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Post by vamperious on Sept 11, 2015 23:04:37 GMT -5
Tevinter...Its a strange land. Unlike the rest of the realms- Mages are in charge- not the proud and ever persuasive Chantry lead by the many Divine and her followers of Andraste. The Magesiters were in charge here- ruling with magic as it was stronger and they also had more influence in many forms. They have conquered many things however lost them in a fight with both the free marchers and the Qunari both. They are the only place left that allows slavery- making them out side of the truce that was created to stop a war and help against the first blight. However it was supposed that the Tevinters were the tribe that first went to the golden city- to find this maker – searching for his throne and in the process for their sins- of breaking into the Golden City- were made into the first creatures of the Blight. Some still took pride in this and were proud to be a decedent of the first to almost conquer the veil however some were not. These Priests of Dunmat were once practically royalty as they spoke with a god- now they were dead- or Darkspawn. They were nasty in how they gained more power- leading to the act of making the practice of blood magic illegal- however with enough influence it was well over looked and continued with in the mageister ranks. It is still around today but frowned upon anywhere else then Tevinter, most are put to death just for knowing it- being labeled a Malificarum- and the templars would slay them for their sins of blood magic and dealing with demons. It also lead to the chantry making it harder for Mages to go about and be free- you were one of three things- a circle mage, a malificarum, or an apostate...A circle mage belongs with the circle, guarded from others as well as themselves by the Templar forces and the Chantry- most being forced to become tranquil- or cut off from the fade. A Malificarum is a blood mage, it takes the life of another to preform the nasty kind of magic however its powerful, marking them as dangerous. An Apostate is an illegal mage- a mage not of the circle- most are turned in and the problem is fixed however most who run from the templars end up resorting to making deals with demons or resorting to blood magic usage- marking them as dangerous as well...Though in Tevinter, a Mage was simply a mage...~~~~~---~~~~~---~~~~~---~~~~~The shipping Yard as dark, his mind reeling for what he was actually doing. He never thought he would want to runaway from his future- never before was he scared to be so alone either.However he had decided with his changes- he was better off alone. His white robe a little off in the dark but he didn't mind since most in Tevinter wore black or white. He was waiting patiently by a wall there- off tot he sides of the dock waiting for a group or for he shipping yards to empty even since to him a lone stander was more conspicuous to him. It didn't take long however for more black and white clad travlers to pass by him, he simply stepped out and walked with them, blending nicely. They didn't seem to mind- since none knew who or what he was. Mages ere privileged- didn't matter wither you were human or what have you- they had some sway- as long as you had money and influence to back you. They all slipped aboard no problem and he in fact had a decent conversation with a few before slipping off to find some place to law low a while. He ended up on a rather bad boat- it was one that was used to move slaves. These slaves not of tevinter- captured no doubt form other places, it was a sad thing. Illegally however but it was the way of the Imperium. It kept them rich and in power- thats all that mattered. He took up a spot not too far form the locked cages assuming for perhaps some conversation to help ease the time- but all of them were quiet and beaten like animals it seemed. He frowned at that but let it go- he couldn't change how they had been treated. When they began to ship out a few guards stopped in and asked him if he was there to keep them company- of course finding it funny to see an elf out side the cages on the ship apparently. He scowled at them," I'm here to avoid humans- I don't' like them- their conversations are boring and I loath their interaction." He stated in an eloquent way that he had been raised to speak however he wasn't sure it was too safe to speak like he used to. He had the vocabulary of a Mageister after all and that was dangerous. He was on the run and didn't want to blow his cover so he was doing his best- but it seemed it wasn't enough this time. "OH- a broody elf- what your family in there or somf'in? Bah- let him be...we got more drink and cards to play." He resented being called Broody, he thought himself a nice enough elf, though he had some anger issues it wasn't anything to be killed over. ~~~~~---~~~~~---~~~~~ The trip dragged along as after three days they made it threw the Ventosus Straits and were rounding the corner of the Arlathen forests' coast. It was like looking at a solid wall of trees then sudden beachs- the lead into dark cold waters that were the northern seas. He spoke with a few crew members, finding out the name of the huge obstruction jutting out fo the forests-The White Spire. That was the mark that lead them to a third of the way to their destination. As well as passing threw the Venefication Sea that would lead them to the northern passage - only they turned south along the coast of Rivain to the bay of Rialto... ~~~~~---~~~~~---~~~~~ By this time he was more relaxed and feeling at home on the sea however he was tired of the same food day in and day out. It had been two weeks since he left and he was actually glad he left only when they reached the port of Antiva City- its proud and beautiful capital. He stayed on the ship however as they moved slaves out-more like live stock. Some going to already sold hands others being lined up on the decks to be looked at like cattle. The city however caught his attention as it was seemingly wrapped in gold however he caught a few looks of others watching him as he observed and didn't indulge. He saw most of the ports' men drunk and in the company of a whore- very much not his choice of company. He found it distasteful in fact, he went back bellow decks and waited till more slaves that hadn't been sold by the end of the day were loaded back up after a small stretch to keep him able