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Harrowing of Blood: Erast awakens in a cold sweat upon his bed, his head burning white hot, with a strange little burn mark on either side of his temples, in the shape of a claw. His oldest friend, Jowan, stands over him concerned. "Oh thank the Maker, I worried you might never wake up. The Templars brought you here last night, they only said you passed your Harrowing. You've been here ever since!"
Dark Reflections: Tamlen is utterly enthralled, but Harad bolts in front of Galadrian before he can move forwards. Tamlen however is without any such luck of companionship. "It's...beautiful" he says quietly and places his hand on the mirror's surface. The ripples dance and swirl around his touch. "It looks...like some kind of city...underground...?!" Tamlen looks back at his friend, held back by his elf companion. He looks back at the mirror. "Now I see...oh no...I think it saw me...Help! I can't look away!" A sudden wave of light blasts forwards from the mirror, engulfing Tamlen and throwing Galadrian off of his feet. Harad bugles once, before total blackness overtakes the Druid's sight. His first sight is that of a bearded, black-haired human kneeling over him. "Be still, you were gravely injured..." he says solemnly. "Don't worry...I'll get you somewhere safe." The world goes black again, and his next sight is the inside of the Keeper's tent. Outside, are the sounds of the elf camp, the bugles of Halla, and the low murmur of voices. His body burns like fire from the inside, right inside of his veins. His head aches, but that last memory is burned into his head.
Harrowing of Blood: Initiative:
"Simple killing is a warrior's job...Rage is weak, Sloth is unmoving. Desires change, and Hunger can be sated" he says, but in a voice that booms like thunder. "The real dangers of the Fade are misconceptions, misplaced trust. Pride..." Then his form grows, expands, towers over Erast. His form glows bright gold, blotting out everything before the young mage. "You see through the falsehoods placed before you, little Mage." it booms down at him mockingly. "How wise you must think yourself..." It reaches out a glowing gold hand, the size of Erast's head, and the golden aura melts away to reveal a titanic black-purple claw. It points him straight in the face. "This time, little mortal, you keep your soul, your body. I look forwards to seeing your dreams from this day..." Mocking laughter booms all throughout the Fade. The Valor spirit, sensing the presence of the creature, charges, and with a flick of its wrist, turns to vapor. Everything begins to vaporize around Erast as that hand then turns again, opening wide, engulfing his head and swallowing him in darkness. DC 15 Will Save
** spoiler omitted ** Castle Under Siege: Donning Studded Leather takes 1 minute. Before you can get your armor fully on Kaidan, a sudden ferocious pounding on his door sounds before it bursts inwards. Two soldiers stand there, dressed in studded leather, bearing weapons, one a sword, the other a shortbow, and both with the Howe symbol emblazoned on their shield and breastplates. "There! That's one of the Kousland brats! Gut him!" one shouts, then charges straight at Kaidan. Initiative: Howe Soldiers:
** spoiler omitted ** Harrowing of Blood: Truthful as sin, so yes. You do not get any assumption with that success that Wolf is lying. It is obvious that Wolf has before betrayed other Apprentices to save his own skin. And you can tell that thanks to his new form, he doesn't feel helpless anymore.
Harrowing of Blood: Wolf winces, and then looks away from Erast. "I've...met this Rage demon before, a few times. Every time, it offers me the same deal. When a Mage apprentice comes here, I lead them straight to it, for it to feed on and destroy. By doing this, I'm allowed to live longer. I've only ever been a Mouse, afraid to stand and fight." He looks down at his new form, and bares his hackles. "Now I am a Wolf...and I have a feeling that you might just be able to defeat it." Wolf looks up at him then, but his eyes still hold a bit of hesitant shame. "I'm not proud of what I am or how I have acted, but I am dead in your world, I didn't want to be dead here as well." Another demonic roar shakes the island.
