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[Oh, but does she remember. The whispers mentioning sturdy sails and a hardy crew, the endless potential of the sea...she just sighs wistfully at the thought.]
It may have said some rather sweet nothings in my ear, yes. It's nothing I haven't come across before though, so I didn't know if it was just another tempting deal with some unknown catch or if I was having a rather pleasant dream. But you say they've actually come true then? [And here she was guessing it was just another empty promise, or carrot on a string for her to jump hoops towards.] You know, you make a good point. Life is far too short to dally around without at least giving it a shot, right? I guess I can find it in me to behave...just a little if it really is something that can happen.
[She listens to her speak, enjoying how sure of herself she sounds, how well she knows the lay of the land of the place. She can't help but feel fortunate in a good number of ways, running into her.]
I personally think anywhere that has a week of shameless hedonism is already ahead of the game, shows it's not afraid to be daring. And I like daring, its leagues better than complicated politics. [Politics, which were always boring and a tedious chore to practically everyone.] Ooh, I like a woman with ambition. Sounds like you've got a plan then, but I can't help to be I'm curious. What kind of work do you do that's so competitive?
It may have said some rather sweet nothings in my ear, yes. It's nothing I haven't come across before though, so I didn't know if it was just another tempting deal with some unknown catch or if I was having a rather pleasant dream. But you say they've actually come true then? [And here she was guessing it was just another empty promise, or carrot on a string for her to jump hoops towards.] You know, you make a good point. Life is far too short to dally around without at least giving it a shot, right? I guess I can find it in me to behave...just a little if it really is something that can happen.
[She listens to her speak, enjoying how sure of herself she sounds, how well she knows the lay of the land of the place. She can't help but feel fortunate in a good number of ways, running into her.]
I personally think anywhere that has a week of shameless hedonism is already ahead of the game, shows it's not afraid to be daring. And I like daring, its leagues better than complicated politics. [Politics, which were always boring and a tedious chore to practically everyone.] Ooh, I like a woman with ambition. Sounds like you've got a plan then, but I can't help to be I'm curious. What kind of work do you do that's so competitive?
Well, if someone desires dirty work to be done well, I can't say I'm not capable. [a grin; it would seem they are at least that like of mind.] Vex'ahlia.
[ By way of introduction of course, as she rolls the unlit bombs across the palm of her hand. Aim low..well, that's no tall order, but it's as good an option as any. ]
It's as good a plan as any. Two, to startle the shit out of it and have it attack from the water again, then one directly at its body.
[and, hopefully, make enough of a wound to distract before nailing it in vital points. Like gills. the waters around their boat churn, rocking it some in pre-emptive warning, and Vex crouches instinctively as she fishes about for a match, for tinder, something to make a spark]
All right! On three!
...THREE!
[ And with a hissssssss the first two bombs fly, well past the boat, detonating with aplomb and now small wall of water back the way it came. ]
[ By way of introduction of course, as she rolls the unlit bombs across the palm of her hand. Aim low..well, that's no tall order, but it's as good an option as any. ]
It's as good a plan as any. Two, to startle the shit out of it and have it attack from the water again, then one directly at its body.
[and, hopefully, make enough of a wound to distract before nailing it in vital points. Like gills. the waters around their boat churn, rocking it some in pre-emptive warning, and Vex crouches instinctively as she fishes about for a match, for tinder, something to make a spark]
All right! On three!
...THREE!
[ And with a hissssssss the first two bombs fly, well past the boat, detonating with aplomb and now small wall of water back the way it came. ]
So there's your standard political unrest, difference in social class, and normal everyday life then. I swear, some things never change. I'm guessing this is all standard there as well too? [She gestures to the ship around them, the thousands of stars out in front of them.] I'm used to thinking on my feet, so if all of this is normal then I ought to get used to how it all works, eh?
Isabela. [And she just nods, taking the wheel in hand and guiding the ship along much like her old ship. Its a lot simpler to do now that they're working together, and the movements are slow but familiar.] If I've learned anything in life it's that the ones with power are always one to speak in riddles and be confusing to everyone else. Also that if they aren't telling you everything that's something worth looking into...but maybe after we make it to land again.