and then they made way again...Heading south they merged into the Amaranthine Ocean, from there they began heading west between the Free Marches and Fereldan... ~~~~~---~~~~~---~~~~~ Venalas was sitting with a candle not to far from him as he glanced over a few papers he still had, he had taken them from his estate a while ago- one marked him for who he was the other was a few political thing he dared not leave for fear of others lives. The slaves still hadn't spoken to him yet but tonight it seeemd was difererent. " Those markings- What are they for?" asked a male slave, he looked to be human-strong and able and much taller then himself- even thought he was tall for an elf to begin with. He glanced up from his book, his white hair falling into his face as he looked him over, mulling over the question and how he was going to answer it. "These markings are a sign of what I was once going to be. A tool- nothing more." He said bluntly his words having an almost dark bite to them as he stated what their purpose was for. He figured he had no need to lie to this slave- no one would ever take him serious in his days left he had to live. " But you are free- can't you change that?" He stated wondering why he was so down and was always with the slaves. "You sit here and you brood- you read and you mutter dark things to reassure yourself day after day- whats the purpose for you if you don't seem to think of your self as free? You aren't in a cage- you are not bound- you are not doomed to die in the life of slavery..." His eyes met the slaves as he went on about his feelings on his actions in the past weeks and he frowned. "I am in a cage- I am a slave to my past...My purpose is none of you concern however I so appreciate a voice to speak with. Its been rather silent actually having a conversation with some one sensible rather then with an intrinsic martinet." (inbred slave driver) The slave laughed at him making him looked a bit confused," And just what is so humorous slave?" He snapped at him, only making the Slave laugh harder. His eyes hardened and as looked at him through the bars and scowled. After a few minutes he caught his breath and looked at the elf," You speak like one of the nobles back in Tevinter...What- did you get sent off because you slept with ones daughter?" The man asked making him very silent as he simply looked at one another. The man smirked," I at least hope she was pretty...You talk too big- If you want to blend in-use simple words...Its easier that way." The slave added onto the end of his words a slight word of advice as he assumed the Elf was running from something since he seemed to think of himself still caged from what ever past he had before back in Tevinter. Venalas nodded, " I should thank you but I have no way but for my words. I'm sure being some ones slave isn't worth a thanks." The human however looked at him and his face fell a bit, " You have a point- I'll take you words Elf." Venalas smirked at him in his humor as it was a bit dark," Venalas please- I don't view you as a slave. If anyone is in a cage- its me." He said his voice colored with some humor as he put his papers away and took a few steps closer to the cage and looked him over in the candle light. He was a tall human, build strong and sturdy. His face was clean shaven-blond hair looked dirty his blue eyes sparkled clear in the fire light. He was proud- fereldan by origin by the looks of him but he wasn't sure. The human looked him over as well looking at his face and hair- as well as his green eyes that looked almsot black in the darker cabin. "Reiger-pleasure to meet an elf who isn't shy." His words were humorous as well making him smirk," Yes well- When two come together in a conversation that they can mutually understand its only relevant that we use our names." The human shook his head with a smile," There you go using big sentences and words again." ~~~~~---~~~~~---~~~~~ They got along quite well- during the next few stops in fact he hoped his friend wouldn't' get sold and hew as lucky to have it as such until they reached Orlais- where he and the rest were sold quickly. They had slowly been restocking it seemed a few times bringing a few new slaves on board to travel threw Fereldan with on their last stop before they traveled north again. It had only been a month since he left and he hadn't heard a word about his own disappearance yet- which made him smile. He stayed there and contemplated about having actually gotten away with leaving. No one talked to him again-that much he expected as they were afraid of him. Afraid of his dark eyes, pale skin and strange markings, they had a right to fear him he figured. When they finally reached West Hill in Fereldan he finally said his good bye to the ship and got off. The docks there were small but enough to get the ship at. He had to push his way threw the buisy town there but he finally made it to the out skirts of town and relaxed a bit. It was a warm evening and he was still getting used to the land as he had been a sea for a long while. Here is was more rocks then anything- little patches of grass here and there- he didn't mind however it was nice but humid as hell to him. As he walked he came across an inn and found it looked rather inviting now that he was tired. He had practiced on his speech a bit more and it got him a long way. Entering the inn it was a calm evening, a few people scattered here and there and he looked to be in luck for a room and food. He paid them what he owed for both and settled into his seat by the back wall and watched every one as though he were playing a game to figure out who was after him... ((Word count 2300....dang son))
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Post by kimcora on Sept 12, 2015 0:06:16 GMT -5