Castle Under Siege: The castle falls quietly into the slumber of night not an hour after the mass of soldiers, led by Fergus astride his warhorse at the front, leave the gates. Only a token force remains behind, and all is well for several hours deep into the night. A knock comes on Olivier's door, and the elf servant Iona slips inside for a night to remember. Little do the two lovers know that it will be such a night, but in no way that any at the castle Cousland ever would have wished. A scream comes late in the night, resounding throughout the keep, before it is suddenly silenced. DC 5 Perception Check
Blood-Stained Wedding: Sorin winces once then straightens his face, the weapon now more fully concealed, as the two walk through the door into the mess hall. Several off duty soldiers sit around the table, and they all look up as the two enter the room. "What are you up to, Elf?" demands one, standing half out of his seat before he recognizes them as servants. Perception He almost catches a glimpse of Sorin's hidden crossbow, before he sits back down disgruntled. "Whatever you two Knife-Ears are doing, make sure you get it done fast." He goes back to eating. One of his comrades shouts "Aye, and bring more wine when you come back from the store room!" The disguises seem to be working, the two elves are now inside the castle, and they exit the mess hall, facing down a long corridor. Three doors are arranged along its length, two on the left, one on the right.
Dark Reflections: Galadrian's finely tuned senses give him an edge even here in this dark hole. The door at the opposite end of the hallway, past more skeletons, is lit from below the frame by a faint silver light. A faint whispering comes from that direction as well, so faint that any individual words or language seems to emanate from thin air. Tamlen sheaths his two swords, crossing to the door and listening in as well, but failing to capture the sounds from within, he simply pushes the door open. "Spirits...come take a look at this Lethallin..." Inside, a huge silver mirror stands erected on a plinth, carved figurines etched into the frame. Strange water like ripples cross the surface of the mirror at odd intervals, and they draw and hold the eye like those of a viper. Tamlen is enthralled. DC 15 Will Save
From your roll, that's what you pick up. Wolf, or rather Mouse, has some personal history with this specific entity, or Demon. I will grant with that much of a difference you get an immediate ill feeling about Wolf, and although he seems eager to help, that kind of positive over negative suddenly makes you wary of him.
Harrowing of Blood: Wolf seems to look uncomfortable any time the Demon is mentioned, he may have had a bad run in with it a while ago, or there may be some other dark secret that this long isolated Mage apprentice has after so many years trapped in the Fade
Harrowing of Blood:
Wolf avoids the question uncomfortably, only saying, "It is a Demon of Rage, that is about all I know of it. They are powerful, completely mad, but they aren't too bright compared to other demons."
Valor has little else to say about the creature. "From what I know of it, Mortal, the demon you must fight is simply one of many creatures like it. It will be a difficult fight, but not so difficult as perhaps fighting a Demon of Desire, or worse, a Demon of Pride." Knowledge Planes DC: 16: Rage Demons are strange, fiery beings with savagely sharp talons, burning eyes, with a resistance to heat but a vulnerability to cold. They do have the ability to go berserk however, and they can command lesser spirits and demons to do their bidding if they are powerful enough. There are even legends of Rage Demons, who cross the Veil into the mortal world, that possess living animals and trees, not just people.
Dark Reflections: The arrow strikes true and the skeleton slumps down into death again, spraying the walls and the two elves with the foul-smelling liquid blood. Tamlen rushes to pull something out of his bag, a small red potion, and he hands it to his friend. "Here Lethallin, drink a Healing Poultice. I always snag a few from Merrill when she isn't looking," he winks once, sheathing his blades and kicking one of the skulls away from him, just to be sure. Harad snorts and looks about warily, eyeing the door leading out but also the door leading further into the dungeon, nostrils still flaring wide. Healing Poultice, Lesser: 1d8+1 HP
Castle Under Siege: Fergus grips his brother's arm. "Don't look so down, Kaidan. I wish you could come, but you know Mother would tear downt eh castle if one more of us goes to the front lines. As the eldest, this falls to me, so I'm leaving you two in charge here to make sure I have a home to come back to, eh?" He winks at Kaidan, then pats his son's head once more. "Well, so many darkspawn to behead, so little time. Time to be heading off, hopefully beat the rains to Ostagar and rendevue with the king for our duties. See you soon my love" he hugs his wife who clings to him. "I hope dear boy that you'd wait for us before bidding farewells" says the cool voice of Bryce, their father, as he and their mother enter the room. Elanor hugs her son tightly to her. "Be careful my son, I will pray for your safety every day you are gone" Fergus waves away her worries, and as the family devolves into one of its usual shows of false bravado and teasing, Bryce motions to his two sons. "You two should be on your way pups, long day ahead of you tomorrow."