Isabela. [And she just nods, taking the wheel in hand and guiding the ship along much like her old ship. Its a lot simpler to do now that they're working together, and the movements are slow but familiar.] If I've learned anything in life it's that the ones with power are always one to speak in riddles and be confusing to everyone else. Also that if they aren't telling you everything that's something worth looking into...but maybe after we make it to land again.
I'm sure you'll find someone to top, maybe just not me. [Okay, just one more. She had to, it was right there and waiting and everything. She just grins, unashamed and incredibly amused.] I've got years at sea under my belt and a lot of colorful language I picked up from my crew to thank for my own. Hard not to pick up in a situation like that, but it at least keeps things exciting.
[Ten years on and off the water with a group or rowdy pirates would give anyone a foul mouth.]
I'd much prefer a nice warm bed but we make do with what we can right? At least we aren't entirely alone, so we can keep watch if we need to. After all, if it isn't bears it's giant spiders, and I really don't know which is worse.
[She just shudders, because bears might be the bane of Thedas but nothing quite compares to giant spiders dropping from the ceiling. At least you usually see a bear coming.]
Isabela, formerly captain Isabela. The pleasure is all mine. So, color me curious. How familiar are you with where we are, or is it all unfamiliar waters to you too? And you're...Dalish, aren't you? [A pause.] I didn't think I'd come across anyone else from Thedas so soon after waking up here.
[Ten years on and off the water with a group or rowdy pirates would give anyone a foul mouth.]
I'd much prefer a nice warm bed but we make do with what we can right? At least we aren't entirely alone, so we can keep watch if we need to. After all, if it isn't bears it's giant spiders, and I really don't know which is worse.
[She just shudders, because bears might be the bane of Thedas but nothing quite compares to giant spiders dropping from the ceiling. At least you usually see a bear coming.]
Isabela, formerly captain Isabela. The pleasure is all mine. So, color me curious. How familiar are you with where we are, or is it all unfamiliar waters to you too? And you're...Dalish, aren't you? [A pause.] I didn't think I'd come across anyone else from Thedas so soon after waking up here.
Then that's the way we'll head towards. You've got a good eye, it'll do you good out on the water. Last thing you want is to misjudge a rock for a fish and end up run aground or damage your hull, especially during bad weather or drinking too much rum.
[And she starts to steer the boat in that direction, her oar going against the current as the boat turns toward the direction of the distant beach.]
So, have you been here long? What's it like around here?
[And she starts to steer the boat in that direction, her oar going against the current as the boat turns toward the direction of the distant beach.]
So, have you been here long? What's it like around here?
But it's so cute hearing you get so excited about them! I bet they were really precious. And better than horses? Does that mean they're less fussy and stubborn, or are they just better at covering distance?
[She's not entirely opposed to the idea of riding something softer than the firm muscle of a horse if she has to travel on land, and the way he talks about them is so endearing. He's like a kid almost, gushing about their favorite animal. She gives him a soft smile, pushing ahead in her rowing.]
Aww, aren't you humble. Well hey, I'd brag too over something I was good at, its good to be confident. I just wish I could see them for myself, or you out there in action racing them. I guess you'd be my expert on knowing if the orbiters happened to bring any over here wouldn't you? If that's even possible that is. [She doesn't really know what all they're capable of, besides bringing so many people from seemingly different worlds over. Surely that would make birds possible too right?]
[She's not entirely opposed to the idea of riding something softer than the firm muscle of a horse if she has to travel on land, and the way he talks about them is so endearing. He's like a kid almost, gushing about their favorite animal. She gives him a soft smile, pushing ahead in her rowing.]
Aww, aren't you humble. Well hey, I'd brag too over something I was good at, its good to be confident. I just wish I could see them for myself, or you out there in action racing them. I guess you'd be my expert on knowing if the orbiters happened to bring any over here wouldn't you? If that's even possible that is. [She doesn't really know what all they're capable of, besides bringing so many people from seemingly different worlds over. Surely that would make birds possible too right?]