A reflection shone in the steel of the axe's blade, the young girl holding it looking torn as she stared at the reflection. She saw a proud girl of only sixteen with grey skin, pale violet eyes, and hair smoke black. Her face was rounder, less angular than it should have been and some would say her horns were lacking in luster due to their pathetic size. She saw courage in those eyes, pride in those taut, full lips, and strength in the way she held herself. The Tamassran priest in front of her however saw a being unlike her proud lineage or partial blood within her veins. It was an outsider, it was not of the Qun. It was to be Alone. "You understand what this means...do you Maraas?" He asked in Qunlat, watching the girl look up from the blade and to the large Qunari male's face. She looked so human yet almost completely Qunari...it was such a strange thing that went against everything they stood for. The Qun demanded that breeding rights be used to further the society. They were to chose mates for their people, so that mistakes like her didn't happen...such a waste for such a promising match her father could have made to further the Qunari. He was a proud Ben-Hassrath and once a loyal contribution to the Antaam and the Arishok. How could he throw that all away for a silly Kabethari, a simple one that did not honor the Qun? The young child looked at the Tamassran, her teacher and mentor from the time she was born, and showed the man a look of unwavering pride. "It means he is dead. My father is in the weapon...His Asala..." She said the word for 'soul' with a certain fondness that was to be expected. A weapon was a Qunari soldier's soul, without it they are soulless. It was held in such high regard, giving it to his bastard child shouldn't have been an option, had he not made the case on his dying breath so convincing. His unit had made their case to the Triumvirate and they conceded to let it be. That was the only reason the child knew anything of her parents and her origin. Usually that was no matter in their society, ones mother and father were simply a part of them while the rest of their whole was given solely to the Qun. But this was an odd circumstance, one that could only be fixed with information. Maraas stared down at the axe, some of her hair falling loose from her braid to tickle her cheeks. She had her mother's wavy hair, or so the Tamassran had once said while teaching her to braid it. She had never met the man who was now a part of his blade, only heard he was powerful and a great warrior. His axe was a valued thing amoungst members of his group and the envy of most craftsmen. Her father was proud, some told her. Others said he was a fool for taking a human outsider as his mate, producing a halfbreed child...She viewed him as simply a part of the whole, a contribution to society which was her true family as the Tamassrans taught. You were nothing without your people, all must contribute. Even she had a place...even though that place was away from her family and within the Tamassrans sanctum. There they raised the Qunari children, chose names for them, they tested them, taught them the ways of the Qun and when they turned twelve gave them their position in life. Her place however was...less than desirable... She knew it was because of her lineage. Origin and pedigree was very important to her people. Since she was born of a great warrior, one would expect her to be a soldier, however her human mother ruined the blood and left her weak...Though she was quite strong and physically able, she was of weak spirit and body, two very important parts of the whole. She understood her place, knew it well by now, though it never stopped her from dreaming of the glories of combat. "Yes child, it is his soul. You are to hold it, for he requested that no other should...Protect it for it is his connection to the Qun..." She watched the man rise and leave, knowing that the minute he left her chambers, the priests would be back to put her through more tests... She hated the tests and knew they were done for curiosity sake of the Qunari's thirst for knowledge. However with a weapon in hand and a chance at the door...she could taste the blood practically on her tongue. Perhaps this dream of combat wasn't so far off. She had heard from the other young and her studies that some Qunari had left to distant lands to fight. Perhaps someday she too might join them... ~~~
A cloaked figure sat at a table of the inn, speaking in hushed tones with the man across from her. Her face was obscured from everyone except her client that looked a bit jittery. He should. As a merchant that had pissed off a group of bandits, he needed protection and she was the only one that he seemed to have left to turn to. Not that she was complaining, the coin was always nice for her travels. She hadn't seen much of Fereldan and by traveling with this foolish little man perhaps she could see more of it. The two seemed to have no trouble communicating so far after all, even with the language barrier. Her words were halted and accented, hinting that she spoke only enough of the English spoken by the Fereldan people. Her first language was Qunlat after all and it was common for her people not to speak other languages. It was a source of shame for sure, since they prided themselves on knowledge, which was why many didn't talk much with outsiders. It made them appear brutish and slow to others, so Maraas exercised her speech frequently to get better at it. "I can offer you 2 gold and 40 silvers for your work. I only need safe passage to Lothering...." The merchant said with a trembling voice, making Maraas frown slightly. She didn't like how the man showed his weakness. It made her feel as though he were something to be ignored rather than dealt with. "Make it 3 gold and 50 silver." She said in her rather soft voice, making the man frown at her. "3?! You deserve no more than 2! I am running a business here, Maraas!" Before Maraas could speak more on her case another male approached, another of her kind that was intimidating in stature. He had obviously cut off his horns by the looks of his head and Maraas could see he was a well seasoned fighter by the scars littering his body. "You owe this Tal-Vashoth nothing. Your money will be wasted on it." She turned her gaze to the large male, her eyes narrowing at him. "You are insulting me and you know not of me, why?" She asked in her broken English, making the male Tal-Vashoth sneer. "I know of your filthy blood. It is in your status, Maraas..." He sneered and she stood, but paled in comparison to the man's muscled physique and height. "My status is my own. You have no right to interfere and for that you should be punished..." She said harshly back in their tongue, only to receive a snicker in response. "Venak hol (mild insult that means basically a weakling), no better than dust or these Bas..." Maraas's eye twitched and she removed her hood, her violet eyes flashing momentarily with a brilliant flare of anger before she hauled off and uppercutted the Qunari male with a force no one expected....