Blood-Stained Wedding:
Sorin goes completely pale and the cook begins to raise his voice hysterically, hands grasping for some kind of weapon. "You're thieves, rebels, outlaws! I should have you all...!" He suddenly goes down from behind as an elf servant brains him with a bottle of wine. He makes sure the man is still breathing, then waves them on through. "I can't tell you how long I've wanted to do that" he says, spitting on the unconscious cook. "The women you're looking for are just past the guards' quarters, through the mess hall just outside this door and down the passageway on your left. Now if you two don't mind, I'm getting out of here!" the elven servants make a break for their personal quarters, leaving the two to work on their disguises. Sorin grins weakly. "Maybe I should just ditch the crossbow..."
GM, what happens if I decline to answer and walk away? I haven't said yes to the riddling yet. Literally, you bore the demon and it goes back to sleep. This is a very valid question, you haven't agreed yet and you just walk away before the second riddle comes about. However if you agree to answer one, you have to answer them all.
Dark Reflections: Tamlen leaps to the attack as well as he notices his friend in dire need of aid! He falls short however and his blade misses wildly. The skeleton, sensing weakness, advances again on Galadrian, ignoring the elk and elf behind it as it slashes again. It also misses wildly.
Harrowing of Blood: The Demon yawns widely and looks in the direction of the Spirit of Valor. "I have no interest at being lectured by such a boorishly, structured creature about the flaws in my character when I could fill a day of years describing its own. If it pleases you, I will begin..." Mouse looks at his new form, and then shrugs. "If you think being a Bear will be any better than a Wolf, I suppose so but I'm already not sure any of this is a good idea. The sooner you face your demon, the less chance you have of being trapped here forever, like me" Diplomacy Check The Demon rises to its full height again, suddenly interested in something else than its nap. "First an easy one...I have seas with no water, deserts with no sand, mountains with no stone, flatlands without land. What am I?" If answered falsely, he bares his teeth and begins stomping forwards. Initiative If answered correctly, he shakes his head and takes a ponderous step back, annoyed. "A common secret I'll readily tell, if you learn to hold me, I'll serve you well" Again, he either stomps forwards to attack, or looks more annoyed at the mage's success. He rumbles, "I'm found deep in the earth, when beaten and burned I can become a blood thirsty killer. What am I?" If he answers correctly, he slumps down, depressed and bored. If not, he advances and immediately attacks.
Blood-Stained Wedding: Sorin winces but straps the collapseable light crossbow to his back, before the two follow the servant past the doors and into what appears to be the kitchen. Sleight of Hand Inside are several hurried elf servants, as well as a very irritable human cook who looks over at them angrily, sharp eyes scanning them up and down. Perception He immediately notices Sorin trying to hide the stock of the crossbow however, and turns to confront them. "Here, what do you have on you Knife Ear? Answer quick, or I'll call the guards!"
Castle Under Siege: Iona smiles and slides easily up towards Olivier's side, leaning up and whispering into his ear. "If you leave your chamber door unlocked, perhaps you will see me sooner than you thought..." She then leans away, curtsies sweetly, then enters Lady Landra's room, shutting the door behind her. As they both enter, he is laughing at Ohren's latest question, concerning his bringing back a 'sward'. "That's SWORD Ohren, and I'll get you the mightiest one I can find I promise." "I wish victory was indeed so certain. My heart is disquiet..." murmurs his lovely wife Orianna as she touches his armored arm. "Don't frighten the boy love, I speak the truth. Just dry your eyes and wish me well. Maker willing I'll be back within a month or so" Fergus turns with a loud chuckle to greet his two younger siblings. [b]"Ha, when there's a woman in your life Kaiden, you'll understand." He openly hugs Olivier, and pulls Kaidan into one as well. "Come to see your older brother off?" he winks at both of them, readjusting the sword at his hip.