I don't mind, but it'll be messy.
[ He offers her a rueful tip of his head. He's soaked, but that's just with river water, the serpent's blood mostly a miss and washed away by his dunk. But if they're dragging the head along, that's one giant chunk of serpent to bleed on them the whole way.
Fleetingly, he wishes he had the power of flame to call on, too. Cauterizing the thing would be easier, but maybe they can do that the old fashioned way...? ]
If we can get it to shore, we might be able to make things a bit cleaner, though. Cauterize the stump...
[ Dragging such a huge thing to shore isn't exactly an easy task, though. ]
[ He offers her a rueful tip of his head. He's soaked, but that's just with river water, the serpent's blood mostly a miss and washed away by his dunk. But if they're dragging the head along, that's one giant chunk of serpent to bleed on them the whole way.
Fleetingly, he wishes he had the power of flame to call on, too. Cauterizing the thing would be easier, but maybe they can do that the old fashioned way...? ]
If we can get it to shore, we might be able to make things a bit cleaner, though. Cauterize the stump...
[ Dragging such a huge thing to shore isn't exactly an easy task, though. ]
[ He's almost like a kid in many ways...except in his ability to boast, which is practically nonexistent. Calling himself "kind of good" at racing chocobos is about as far as he gets.
Her question has him sighing though, leaning back and wistfully looking to the sky as he rows. ]
I would, so it's with a heavy heart I have to tell you I have seen feather nor beak of a chocobo since I got here. It's a real shame. Allll those weirdo mounts in the stables and they can't even get one chocobo...I'd take one over a giant centipede any day.
[ He shudders. ]
Her question has him sighing though, leaning back and wistfully looking to the sky as he rows. ]
I would, so it's with a heavy heart I have to tell you I have seen feather nor beak of a chocobo since I got here. It's a real shame. Allll those weirdo mounts in the stables and they can't even get one chocobo...I'd take one over a giant centipede any day.
[ He shudders. ]
[Well at least he's trying at all, which is more than she could ask for. At least one out of the two of them was prepared to travel by sea, and she'll take up the reins for it when she needs to.]
Well that certainly sounds like something out of a nightmare. Were there any casualties? Did they find the ones responsible? Either way I can only imagine your healing magic was useful through all that, right?
[She's suddenly extremely grateful to have missed out on the whole thing, even though she doesn't understand how so much could have even happened with her understanding of time. It's all so confusing.]
So, I'm guessing Wyver is our destination then? Have you set up shop there too, complete with adoring fans of the feline persuasion?
Well that certainly sounds like something out of a nightmare. Were there any casualties? Did they find the ones responsible? Either way I can only imagine your healing magic was useful through all that, right?
[She's suddenly extremely grateful to have missed out on the whole thing, even though she doesn't understand how so much could have even happened with her understanding of time. It's all so confusing.]
So, I'm guessing Wyver is our destination then? Have you set up shop there too, complete with adoring fans of the feline persuasion?
I thought he was only kind to other mages or the stray cats around his clinic, but I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised spirits count for that too.
[Well, she also only thought there was only the one spirit around but you learn something new everyday. Still she remembers when Anders used to make more jokes with them at the templars' expense, his exasperated sighs every time she'd come barge into his clinic with another affliction he'd end up helping her with. Maybe it's not that farfetched after all.]
I think I can manage. Of course, that's if he's not taking a nap in those pods up there with everyone else we might not run into down here. [And that's still so bizarre to her, something she doesn't entirely even comprehend. Magic is still a unknown field to her, let alone technology that can put living people into a sleep they can't wake up from whenever they want.] So, besides giving guilty merchants quite the fright and having a nice new good looking body, what's a spirit interested in doing around here? Anything exciting?
[Well, she also only thought there was only the one spirit around but you learn something new everyday. Still she remembers when Anders used to make more jokes with them at the templars' expense, his exasperated sighs every time she'd come barge into his clinic with another affliction he'd end up helping her with. Maybe it's not that farfetched after all.]
