwardly. Minutes passed and then it tilted its head in puzzlement, "It is most difficult to answer truthfully, as I was not present during the attack nor am I an expert in mortal thought patterns. Thaedrin does seem to believe the girl had true malice for him, that the Pride incarnation preyed upon to the point of a great, overwhelming attack. She shows no remorse for his death, although she is surely regretful of extenuating circumstances such as the death of a large tan woman with whom I am unfamiliar."

Its fingers drummed on the surface of the table, continuing, "Also, there has been much distress between her and the archer. Perhaps she will also stab him eleven consecutive times."

 

[duckflesh]

Trajan sighed. "I'll speak to her and see if I can get to the bottom of it. I admit that recruiting these former slaves has turned out to be a mistake. But on to other matters."

He crossed the room and poured himself a glass of water. "Thaedrin was a Warden Constable, but you are not Thaedrin. I hope you will not consider it a remark on your character if I put you at the rank of just a regular Grey Warden, for now. I have no doubt that you will earn promotion soon enough. Can you feel the Darkspawn, or do we need to Join you again?"

 

[FortyThree]

"First thing's first, keep your side forward at all times. Shooting isn't punching, you shouldn't use your hips. If you can't draw your bow with your arm strength alone, you need a lighter bow. Hold the bow out nice and straight, maybe a little down. Nock the arrow nice and straight, if it's well made it will hold around the string well. If not be extra careful. Make sure it doesn't slide off the arrow-rest, you can tip the bow a fraction if necessary, it's of no consequence. Now, I find you're best off aiming before drawing, or your muscles will tense and shake. Aim from the center of the bow, not to the side you're shooting. The arrow always moves as if through the center of the bow. It's impossible, yes, but it happens every blighted time. Draw as one smooth motion and release-Under no circumstance let the arrow fall as you fire!"

He eyed the soldiers carefully, attempting to shoot this message deep into their minds.

"If the string releases with no arrow your bow will break, and you will die looking like an idiot. Learning to compensate for distance will take time, just like wind, but there is one trick to it. You can't shoot further then you can at an angle halfway between up and level. Higher than that and your arrow will fall short. Now, to demonstrate all that.. Watch carefully."

Contradicting his own advice, Diocles fired high-Well higher than his proclaimed ideal. And yet, as the arrow arched up and began to fall, he simply drew another, this time shooting straighter and cleaner.

The second smashed the first midair, cracking the shaft in two.

 

[Cinnonym]

"I am here to serve, it does not matter in what capacity. I will respect your judgement. As to the Darkspawn, I am indeed still bound to the Archdemon and can thusly sense the Darkspawn as they can no doubt sense me. Though this body has lost near all of its blood, the taint remains. As you know."

Fidelity stood, but did not bow or salute. That was not a practice it was familiar with.

"Do you have further queries, Trajan Vorenus?"

 

[duckflesh]

"None for now. I'm sure it will be a pleasure working with you. You are dismissed."


---

Delphina grinned. "Good, now we can all just spend the next five years trying to imitate that shot."

Trajan Vorenus' messenger arrived, saluting sharply. "Sir, the Warden Commander wishes to speak to Diocles."

Delphina nodded to Diocles. "Off you go, then. Good luck!"

 

[FortyThree]

Diocles stowed his bow, leaning in to whisper to Delphina.

"I might need five years myself."

He gave Delphina a sharp salute, waved to the others, and started a brisk walk to join the Commander.

He was a little nervous, but it didn't show. His composure was excellent, and he was confident this discussion would go well.

 

[duckflesh]

Trajan smiled and nodded as Diocles entered.

"Warden Komnenos. Welcome. Please, have a seat."

This time the Commander sat as well.

"I commend you for your solid performance. I know it has been a difficult mission. A failure in most regards, and that is my fault most of all. It was a mistake to try and recruit slaves."

He sighed, leaning back. "I do not know that the pair of elves are salvageable. Sulahn'nehn is a bitter girl, and for all we know a murderer. The moment Thaedrin was found dead Alrik suspected her, and he did not even know she was possessed! I am told she feels no remorse for the action. Is Delphina next? Am I? And as for the other one, Ulrin-- he has nothing but bile in his heart for any human, and doesn't seem likely to change. Only fear can hold him in place, and what will he do when his fear fails? Honestly, I am considering returning them both to their masters. They have not responded as well to freedom as I had hoped they might... but first, I wanted your opinion on the issue. Alrik is wise in his way, but can be narrow-minded at times."