Blood-Stained Wedding: Valendrian nods gravely, but before anyone can object or comment on the plan, Duncan the Grey Warden steps up. "If you seek to free your fellows, I would gladly offer my aid. I offer you my own longsword and bow, one for each of you, should you wish them. If not, I will still remain here to see how things turn out. I pray to the Maker for your safe trip." Duncan's sword is a beautiful thing, elegant and powerful all at once, and his crossbow is also a thing of exquisite craftsmanship. Inversely, he also offers, if the two do not want the blade, his dagger instead, a likewise lovely killing tool. Whether or not they take the gifts, the servant elf hands them each a servant's uniform. "Here put these on, you'll blend right in, but carrying weapons will give you away. Unless you intend to fight every guard on the way to the women, I suggest hiding those" After gearing up for the confrontation, the three elves take their leave, heading through the Alienage gates to the castle district. They sneak around the main gates towards a side entrance. Their guide stops just long enough to allow them to either gear themselves with their weapons, or don the disguises. Sorin opts for the disguise by the way he avoids looking at the weapons they brought with them, although he will only follow Merin's lead. Disguise check:
Harrowing of Blood: The Demon of Sloth slowly rises from its position upon the ground to tower over the young mage. It is truly massive, larger than any Mortal world bear, bearing long fangs and claws, form rippling with muscle. "If I wished to kill you myself, I would find the task all too easy, arrogant little human." It then collapses back onto the ground. "Luckily for you, I have no interest in such trivial, exhausting things, right now. Maybe if you stick around till after my nap...I'll eat you then, if the other hasn't already devoured you." It opens one eye again at him though. "Why should I help you? Unless you would suggest that if I win a contest of riddles, that I could simply eat you now, rather than you just leaving me in peace? I suppose if I wanted to, I could teach your furry little friend there my form, and perhaps gift you a small boon for bringing a small unexpected change to what was to be a rather droll day of existance, although he seems very gifted already as a Wolf. Still...there you go...take my offer or leave it" Wolf again rolls his eyes. "I told you, Demons LOVE riddles..."
Dark Reflections: Tamlen sighs in relief as the huge elk comes rushing in to slash at the skeleton with its sharp antlers and he takes advantage of the attack to launch his own, intent on hacking down the last of the skeletons he is fighting.
Slashing savagely, Tamlen hacks down the skeleton he is facing, whirling around then, intent on rushing to his companion's aid, as is the stalwart white Halla, who readies for another valiant charge. The last skeleton, seemingly unaware of its lonely and soon to end existence, hacks again at Galadrian, stepping over a root to slash with the broken sword. Attack Confirmation
The Skeleton releases another savage scream as its blade slashes again through Dalish armor and spills more blood.
Castle Under Siege: The two Cousland sons, with Iona in tow, head up towards the castle's keep. They enter the main building and make their way past the guest bedrooms, where Iona bows and says "I bid thee a good night milords, perhaps I will see you both before tomorrow?" she looks a bit hopefully at Olivier at this, but makes no indications towards anything too forward, although from the way her eyes sparkle, its obvious that she wouldn't be against such things if the suggestion comes from either of them. If they continue on by simply bidding her a good night, Fergus' room is on their right, the door wide open. Inside, their eldest brother stands dressed in full battle-armor, bearing his sword and Cousland-family emblazoned shield as he lovingly strokes the cheek of his lovely Antivan wife and pats the hair of his young son, Ohren.
Wednesdays officially suck, I will be posting tonight.
Dark Reflections: Harad balks at his friend's urgent plea for help, and, ignoring his baser instincts, charges straight into the fray, antlers held low, charging straight through the door, skittering around the curve and coming into sight to barrel right at the Skeleton facing Tamlen.
Tamlen hacks down the first of the two skeletons, slicing the thing's spine in two, releasing another pool of bloody colored, foul-smelling gore. His dagger sails wide of the other skeleton however, which slashes at him again, as does the one facing Galadrian, advancing another step, closing the gap.
Tamlen ducks the clumsy swing but Galadrian is not so lucky this time and is dealt a cruel blow.
Harrowing of Blood: Wolf lopes along beside the mage, Erast, and in truth he seems more bitter about his death at Templar hands than before thanks to Erast's comment, despite how good-naturedly he might have meant to say it, as they explore more of the strange Fade-land landscape, but other than twists and turns, the small island is bereft of any other forms...until Wolf skids to a halt, facing the direction of a copse of trees. "There is another demon here, not the one who wants to possess you, but still, old and powerful. We could go around, but the only way back is towards your battlefield..." Another angry roar shakes the dream-land to reinforce that point. Ahead of them lays an immense bear-like shape, covered in rotting fur and long bony protrusions. The face lifts and yawns, looking straight at them. "Oh how droll...a human Mage" it yawns again, its voice carrying and laden with utter boredom. "Do run along and get eaten, I care not for you, unless you are table scraps..." "Demons of Sloth..." comments Wolf. "They hardly ever seem dangerous compared to the others around here, but I wouldn't let that sleepy bear look fool you..."