I think I can manage. Of course, that's if he's not taking a nap in those pods up there with everyone else we might not run into down here. [And that's still so bizarre to her, something she doesn't entirely even comprehend. Magic is still a unknown field to her, let alone technology that can put living people into a sleep they can't wake up from whenever they want.] So, besides giving guilty merchants quite the fright and having a nice new good looking body, what's a spirit interested in doing around here? Anything exciting?
For me? Not yet. That promise never really ends.
[ As sappy as it is to admit, helping people is one of the major aspects she likes about her job. Money is perfect — it judges not, unlike a lover but maybe her 30s are making her shift gears to a different view.
Or maybe there's a good business in helping people. ]
I work less in the hedonism department and more in mercenaries. I own a guild — originally in Olympia but we're fighting to find some footing in Wyver. There's already a claim here. [ A pause, one that shows a bit of childish annoyance. ] I don't like being told where I can and can't work.
[ As sappy as it is to admit, helping people is one of the major aspects she likes about her job. Money is perfect — it judges not, unlike a lover but maybe her 30s are making her shift gears to a different view.
Or maybe there's a good business in helping people. ]
I work less in the hedonism department and more in mercenaries. I own a guild — originally in Olympia but we're fighting to find some footing in Wyver. There's already a claim here. [ A pause, one that shows a bit of childish annoyance. ] I don't like being told where I can and can't work.
| | [Praise! Praise from a real sea captain! You is over the moon!] Aye-aye! Steady ahead, then! [She turns back, settling in the bow seat and grabbing her oars again.] I've been here for almost half a year! Uh, it's pretty nice, most of the time. It was nice to settle in down on the planet instead of up on the space station. I guess it can be a little rough, though. There was recently all this hubbub with a terrorist attack and a weird disease, but that's all behind us now! |
[Once again, the vague come on flies right over his head. He assumes that when she says 'good looking body', she's saying that it looks good in comparison to a corpse, which he'd assume.]
My purpose is to bring justice wherever I go. That is what I do.
[He pauses a beat.]
I also enjoy... experiencing this realm, if that makes sense. Your world is beautiful in so many ways. Like sunsets. We do not have sunsets in the Fade, and they are beautiful. And I enjoy speaking to mortals. You fascinate me. You always find ways to be surprising.
[It's not an adequate description of just how much he loves to explore the world and meet its inhabitants. Even if he's awkward and often rebuked by mortals, he still likes meeting them, and he still appreciates the beauty of every entirely unique soul he encounters.
He doesn't know how to describe it properly, though, so this is how he'll say it.]
My purpose is to bring justice wherever I go. That is what I do.
[He pauses a beat.]
I also enjoy... experiencing this realm, if that makes sense. Your world is beautiful in so many ways. Like sunsets. We do not have sunsets in the Fade, and they are beautiful. And I enjoy speaking to mortals. You fascinate me. You always find ways to be surprising.
[It's not an adequate description of just how much he loves to explore the world and meet its inhabitants. Even if he's awkward and often rebuked by mortals, he still likes meeting them, and he still appreciates the beauty of every entirely unique soul he encounters.
He doesn't know how to describe it properly, though, so this is how he'll say it.]
Brave new world, same old shit. Even on an alien planet things aren't really that different, which... I dunno. Kind of comforting, even with how stupid it is. And every asshole loves spouting cryptic bullshit like they're Shakespeare.
[ it provides a sense of familiarity, and that people really aren't so different with some things just always staying the same even between worlds and races. still, it does fucking suck a lot given everything that happened with the biological bomb a couple months ago. ]
But the ship itself is pretty high tech. You might actually be more chill with El Nysa's level. It's kind of... a mix of tech and magic? Steampunk? I dunno even know what to call it, but it isn't as fancy as this. The Orbiters are like Gods to the people on the planet, so they don't know the truth like we do.