Maraas stared through the bars of her cage, watching the soldiers that stood infront of her like they were nothing more than ants in her view. "Tiny little monster isn't it?" One growled, wiping his nose free of blood from where she had hit him. The soldier next to him was nursing a broken arm. "Can't believe she just attacked that Mercenary from Antiva. 'Bout ripped the poor sod's face clean off..." Maraas's eyes flicked to the soldier, her brow quirking some. "I am proud. He was a Dathrasi...Deserved more for his weakness." She sneered, basically calling the male a 'pig'. The Tal-Vashoth had challenged her while she was accepting a contract, his words insulting her for her title and her apparent mixed lineage. He called her weak, she showed him her power fairly. The guards of the city however didn't seem to think the same and locked her up in this cage after breaking up the fight. In all honesty, she hadn't meant to harm the soldiers. It was just the rage and insult of one taking her father's axe had spurred more than they could handle. Eventually they subdued her by knocking her out but even before that they had taken quite a few hits. One man was critically injured and being healed by a few priests. "Prideful beasts, the lot of 'em. Dangerous savages like you should have stayed in your home country. We'll see what the commander plans to do with you in the morning..." One soldier spat at her face making her cringe as one soldier kicked her cage before walking away. She however wiped the spit off and gave them a complacent look. She wouldn't speak. She had no reason to speak to a weak Bas (outsider, very severe insult) beneath her.
(kinda stole Sten's opening but made my own twist on it lol)
~~~**~~~
"Caden, I'm scared..." Caden looked to the young mage infront of him, her blonde hair pulled away from her face in a bun so that he could see her wide blue eyes. He tried for a comforting smile, trying his best to appear supportive despite his fears...Brielle was too young for this. Why was the Circle putting her through this test now? She was only a child, his baby sister... Brielle was a proud girl and to hear her say she was afraid made Caden hurt for her. She was not a dangerous mage, a blood mage, or even consorting with demons. The scariest thing he had seen her conjure was a fire ball to light a candle at night so she could read. She was a scholar and an artist. A sister and a kind soul...She didn't deserve to be locked up like a rabid animal here...But of course his parents were too caught up in the Chantry to ever listen to reason... He placed a hand on her cheek, patting it lightly to comfort her like their father did when they were children. "Don't worry Brielle, I'm right here. I will stay with you throughout your Harrowing...." He told her with the softest of looks that would normally get a Templar in trouble. However the Grand Enchanter knew of their situation, knew they were brother and sister, and would let the intimacy go unnoticed. He might as well. The two were close and sadly that implicated them in quite a bit. This Harrowing would prove if she is a mage of purity and could contribute to the greater good of Thedas. They always had to be sure. He knew just as well as Caden that Brielle was much too young for the Harrowing, but the commander of the Templars seemed to suddenly call for it. Apparently the child was a suspected Maleficarum and was hopefully to be proven innocent only by completing her Harrowing. They wouldn't tell Caden that of course, since they wanted him to be the one to end it, should their fears be confirmed. Brielle stared into her brother's eyes a long moment before she walked to the altar in the center of the room, holding the laced Lyrium that would take her to the Fade. She spared him one last look, a small warm smile before she touched the Lyrium and went limp....
Caden woke from his fitful sleep in a cold sweat, grabbing his face to find bandages there. He blinked trying to understand what had happened, what had gone wrong. One moment he was there, watching over Brielle and the next....black... He looked around the room and found he was not in his quarters but in a temple. He had never been there before, but recognized the Chantrys symbols everywhere. In fact above him stood a statue of Andraste, large enough to tower over him with an almost cynical smile on her lips. He sighed, knowing he shouldn't think that way, but he was never much of a believer to begin with. He only became a Templar to protect Brielle since the Chantry felt it wise to lock an innocent girl up and away from her family or civilization. Suddenly a rapping at the door made Caden's eyes flick to the door....it was thick and looked reinforced. Was he in confinement? They usually only used confinement for rogue Templars or those going through lyrium withdrawal. He didn't feel either...hence why was he locked away like a loose canon. He blinked when a sister emerged, followed by his commander. Caden stiffened, looking a bit awkward undressed from the waist up and covered in bandages. Why the hell did he feel so sore? And blood was soaking these bandages. Did he get into a fight? "You're awake." The sister of the Chantry said and Caden gave her a frown. "Yeah but not too happy about it. Why the hell am I so sore?" He watched the faces in the room morph to concern, one to fear. "You don't remember?" The Sister asked and Caden blinked. Remember what? "Remember what...?" The woman looked down at Caden's hands suddenly and Caden's gaze followed. They were completely covered in blood. He swallowed, looking panicked as he tried to remember how all that blood got on him. It was from his wounds right? He bled all over himself right? He shook hard, his eyes staring wide and unblinking at the blood on his hands. "I--How? Where is Brielle?" He demanded quietly, making the Sister clear her throat. Caden looked up at her, his eyes narrowing to venemous slits. "Where is Brielle?" He barked, making the Sister hide behind his commander. "Tell me what happened..." His commander ordered and Caden shook his head, a pained look crossing his face as if he struggled to remember. "I can't remember..." The commander suddenly moved forward and rather suddenly back handed Caden pretty hard. Caden grabbed his face and stared with shock at his commander. "Tell me now boy before I have you executed!" Caden stared for a long moment, back tracking in his mind to find exactly what happened. One moment he saw Brielle pass out, he was so scared for her....and the next she was up.... "Brielle, she completed her Harrowing...but..." He froze as things began to fall into place. "But she wasn't the same...her eyes were full of--hate and her mouth was in this frown...she came at me--" He cringed as his face burned and his body ached. All of them were from Brielle, her latching onto him like a beast and tearing at him with her nails... He was so scared he didn't know what to do. He just couldn't react, not till she turned to the Grand Enchanter....She charged a spell at him...with her blood.... He gasped as his head fell into his hands, tears burning his eyes as the memories of his actions wormed their way into the forefront of his mind. All of it playing for him like a sick nightmare. Before she could kill him--before his little sister could hurt the people she cared for he.... "Where is she?" He asked weakly and the commander gave a hard sigh. "Her body was burned...She was an abomination, Caden. You were right in killing her...never forget that." The commander grabbed his shoulder, squeezing it hard. But Caden couldn't feel it. The pain and dizziness hit him like a ton of bricks to the gut at his memories. Caden crumpled, sobbing into his hands so hard his body shook. The only thing he could see in his mind was Brielle's lifeless body, him holding her drenched in her blood and praying to a god he didn't believe in to bring her back....