Castle Duel: Ser Gilmore winces and drops to one knee, clutching at his wounded side, holding up his other hand to wave off the Medic. "I yield" he says nobly, standing up with another wince to grip Kaidan's arm in a friendly truce. "You fight like a Lion for sure my lord, you earn your reputation as your father's son in war." The congregation claps its approval, several of them cheering on their young nobleman, before the crowd finally disperses. To Gilmore's obvious despair, Duncan was within that crowd, and watched the proceedings, but he vanishes before anyone can really stop him. Iona claps warmly for Kaidan when he comes striding up, after the guard takes back the practice sword. "You fought very bravely milord" she says, watching as Dairren is seen to by the medics, along with Ser Gilmore, who took quite a nasty blow as well.
Dark Reflections: Tamlen swears out loud and slices at the skeleton who wounded him with blind abandon.
His sword finds no purchase upon the Skeleton's bony armor but his dagger slips into the dark flesh with a horrible shriek from the creature. The thing does not fall however, but looks the worse for wear, a steady stream of the liquid running from its body. The Skeletons advance then, the two encircling Tamlen while the third advances on Galadrian, swords bared, blazing eyes screaming for blood. on Tamlen, flanking
on Galadrian, if hit The blades scythe in at the two elves, drawing blood to decorate the forgotten tomb even more so than before.
Harrowing of Blood: Mouse nods warily, concentrates on the Spirit's advice, and in a flash reappears as a ssilver wolf, looking up at Erast with bright, yellow eyes. "Am I a wolf? It feels...heavy, but swift and light at the same time!" He nods and then sits down, baring his teeth experimentally. Valor shakes its head and then waves its gauntlet onwards. "Go then, good Mage, and face your Demon. I will hope that you triumph and do not become an Abomination, as they call the possessed in your world." It turns away then, to peruse its weapons assortment. Mouse, turned Wolf, looks up at Erast again. "The only thing left to do here is face your demon now, are you ready do you think? If you tarry any longer, the Templars may execute you for boredom!"
Blood-Stained Wedding: Valendrian smiles in relief as Merin comes storming up, but his smile fades immiedately. "Yes, that is exactly what we are trying to do. Someone calls out to call the guards, but other shout him down. Everyone seems on the edge of riot, and nothing is being accomplished. Valendrian calls for quiet in his sonorous voice, and peace is again achieved. Clutching at his head, shaking with rage and grief, the elder Elf looks imploringly around for any suggestions. "We have to get the women out of there!" cries Sorin. Hahren, if I could make a suggestion?" says a servant elf near the back, wearing what looks like the uniform of one of the arl's personal Elf servants. "I work at the palace, I could maybe sneak two others in, get the women out, and then leave." This seems to rile up everyone again, but a simple cough from Duncan silences them. He seems for some reason to not receive any hatred for the entire ordeal, but it was common, untrue folklore, that Grey Wardens were almost a race unto themselves. "And who will go with you?" inquires Valendrian.
I hope everyone is enjoying their Origin stories ^^) Olivier, is there anything you'd like to do while your brother kicks the arses of the entire remaining garrison?
Dark Reflections, Skeletons: The leading skeleton takes the arrow in the flesh of its chest, and staggers back as if in surprise. The creature roars, jaws stretching wide open in a roar of pain and rage. Tamlen darts in then, slashing with his sword at the leading skeleton.
The Skeleton's head is sliced off, and dark, boiling liquid that smells horrible sprays out of its neck stump. It falls onto the ground, where its flesh melts into a foul pool of dark liquid. The bones then fall apart completely, leaving a tangled mess. The other skeletons charge straight at the two elves! at Tamlen at Tamlen at Galadrian, charges past Tamlen Tamlen AoO As the thing rushes past Tamlen, he scores a nasty cut along its stomach, and although it roars again, dark blood coating Tamlen's blade, it keeps coming! Its slash however wildly misses Galadrian. Tamlen is not so lucky, he deflects one slash but cries out as the other savagely rips his armor open with a rusty blade.
Sorry, yours was longer than normal, have fun!