[ it provides a sense of familiarity, and that people really aren't so different with some things just always staying the same even between worlds and races. still, it does fucking suck a lot given everything that happened with the biological bomb a couple months ago. ]
But the ship itself is pretty high tech. You might actually be more chill with El Nysa's level. It's kind of... a mix of tech and magic? Steampunk? I dunno even know what to call it, but it isn't as fancy as this. The Orbiters are like Gods to the people on the planet, so they don't know the truth like we do.
You're ridiculous. [ It's said with good humour. Already, she reminds him of a few of his friends back home.
She brings up a good point. It definitely makes him think for a moment. ]
I couldn't really pick. They're both pretty terrible, but the with the spiders it'd probably be a slow death. Paralytic poisons and then the slow eating. You know, perhaps the spiders are worse.
[ So it looks like she won this one as well. But, as jokes are given the smile soon turns into a curious line across his face.
Isabela. A former sea captain. Now that's...definitely very familiar sounding. Hadn't there been an Isabela in Varric's "Tale of the Champion." Hadn't he been friends with one? Could this be she?
Still, she has a slew of questions that he won't ignore. After all now he has his own.]
It's good to meet you Isabela, you can call me Senren Lavellan.
[ He wouldn't be dropping his title right now. That could wait. ]
I've never been to this part of this country so I'm afraid I know little of the waters we're on or where we are.
As for the Dalish thing, I suppose it's the tattoos that give it a way. [ So that was a yes to confirm that. ]
I wouldn't blame you for thinking that. We're a small number among the waking. A few of my friends and acquaintances are awake among our number. However, now I have a few questions for you, Isabela.
Do you know a certain dwarf named Varric? Famous author, wrote "Hard in Hightown." Impeccable chest hair?
She brings up a good point. It definitely makes him think for a moment. ]
I couldn't really pick. They're both pretty terrible, but the with the spiders it'd probably be a slow death. Paralytic poisons and then the slow eating. You know, perhaps the spiders are worse.
[ So it looks like she won this one as well. But, as jokes are given the smile soon turns into a curious line across his face.
Isabela. A former sea captain. Now that's...definitely very familiar sounding. Hadn't there been an Isabela in Varric's "Tale of the Champion." Hadn't he been friends with one? Could this be she?
Still, she has a slew of questions that he won't ignore. After all now he has his own.]
It's good to meet you Isabela, you can call me Senren Lavellan.
[ He wouldn't be dropping his title right now. That could wait. ]
I've never been to this part of this country so I'm afraid I know little of the waters we're on or where we are.
As for the Dalish thing, I suppose it's the tattoos that give it a way. [ So that was a yes to confirm that. ]
I wouldn't blame you for thinking that. We're a small number among the waking. A few of my friends and acquaintances are awake among our number. However, now I have a few questions for you, Isabela.
Do you know a certain dwarf named Varric? Famous author, wrote "Hard in Hightown." Impeccable chest hair?
Oh! Let's start with pretty and then go into dirty tales. That way my ego doesn't get too dangerously inflated.
[Hawke waves a hand and then laughs at Isabela's suggestions.]
You know me, I can't resist bothering guardsmen. Aveline tells me that I ought to have a new hobby that doesn't involve undermining her authority but alas. I have found none I'm as suited for.
[Hawke waves a hand and then laughs at Isabela's suggestions.]
You know me, I can't resist bothering guardsmen. Aveline tells me that I ought to have a new hobby that doesn't involve undermining her authority but alas. I have found none I'm as suited for.
Oh but of course, only the best for you. [She pauses before she starts. Let the record show and be known that she isn't even sorry for any of this.] Oh Hawke, your beauty strikes my heart like the flittering wings of hummingbirds. Dearest Marian, your smile sweet as fresh honey, your eyes as striking as the blue-
[She'd been speaking in an exaggerated voice much like the many men she'd heard spout bad poetry to her in the past, but she abruptly stops to break into laughter. Likely her intense amusement is strong enough an emotion to be shared through the ship, and she composes herself after a moment when she feels the ship drift to the right just a little. She corrects it easy enough, still chuckling in amusement.]