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Post by vamperious on Sept 14, 2015 11:10:44 GMT -5
He sat there and ate his food, a stew with some kind of odd meat- nothing like what he was used to back in Tevinter but better then what he had on the boat. The bread wan't hard and dry so he enjoyed the softer bread for a change. His attention however was on a merchant trying to hire a guard there by the bar- his exclamation over money wasn't anything good it seemed as the guard was hassling him for more. He watched the events play out with a bit of an awed expression before he realized what had happened the guards drug the incapacitated girl off. It was a little sad but he knew it was how things worked- however in his home land things like that ended in death- he was a little glad this time, it ended in simple jail not more death. --- She had stood up suddenly after a few Qunlat words with the denied Qun- who pushed away their culture in a way to become a mercenary for coin and he frowned at the thought that she would charge that it seemed because she was small? He had never seen a small Qunari himself but he hadn't seen many at all- but he did understand their culture- he ahd studied it quite often when he was ignoring his duties in Tevinter. She upper cut the Qun making his jaw make a rather audible crack- he assumed it was broken and then man handled the guards as they tried to subdue her. He of course stayed out of it- not wanting to have to report to magic to help her. Here it was dangerous to be a mage- he knew that already. He waited till a bit later- after getting a nice bath in his quarters to head out side to see what became of the girl- wondering if she was simply a drunk they were used to or if she was hurt at all. Head out side in his long black jacket he made his way around town getting a few odd looks before finding the guards' cages where the girl was and looked bored to say the least. He knew her words were choppy- he had heard that much but he figured he would try for conversation, he often found the best people in cages it seemed. "Shanedan" He greeted her hoping to get her attention as he crouched by the cage to look at her a bit better. It was rather obvious hew as an elf but he was odd- his markings were almost unseen here in Ferelden and he was unusually tall for an elf. He looked at her with a hard expression wondering how he had never encountered a Qunari before this- he ahd been about a while now and hadn't seen one he had the nerve to speak with until now.
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Post by kimcora on Sept 18, 2015 22:43:44 GMT -5
Marisa's eyes lifted to the elf that spoke to her, her expression leery on her softer features. She didn't like the hard expression or the fact that this elf was speaking to her out of no where. Here in Ferelden people didn't approach her unless they wanted to pick a fight or they wanted protection. What was he after? When he spoke her language, her expression slacked and it was obvious he surprised her. "Well, a Bas of the South is educated." She said though it wasn't snarky or even sarcastic. She seemed genuinely surprised and almost happy, or at least by the faint smile that graced her lips. She tilted her head, eyes bright as she moved onto her knees and leaned a little closer to him. She looked into those eyes of his. He had pretty eyes, or at least that's what he short attention span was telling her. "Surely you are not as the Bas here. Speak, I will listen." She said, more or less asking him to tell her why he was speaking to her, but the softness of her voice and her smile hinted that she was asking politely. Most Qunari didn't smile or even really easily suddenly speak to outsiders but Maraas was a different case. She liked people and liked talking to them. And for the moment this elf had caught her attention. At least long enough for her to hear him out....
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Post by vamperious on Sept 18, 2015 22:57:49 GMT -5
At her comment about one not of the Qun being educated he smirked, her liked her attitude. He had a slightly twisted sense of humor it seemed to fit in nicely. He waited till she wished him to continue speaking, but he was a little confused by how she was even expressing emotion on her face when most Qunari were seemingly emotionless. "I watched your little conversation earlier. I was wondering about your being- are you alright? You took a few had hits." He said however what he didn't say was that she gave out twice what she was given- making her a strong opponent. Glancing over his shoulder he saw that no one was around, making him sigh a bit in relief. "Also It seems the more Bas you encounter here in Fereldan- I am ...not from here either." He said trying to think of words he knew that she would understand better- replacing more complex words in his vocabulary with Qunlat for her better understating. His eyes never rested while he was there however, always moving, noticing little movements in shadows to be sure he was safe. He was always wondering why no one had spoken to him quite yet about being who he was- there to find him. It made him wonder why no one had thought him missing yet- and if they had why hadn't the search reached Fereldan yet to find the Tevinter Mageister? This Qunari wouldn't know this- hopefully but Venalas wouldn't bring it up either if he really needed to then perhaps but if avoidable he would.