Blood-Stained Wedding: Duncan bows in farewell, then receives a warm-hearted hug of welcome from Valendrian, the elderly elf barely reaching the man's shoulders but they still clasp arms like old friends anyways. Merin gets the feeling however that Duncan is still watching him. Sorin meanwhile just breathes a sigh of relief. "I'll say, but we better hurry!" He points to the tree, where everyone is finally gathering. The Revered Mother of the Chantry is attending the Alienage today, a lovely woman in the standard dress of her station, and she waves the two grooms in warmly. The two brides stand at the ready, bouquets in their hands and smiles on their lovely faces. Shianni seems much better and cheers them on with the best of the men. As they approach the alter, standing side-by-side with their intended, the Mother begins. "Blessed be this day, in the sight of the Maker, as we join in holy matrimony, these four young people, together on this happiest of days. Lift your voices to the Maker and give thanks for his Mercy, for he is a loving God and..." She cuts off however when someone shrieks in alarm. Stomping through the crowd comes a squad of Denerim soldiers, headed up by the black-eyed Vaughn. He storms into the middle of the procession, eyes ravishing the women of the crowd. "Sorry to interrupt, but I'm...having a little party, and we are terribly short on female guests..." He laughs darkly. "Milord, this is a wedding!" exclaims the Revered Mother in utter shock as the soldiers push back the men from the crowd with drawn blades. "Ha! If you want to dress up your pets, and have tea parties, feel free, but don't pretend that this is a proper wedding...Now, we're just here to have some fun, aren't we boys?" His companions both chortle darkly. "Yes sir, just a good time with the ladies, that's all!" "Let's have that one, the one in the tight dress and...where is the b+~!% that bottled me?!" He points to several women in the crowd, not to mention the two brides! "Over here Lord Vaughn!" cries a lackey, grabbing hold of Shianni. "Get off of me you dirty Shem!" she cries out. Vaughn laughs evilly. "Oh yes I'll enjoy breaking her...And see again the pretty bride..." He advances but finds his way cut off by Merin, the only one brave enough to stand in his way. "Ah yes, you again...This will teach you to respect your betters, peasant scum" A sudden blow to the back of Merin's head knocks him out cold. He awakens to Sorin bending over him in relief. "Thank the Maker you're awake! Everybody is in front of the tree. Vaughn took Velora, Shianni, all the girls from the procession. Valendrian is at the tree, with that Grey Warden, maybe they have a plan!"
Castle, Duel 2: Gilmore The young, red-headed knight sinks into a battle stance, then darts forwards lithely, slashing with his blade at the young lord in an experienced manner, honed by years of training and sparring with his fellow soldiers.
He however mistimes the thrust and is easily parried.
Harrowing of Blood: The spirit nods approvingly at the correct answers to the riddles, but notices his pause at the third and final one. Mouse, however, rises to the occasion. "Pride" He blurts out. The Spirit of Valor nods again. "All correct, you are not without your wit in this place. So for passing my test, you have proven your worth of my aid. For the first riddle..." It holds forth its hand. Three phantom vials hover above the gauntlet. "In case you are injured here, these will mend your flesh, but know that these rewards will vanish if you are able to leave here." It then pulls from the rack of weapons a simple medallion. "Second," it proffers the amulet. "To help protect you against the attacks of the Demon, for its wroth will be terrible, and its claws cut to the soul."
"Third," It then points to Mouse. "You claim to aid your companion. If you wish it, I will bestow upon you knowledge of a new form, more useful to help defend yourself. A Mouse is fine when you wish to hide, but the form of the Wolf may serve you better in your battle ahead." Mouse however looks apprehensive. "I don't know...I'm not exactly wolf material am I?" He looks sideways at Erast, unsure.
Dark Reflections: Galadrian's sharp eyes do not pick up any sign of any 'demon' but what he does see would be enough to certainly send frightened humans running for the hills. As they traverse the hallway, the skeletons behind them suddenly rear up, clutching broken weapons, dark, glowing lights filling their empty eye sockets and giving translucent flesh to their rotting bones. They all shriek angrily, eyes blazing with madness, and charge! Skeletons: Initiative Order:
Blood-Stained Wedding: Duncan smiles and bows again to both of them, making Sorin speechless to say the least. His sharp grey eyes however scan the young elf groom up and down however, weighing and assessing. "Your Hahren, Valendrian, invited me. I visit every few months, looking for recruits to join the Grey Wardens. You are Adaia's son, are you not? She was a fine woman, and I will admit, I wished to test her for recruitment when I first met her years ago, although she married soon after we met, and I abandoned the prospect. In truth, I ask a great deal of questions, and I have heard from several families here, not to mention your Elder, that you have also incredible skills in certain...less than popular-social arts. But I am remiss, today is your day for joy, and I will not intrude any longer than I need to visit some old friends, see if anyone here is willing to join, then making my graceful exit." He nods deeply to the two again.