The bane of any guard no matter where we end up are you? That's my girl. I think it's a fine hobby to have. [She couldn't be prouder of you Hawke, really.] Oh, you know our dear Aveline. Her hobbies consisted being harder on her own men and calling me a whore whenever possible. Thank goodness dear, sweet Donnic came and swept her off her feet. Made her much less ornery. [Even if the latter still stood, but well. They had a complicated friendship, antagonistic at worst.] Wait, can one man count as a hobby?
[She hopes Aveline is still sleeping somewhere behind them after saying that, as she can just picture the rage on her face. Ah, memories.]
[She'd been speaking in an exaggerated voice much like the many men she'd heard spout bad poetry to her in the past, but she abruptly stops to break into laughter. Likely her intense amusement is strong enough an emotion to be shared through the ship, and she composes herself after a moment when she feels the ship drift to the right just a little. She corrects it easy enough, still chuckling in amusement.]
The bane of any guard no matter where we end up are you? That's my girl. I think it's a fine hobby to have. [She couldn't be prouder of you Hawke, really.] Oh, you know our dear Aveline. Her hobbies consisted being harder on her own men and calling me a whore whenever possible. Thank goodness dear, sweet Donnic came and swept her off her feet. Made her much less ornery. [Even if the latter still stood, but well. They had a complicated friendship, antagonistic at worst.] Wait, can one man count as a hobby?
[She hopes Aveline is still sleeping somewhere behind them after saying that, as she can just picture the rage on her face. Ah, memories.]
Not as useful as I would have liked.
( He did his part to help research the cure, of course, but he wasn't around much during the first spread of the disease for it to feel like he accomplished much. As far as what happened to the people that were behind it goes, though, )
The attack was an organized effort by a group that marks themselves with M tattoos. Some of their members were killed, but most of them were captured and used as bargaining chips for passage into Wyver. We also found the leader, but he ended up killing himself before he could be taken into custody. ( It was not as satisfying an ending as it would have been had he been brought to justice. But he was dead and out of the picture now, and that was a whole lot better than having him get off scot free. )
Theirs were the only fatalities, though, thank the Maker. I don't plan on sticking around Wyver for very long. Once we get back, I'll be packing my things up and heading back to Olympia, back to the clinic there.
( He did his part to help research the cure, of course, but he wasn't around much during the first spread of the disease for it to feel like he accomplished much. As far as what happened to the people that were behind it goes, though, )
The attack was an organized effort by a group that marks themselves with M tattoos. Some of their members were killed, but most of them were captured and used as bargaining chips for passage into Wyver. We also found the leader, but he ended up killing himself before he could be taken into custody. ( It was not as satisfying an ending as it would have been had he been brought to justice. But he was dead and out of the picture now, and that was a whole lot better than having him get off scot free. )
Theirs were the only fatalities, though, thank the Maker. I don't plan on sticking around Wyver for very long. Once we get back, I'll be packing my things up and heading back to Olympia, back to the clinic there.
I prefer fun and devilishly good looking myself.
[She likes that he enjoys her sense of humor, meeting her blow by blow with some amusing interjection or another. Makes the whole journey more fun, knowing she'd in pleasant company.]
Don't forget the struggle of getting webbing out of your hair. I think I'd risk getting mauled by a bear than the ages it takes to wash out sticky webs. The poison is just the shining star on that shit cake.
[But then bear breath was particularly rancid as well, and bear claws hurt. She's sure this place has its own terrifying beasts about, but at least she's glad she won't have to deal with the particularly local brand of beasts that Thedas had to offer ever again. But she makes a musing sound as she considers his appearance again, curious.]
I thought so. I have a friend from home that's Dalish, but the markings were a dead giveaway as well. I knew of another elf with such but well, he's certainly not Dalish as far as I know, so I thought I'd at least ask first.
[Said other elf not having his markings by choice, but she leaves it at that note because even if he's sleeping Fenris' history isn't hers to tell. She nods for Sen to go on with his questions, though her eyes light up at the mention of Varric. Could it be possible? Wait, of course it could be possible, an opportunity like this is far too good for him not to be around snooping in it's business.]