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Post by kimcora on Sept 18, 2015 23:31:30 GMT -5
Maraas watched as he spoke, her mind deciphering what she could of his words and understanding most except for a few. After four years in Fereldan, she wasn't yet fluent or even remotely considered well versed, but she had a firmer understanding of it than she did of speaking. Though she could hear in his voice that he wasworied for her safety. His concern for her was curious, since most outsiders thought of her kind as brutish and liked to be knocked around. Maraas's expression morphed at his words, her stronger Qunari features coming across in her prideful look. "What Qunari cannot defend their honor? Ebasit vashedan Tal-Vashoth (it was a filthy tal-vashoth)." She grumbled the last bit, her teeth gritting at the idea of the Tal-Vashoth daring to call her anything less than Qunari. That was a sensitive topic for Maraas, especially in her current state. Technically she went against the Qun coming to Fereldan, but she knew she would better serve her people and their purpose here. She was too strong to be a Tamassran priest for the rest of her life or a little side experiment for the educators. She wanted to fight, wanted to serve something better...More useful...She let the thought fade in favor of curiosity when she heard him mention being new there as well. She sensed that this man was not from there, since most in the South treated her like garbage or with leery eyes. He was respectful and honest, so far she liked him. She raised a shaped brow at him, her expression showing she was thinking about what he was saying. "A stranger as well? If you speak to Qunari, you must be very new..." She said, the comment a joke but it came off as more of a fact. She didn't do sarcasm since her people were very blunt and didn't lie. The Ben-Hassrath were a different story since they were meant to blend in the world, but with each other, in civilian life, they were meant to be a community, a part of a functioning whole. She blinked at him squirming and looking around, her lip twitching at his fidgeting. "You are nervous? Do not fear their peace keepers. They fight like rats..." She said, trying to ease her new curiosity's worry. She didn't exactly want to lose the conversation after being locked away in there for sometime.
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Post by vamperious on Oct 3, 2015 21:20:28 GMT -5
At her more point blank comment he gave a smile and a nod knowing it was true. In Tevinter you either hated or ignored the Qunari influence besides the war. "Not nervous no, just careful. One never knows in a new place who to trust." He said honestly to the girl knowing she would know that sentiment. The guards here did fight like rats however it was how they could over come a Qunari. "My name is Venalas, what if yours?" He asked in a polite tone, his accent a bit thick but it wasn't too easy to hide with out much practice. Venalas hadn't really seen a Qunari up close but this was definitely one of them. A bit smaller but he watched her hold her own quite well against a much larger bull so he had no doubts. He knew it was obvious most under the Qun would assuredly want to kill him just on the idea that he was from Tevinter, seeing as the war was a stand still. Though this one didn't seem to know or care much less about his origin but there was always a chance- thankfully he knew enough magic to keep himself alive, though at the moment he was unarmed- since having a staff here would mark him as a mage. In Tevinter that was alright to be a mage, however in other places it meant they were collared or placed in a circle- he didn't escape his old life to be kept in a tower.
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Post by kimcora on Nov 27, 2015 1:03:23 GMT -5
Maraas looked the elf over, making a quick assessment of him. He was jumpy, uneasy and unsure of his surroundings, he was new there and worried about something. It was partially rolling off him despite his smooth words of never being too careful. She had been in the business of sell-sword for higher too long not to notice the signs of someone in trouble. If he wanted help for it...she could oblige if he paid her properly. She was not against helping others she didn't know well, but this elf intrigued her. Most elves she had met were either Qun followers or slaves captured from Tevinter. They were always quite nice, but a bit too small for her tastes. Though thin, this one at least had height on his side and was well educated it seemed. She could see herself at least not being bored around him. "Maraas is what I am called. Nice to meet you, Venalas." She said before her eyes flicked to just over his shoulder. Guards were headed back that way and she hardly wanted them to harm her new little acquaintance. "They will not take kindly to seeing you speak with me...they do not like what their small minds can't understand." She said allowing her purple eyes to drift back to him face. "It would not be fair for you to be harmed." She said, filling Venalas in on her thoughts so he would know to escape before he got thrown in a cage for talking to her...