Castle Duel: Dairren's short-lived triumph seems spoiled by Kaidan's next strike, which floors him with a less-than-healthy smack to his head. He goes down in a complete beautiful cartwheel and lands heavily on his face, bleeding quite profusely. The duel is immediately called and Chantry priest rushes over to inspect him. The guard takes Kaidan's sword with what looks like a suppressed guffaw of laughter making his face beet red. Several of his fellows and the servants all appear to be concealing great mirth. Ser Gilmore laughs openly but respectfully. "Truly, the Cousland line has a Lion amidst their brood. If my lord will permit?" He walks forwards, retrieving a practice sword and adopts a fighting pose. An old sparring partner of Kaidan, he proves to be a more challenging, fairly matched opponent.
Ala George Takei "OH my..."
Blood-Stained Wedding: The human looks over at the two approaching elves, then, strangely, crosses his arms across his breast and bows formally. "Good day! I understand congratulations are in order to you both on this fine day, assuming that your attires mark you as the lucky grooms? Where are my manners. Duncan, of the Grey Wardens, at your service, and delighted to be a guest here at this joyous event." His air is light, friendly and warm, and although many throw him suspicious looks, he does not seem at all out of his element here, with not a single human around as he politely talks to the grooms.
Castle, Duel:
Dairren dodges backwards a pace from the clumsy yet powerful attack, then slashes suddenly at Kailan's exposed side, scoring a hit with his blade to mild smattering of applause from the crowd. He performs a graceful leg to the onlookers, feeling a little more confidant after finally landing a blow on his long-time rival. He even lets himself grow a bit cocky then, adopting another fencer's pose. "Not much like our last match is it, milord Cousland?" There is polite chuckling and admonishing shaking of heads from a few of the servants and guards watching. A Guard puts up his hand, then signals to Kaidan. "Do you concede the match milord?"
Castle, Duel: Dairren sinks into an offensive stance, then darts forwards, swinging his practice sword expertly. Although he is certainly no real swordsman, he is not soft around a sparring field. Despite his several years of training however, he mistimes the vital step forwards and his thrust is easily parried. He actually gulps, remembering the tourney where he first fought against Kaidan. It hadn't ended well then either...
Castle Under Siege: Iona bows and smiles at Kaidan and then turns to watch the two recieve their practice swords from the attending guards. Dairren plucks up a similar blade, and takes a few practice swings, then nods politely to Kaidan, chuckling. "As straight forward as ever, I see." The attending Guard walks forwards, detailing the rules of the sparring match, and already, several dozens of unbusied guards and servants are eager to watch. Everyone here has grown up around the brash and stout-hearted Kaidan, watching him become an adept swordsman. Ser Gilmore is here as well, cocking an eyebrow at the duel with a chuckle. The Sparring weapon is a standard, blunted Longsword, it deals Non-Lethal damage. The guard then offers Dairren a small dueling buckler, which he accepts, and then he offers one as well to Kaidan. Whether or not he takes it, he bows out of the rapidly forming ring of onlookers. Initiative: Dairren
Blood-Stained Wedding: Velana smiles at Merin and thenglances over at Sorin and her friend, who seem to be awkwardly trying to hold hands but it looks very forced between the two. Not everyone here it seems is as eager to be married after being introduced. She nods at Merin's kind question, glancing after Shianni as well. "We are fine, but I'm worried this may not end well...Shayla let's go look and see how Shianni is doing, then head for the tree. No running off you two!" She shakes her finger in mock-sternness at the two young men and then the two brides walk off, laughing and arms linked, already fast friends. Sorin winces after his intended in what looks like a half-hearted grin, then glances around for a change of subject. His face goes pale and he tugs on Merin's shirt. "We may have another problem..." he says quietly, nodding in the direction he had just looked. A tall, black-and-grey haired Human stands near the tree, wearing bright silver armor, and he bears a sword and dagger at his waist. He bears a thick short black beard shot through with grey and his hair is pulled back into a ponytail. "Another Human...let's go get him out of here before anyone tries to start trouble huh?" Sorin looks very meekly at Merin, hoping he will take the lead.