 

[FortyThree]

"Thank you, Commander."

Diocles sat tall, keeping his posture perfect. He was pleasantly surprised by the Commander's tone, but didn't let it throw him off. He kept his voice cool and professional, making an effort to keep his emotions out of the equation.

"I think context is necessary. There are two extenuating circumstances, aside from demonic influence. First, the elves were both in grief after the death of the barbarian woman, whom they were both attached to. Secondly, there was a.. Failure of discipline, so to speak. Constable Alrik had recently punished the girl for an insubordinate comment via physical means. While this is not unreasonable in itself, we came to realize only thereafter what should have been obvious; the elves did not have a concept of military chain of command, and only understood the relationship as master servant. They believed they were at risk of execution or sacrifice to aid blood magic at Constable Thaedrin's whim."

Diocles seemed ready to finish, but hesitated. Perhaps he shouldn't continue, but.. No, lives were at stake.

"Further, respectfully, you misunderstand Ulrin. He does not experience fear. He holds loyalty to Sulahn'nehn, that is what keeps him in check. And for her, as a minor but significant mitigating factor.. I am at fault, due to a romantic entanglement which ended poorly."

 

[duckflesh]

"Interesting. I'm not sure what you see in them. I had thought that merely freeing them would make them want to work with us, but it doesn't seem to have worked out that way. Well... if you will vouch for them, I will keep them on for now. I will speak to them and they can continue fighting the Darkspawn with us. But if either of them steps out of line, it will be the end, I'm afraid."

His tone was firm as he finished.

"As for your entanglements... Alrik speaks very highly of you, Diocles, but he was also convinced that you were having intercourse with literally everyone on that mission. Except for him, of course. You can't have thought that was appropriate. Though I must say, I would be interested to hear what it was like to bed someone so enormous as Ghil."

 

[FortyThree]

Diocles couldn't help but laugh at that, despite his tremendous effort to stay professional.

"Commander, I fear the Constable was using hyperbole, or he was quite mistaken. His moderate grasp of our language and customs leads him to miss subtext despite his considerable wisdom. While, again, I do admit fault, the problem was not nearly so bad as that. All non-platonic encounters were with Sulahn'nehn, with only one exception."

He paused awkwardly, not wanting to elaborate. It took only a moment's searching to find a joke which could function as a conversational 'out'.

"As for Ghil I can only speculate, but based on what Constable Alrik translated for me from one of the Alamarri women we encountered on the mission I'm thinking it would be highly unpleasant."

 

[duckflesh]

Trajan smirked. "I have no doubt. Well, next time be sure to have sex with Alrik as well. He was obviously jealous."

This was probably a joke.

"Based on the Constable's recommendation and my own assessment, you'll be promoted to Senior Warden. We'll hold the ceremony tomorrow night, along with a few other promotions and initiations. Keep up the good work. Any further questions? If not, you're dismissed, and please send Sulahn'nehn up."

 

[FortyThree]

"I'm honored, sir."

Diocles grinned before standing and giving a crisp salute. He bowed out of the Commander's office, making his way to find the elf, and trying desperately not to imagine how Trajan's suggestion would turn out.

---

"Sulahn'nehn!"

Diocles approached the elf, not meekly, but with respect. He tried to remain professional now, as well.

"Commander Vorenus would like a word with you."

He paused briefly, before adding a few more words out of concern.

"Please be respectful. He's agreed to give you one last chance."

 

[ShadowFolk]

"Komnenos." She gave him a nod, getting to her feet. On the surface, she was only mildly bothered by the archer's presence. On the inside, she still felt pain which she wished she could be rid of. "I have no intention of angering him. I will remain as respectful as I can manage."

Sulahn'nehn took a deep breath just outside the door. She was more than nervous and reasonably so. She did her best to appear collected by keeping her head up. Second chance or not, she did not think their talk would be pleasant. Once inside, she felt herself freeze. It dawned on her that she didn't know the proper way to salute the man, instead she folded her hands neatly in front of her. "Commander Vorenus. I am sorry to keep you waiting."