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Post by vamperious on Jan 17, 2016 22:31:14 GMT -5
He noticed her glance and foot falls of what he assumed was the guards making their rounds. He wasn't too sure about her words but then again she didn't know he was a mage- so he would let the helpless comment go- since it felt like that to him. "I can protect my self- though I think this isn't a fight that I need to attend at the moment. We will speak later." He said with a smile before slipping off into the dark alley across the way- seeming to fade walk out of the open area before the guards got there- knowing that the girl would be there a bit- and the guards wouldn't be- hopefully for him. He had to maybe catch a nap- if he could even sleep with how the demon hounded him then go collect her on his way out of town. -------------------- "Where is your brother Magister Merseth?" Called a mage from his seat in the meeting hall where the boy was supposed to be only to find his little sister present. "He is in bed ill. Asked me to fill in for him..." She said smoothly only to get a dirty look from the man. "I have no knowledge of this- send some one to see and fetch him." He said and a few mages moved only to get a dirty look from the woman. "I said my poor brother is ill and I mean it. He should return in a few days time. I assure you." She commented since she had indeed seen her brother was gone- he ran off- having encouraged him after all- she wanted his seat of power. If he wasn't going to use it he might as well disappear and let some one who wanted it have it.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 18, 2016 1:08:48 GMT -5
Marisa blinked at the little elf's big words and she gave him a bit of a smile. Alright, so the man had grit or at least enough pride in himself to not back down from a challenge...It was official, she actually liked the odd elf. She let him leave without so much as a good bye since he said they would speak later. Maraas knew some of what that meant, at least that she would see Venalas again. She lifted her head, her ears attenuating to the sound of the men approaching her cage. "Wow...it really is an oxman. This far south?" The soldier said and the other sneered. "Yeah, even starts spouting that Qun crap when it was in lock up. At least the captain has plans for it in the morning." "Oh really? What's that?" He looked shocked but the other soldier smacked him hard on the helmet. "What do you think idiot?! Can't let that murderous thing go on a rampage with its other freakish buddies in the hills. He'll have it dealt with by arrows in the morning. Something right and painful for the pain it put our men in." He kicked the cage, making Mara's head tilt and her long white hair fall into her face from where it was losing place in the binding. The vitaar she had on her face was smearing and she had dried blood on her face from the Tal-Vashoth imbecile that challenged her. Her purple eyes had a briefly murderous glow at the men, as her usual stern features took on a menacing glower. The men skittered back, running off to their barracks no doubt to hide from the big scary Qunari. "Cowards....Struggle is an illusion. The tide rises, the tide falls, but the sea is changeless. There is nothing to struggle against. Victory is in the Qun..." She recited more of the prayer in Qunlat, knowing that her time was limited if she was to die by the morning. Though she hardly agreed with the means or reason, she had broken these petty human's laws, it bothered them so they punished her. She hated them for their treatment of her but knew she could do nothing for it or against it. She had no purpose beyond this cage, her purpose was taken from her and locked in that barrack with the other confiscated weapons. Her father's soul was there, the last piece of truth she had...
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Post by vamperious on Jan 18, 2016 11:28:35 GMT -5
He took a bath for starters then a short nap, it didn't last long however before the dreams got to him and he forced himself away, his entire body trembling form the sheer force of them. Heading out from the window in his room, he had his things, his staff on his back however the staff looked more liked a long bladed stick meant for range with his already long arms. Heading back through the alley ways that were empty save a cat or so- perhaps a rat he saw the cage waiting for a guard patrol to move around to another location which came quickly. Looking the cage over he knew Fereldan locks were easy to break open at the right point of impact. He knew it was a simple thing- just knock the lock off and call it good- he was planning on that however he didn't want to get the Qunari in more trouble- well Maraas-as she had addressed herself. He shrugged and headed that way, going quietly since hte guards had moved on and it was left unattended. He smiled and walked up to the cage easily and smiled," Are you ready?" He stated as he looked at her- he wondered however if she was asleep- though if she was she wouldn't be for long. He grabbed his staff from his back and got the large side- more like a bludgeoned or a club and broke the lock off simple and it fell to the ground in two peices. Putting his staff back he looked her over wondering if she would even leave- he knew the Qunari were loyal to the Qun- however if they were imprisoned then they were often reluctant to leave because of their own reasons; he didn't understand that passage in the book. Some of the things from it made his mind hurt as he tried to comprehend them so he skipped over them in hopes of one day finding a Qunari and asking them about it. "Come along Maraas- We need to leave." He said since he already had everything he had come with- figuring they could get a good head start on the guard since they were all sleeping louts.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 18, 2016 18:14:10 GMT -5
Maraas was in silent prayer, her eyes shut though her ears scanned the area for those that approached. It was very early in the morning and already her back was beginning to feel strained in the uncomfortable cage though she would hardly complain. She was too prideful for that...Even if she felt hardly threatening like a caged bird. She knew she could get away...but that wouldn't gain her back her axe. And it wasn't right to be violent with these simple people...As the Tamassrans had told the children before, everything has a place, including the nonbelievers. To destroy that cycle was to break the proper function under the Qun. She lifted her eyes up from where she sat to see Venalas there speaking to her about leaving. She got a look at his big stick weapon and her head cocked to the side. Why was he taking her from there? Was he hiring her? What was this odd turn of events from a stranger? "I can't leave. The soldiers have my weapon." She said, since a Qunari's weapon was considered their soul, an extension of themselves that to lose was a disgrace. She would not let her father's soul be lost to her, not after he gave it to her... "If I get my axe back I will follow." She said, her eyes on the elf though she felt he didn't understand or care much. Most didn't consider Qunari to be sentimental beings or that they had feelings at all, even if that was very false...They just controlled them better. If he didn't like how this was then they could part ways. She would be a bit sad to see the interesting elf leave but she would find work elsewhere as well.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 19, 2016 14:55:23 GMT -5