Harrowing of Blood: The Spirit nods and lifts one gauntleted hand to extend its first finger. "Riddle, the First. I drive men mad for the want of me. I'm easily broken but never free." He then stands back, no sign of smugness or amusement to await the Mage's answer. He shows no reaction at Erast's answer, then lifts his second finger. "Riddle the Second. What belongs to you that others use more than you do?" Again he stands back to await Erast's answer. He then extends his third finger. "Riddle the Third. I am a danger to great men and women, from the eldest to a child, I am a looming threat. Cities may burn at my touch, alliances may crumble at my words, but the simplest man has no want to fear me."
Ok that sir is bad. Almost as bad as sir pounce a lot and barkspawn
Harrowing of Blood:
Valor looks the mage up and down, and then crosses its arms. "Truly I cannot challenge you to a test of skill at arms or strength, since your pursuits in the mortal world obviously lack in those departments. I instead propose three riddles. Each success earns you a reward. Do you accept my terms? There is no penalty for failing, only that the aid which I offer you cannot be given without first earning it." Mouse looks up at Erast and shakes his small head. "Spirits are very fond of riddles, and very good at them."
Blood-Stained Wedding:
The human noble in the lead sneers down at the lovelier of the two elf maidens dressed for the fine day before he curls his lip contemptuously at Merin's failure to impress him. "See the pretty bride...Curb your tongue and learn your place, Knife-Ears, before I teach you respect of your betters!" Shianni, growling angrily, darts to the left, towards a heavy mason jar. Soren shakes his head violently at her, and the human noble turns too late to catch the heavy jug right in his face, knocking him out cold! He falls in a heap. One of his companions rushes over, hand on his dagger hilt. "Are you insane?! That's Vaughn Orion, the arl of Denerim's son!" Shianni drops the jug immediately, holding her hands over her mouth. "What?! Oh Maker..." The two humans help their unconscious friend up and sling him across their shoulders. One points at the group of Elves."You KNife-Ears have a lot of nerve. This will go badly for you..." They then beat a hasty retreat, allowing the two finely dressed maidens to approach while Shianni goes to sit down and cool off, Valendrian, the Hahren of the Alienage, asking everybody what happened. "I doubt this will end well..." said one of the two women before they turned their full attention on Merin and Soren. Soren's fiancé stands next to him, a pretty girl with her hair done up in a braid, but a very plain look about her overall. Merin's bride to be however is gorgeous, long blonde hair hanging to her shoulders, finely cut dress, she seems a beautiful rose among daisies. "We've never been introduced...I'm Velana" she says boldly, smiling and bobbing in a cursty to her intended. Castle Under Siege:
Lady Elanor kisses them both once more. "Good, I was hoping tot he Maker there would be no argument from either of you. I will be leaving with Lady Landra to stay with her at her estate for a while, so that you two would not feel like you need me to watch over you. Go do what you must, but make sure you say goodbye to your brother before you head to bed." She bobs her head to Dairren and Iona, then turns and walks away, the very image of noble grace and dignity. Dairren rolls his shoulders. "Kaidan, there are a few more hours of daylight left, if you did want to spar once more before I depart with your father in the morning? Unless you had something else more pressing to do, then otherwise, good night and I hope to see you both again safe and alive when I return." Iona bobs into a curtsy before both of them, eyes shining with interest at both young lords but staying slightly behind Dairren, knowing her place as a servant.
Dark Reflections: The ancient ruins reek of decomposition, and several roots jut through the ceiling above their heads, not ten feet in distance. None of it sags alarmingly however, so the foundations are at least strong, for now. Harad stands at the entrance worriedly, but refuses to come any further inside as the two elves hesitantly explore. The door at the far end of the passage opens silently enough, revealing a long hall way. Directly in front of them is a statue of what looks like an Elven goddess with wings and a spear, although there is no name for her. Its placement, an elven statue situated inside a human-appearing made ruin, speaks of ancient lore when Humans and Elves lived side by side long long ago before even the Tevinter Imperium. Tamlen ventures into the hallway, stopping to inspect the statue before dismissing it, taking more interest instead of the several forms of what appear to be skeletons dotting the floor, leaning against the walls, propped up on roots, or simply laying in a tangle, broken weapons and shields not far from their stretching skeletal hands. The young Hunter winks back at his friend and draws his sword and dagger. "This beats listening to old tales or hunting for rabbits, eh Lethallin?"
Tamlen: |