His brows furrowed a bit when she mentioned her weapon was missing. Probably the weapon the guards confiscated more like. "I apologize about your weapon, we will get it back-well You will need to tell me what it looks like or come along since I don't know what it looks like." He said to her in a tone that read he was trying to understand the situation. "As for why I'm letting you out of this cage is because I have judged you innocent and as a Tevint- bloody hell- Where I'm from I have the power to do so." He said standing a bit annoyed with himself but he was going to have to explain things eventually that much was obvious but right now wasn't the best time. He had read a lot about fereldan and its people's culture however for all his reading nothing set him up to actually be here- so he wanted some help and it seemed this Qunari knew the place better- which he needed a friendly face around.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 20, 2016 0:33:25 GMT -5
Maraas looked surprised when he apologized for her weapon being gone. She hadn't anticipated an outsider to understand, even one that was worthy of respect. She kept her mouth shut and stared at him silently. So he thought she was worthy of requital after the fight she started? Honestly she blamed herself for her childishness, but figured that this stranger's judgement would suffice. She did not understand all the ways of the Fereldan people, so perhaps her actions were not all that wrong. And that place he said, Tevint...it sounded a lot like Tevinter, the place her people warred with for quite some time now. She wasn't quite sure why, mostly because she never was in battle and left her homeland before she was truly able to understand it. That wasn't her fight, even if it had been her father's at one point. Therefore, it didn't make Venalass any less trust worthy...After a moment she rose, her lips forming a small confident smile. "Alright, I will take the judgment from a Tevint... " She said, a slight tease in his lapse of wording but was mostly looking hopeful before she headed towards the barracks. She noticed there was no guard on duty, mostly she expected he was asleep at this time. She went through the door, only to find the man was indeed inside, sleeping in a chair. She saw she had two options for directions. One that was to the bunk houses and one that was to a locked off section presumably the armory. She spared no time, moving to the sleeping guard. She kicked his foot, waking him with a start. "Keys, please." She asked and he stared at her with wide eyes. "D-Do what?" He stammered, trying to fathom why a random stranger, breaking into military property would just alert a guard like this. He reached for his sword but she reacted faster, hitting him right in the gap in his armor on his neck. He slumped, out cold and she took the keys from his belt. "The Bas like honesty." She told Fenris as she went to the locked gate and unlocked it. She went inside and looked through different rooms, going from first a store room full of food to then one of armor, illegal magical items, and then one stock piled with weapons. "Big and long handle of special gold wood, very shiny blade that is white. Triangle of Qun on center. important we find quickly..." She said before she went to one of the racks and began her search. She dug through all the swords and axes looking for her father's like a mother would her child in a crowd. She treasured that axe to the point it held the same value as a child. It was all she had left of her people besides her blood which was tainted....It made her a true Qunari in some sense with it. Her eyes caught sight of something glimmering in the low light and she instantly brightened at the sight of her axe on the wall just behind Venalas. She moved past him and lifted it easily, looking as if it weighed nothing, despite her stature. In all honesty in her thin stature, she shouldn't have been able to carry the thing, but years with it just made the weight familiar. She raised the axe and gave a small whisper of something in Qunlat before looking to him. "Now, for your help, I want to thank you. I have no coin to offer, so I shall travel with you to offer my work. I am mercenary, not one of the cheap Tal-Vashoth. I am good at what I do." She said with a proud look as she took the tie of the axe's hilt in her armor and placed it back in its harness on the back of her armor. She was serious on that. Her trust was rather easily won, due to the fact she spent most her life within a society of very honest people. The Qunari were not liars or thieves or even bad people really. Just very proud, stubborn and honorable as the Qun taught. "Come along, Venalas. Leaving before the Bas wake is good. Your blade will not break their armor..." She said in an attempt to use his phrase to show she was listening and learning as she went. She walked out of the storage to find the hall still clear and their guard friend still out like a light. She shut the door and tossed the keys in the guards lap before leaving out the front door. She didn't bother shutting it and simply waited for Venalas, wanting to know where they went next. She knew he wouldn't turn down her offer after all he was the one that wanted her to come along. "This way. I know a merchant rode through the hills. Safer, less open." She said with a finality that said he was going to follow if he wanted to get out of there unscathed.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 20, 2016 0:47:49 GMT -5
At her repeat of his words he smirked and went with her to the barracks. Heading in he expected her to slip past the guard however she woke him and asked for his keys only to knock him back out. With the way she handled the guard, he smirked knowing she was going to be some good entertainment to keep around. Heading into the new room, he listened to the description of the weapon. Giving ehr a curt nod that he understood the description he began looking however stopped short when he found a shelf of magical items and what was probably looted lyrium that he knew would come in handy for him, so he grabbed some. He then went to the armory and looked about with her, he didn't find it however making his think about where it would be. He paused at a thought that perhaps the guard captian had it. He shook his head however thinking that was ridiculous when he caught a fain glimmer of a white blade from directly behind the door that was still open. He closed the door half way and smiled, there it was- it was a large ax that he himself probably couldnt pick up. " There. On the wall." He stated to her since she was looking threw a pile across the room. He was sure she was safe to travel with and they could perhaps get along but he was to sure- if he could trust her with his past- he was so used to just talking and now it really had to count when making friends because he was in a bad place. A mage with no ties to the circle- marking him as dangerous- he hoped she wouldnt lable him Saarabas... He hated that word- it meant dangerous in and of itself. At her offer to travel he gave her a nod in approval. he simply followed since she had a plan it seemed and a path to take. He needed that- he was a run away magister after all...
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