Loves to twist everything he sees into yet another thrilling tale for his novels or to tell patrons at a bar? [She laughs, thinking of the stories she's heard him tell, the banter they've had over the years.] I've known him for years. Do you know him too, or are you just a passionate fan of his works?
[She likes that he enjoys her sense of humor, meeting her blow by blow with some amusing interjection or another. Makes the whole journey more fun, knowing she'd in pleasant company.]
Don't forget the struggle of getting webbing out of your hair. I think I'd risk getting mauled by a bear than the ages it takes to wash out sticky webs. The poison is just the shining star on that shit cake.
[But then bear breath was particularly rancid as well, and bear claws hurt. She's sure this place has its own terrifying beasts about, but at least she's glad she won't have to deal with the particularly local brand of beasts that Thedas had to offer ever again. But she makes a musing sound as she considers his appearance again, curious.]
I thought so. I have a friend from home that's Dalish, but the markings were a dead giveaway as well. I knew of another elf with such but well, he's certainly not Dalish as far as I know, so I thought I'd at least ask first.
[Said other elf not having his markings by choice, but she leaves it at that note because even if he's sleeping Fenris' history isn't hers to tell. She nods for Sen to go on with his questions, though her eyes light up at the mention of Varric. Could it be possible? Wait, of course it could be possible, an opportunity like this is far too good for him not to be around snooping in it's business.]
Loves to twist everything he sees into yet another thrilling tale for his novels or to tell patrons at a bar? [She laughs, thinking of the stories she's heard him tell, the banter they've had over the years.] I've known him for years. Do you know him too, or are you just a passionate fan of his works?
Well, that's certainly one way to end a problem. Although I think their leader deserved far worse even if it got him off the streets from the way it sounds. But...I'm sure you did your best Anders. I remember all those people you helped in Kirkwall, I'm sure they appreciated what you could do here.
[Though the way it's described, that even Anders, one of the best healers she knew (but would never admit to it) had trouble with it leaves her a little concerned. That, and the mention of 'most'. At least she'd missed the breakout of the illness and the resulting chaos, but something about it doesn't sit right with her and leaves her with a thoughtful frown.]
Think I should keep an eye out for any stragglers from their group about, or do you think anyone that might be left is hardly something to worry about?
[Though now that she has a clue, an image to go off of she'll keep it in mind anyway just in case. For her own sake you see, to have a better idea of what to look out for in a place so new and foreign to her.]
You've a clinic you say? [She brightens up a little at the mentioning of it. At least that was a happier topic for her to take on, and she gives a teasing grin in his direction.] Is it nicer than the one in Darktown? Any kittens around to help aid the ill to their recovery?
[Though the way it's described, that even Anders, one of the best healers she knew (but would never admit to it) had trouble with it leaves her a little concerned. That, and the mention of 'most'. At least she'd missed the breakout of the illness and the resulting chaos, but something about it doesn't sit right with her and leaves her with a thoughtful frown.]
Think I should keep an eye out for any stragglers from their group about, or do you think anyone that might be left is hardly something to worry about?
[Though now that she has a clue, an image to go off of she'll keep it in mind anyway just in case. For her own sake you see, to have a better idea of what to look out for in a place so new and foreign to her.]
You've a clinic you say? [She brightens up a little at the mentioning of it. At least that was a happier topic for her to take on, and she gives a teasing grin in his direction.] Is it nicer than the one in Darktown? Any kittens around to help aid the ill to their recovery?
Someone's gotta do it after all right? Besides, it just means we get a better cut for bothering to do it at all. [And she smiles right back because it's nice to have someone else around who really gets it.] Isabela. Glad to have you at my back.
Making it mad enough to come out of hiding to attack us and hitting it while it's down? Works for me, anything's better than this game of hide and seek it wants to play.
[Everything else she nods at in confirmation, watches Vex aim her bombs at the slithering beast under the water and steadies herself. Likely they wont have many chances to get it right with a ship this small, a beast so large. And she waits for the count, blades ready, focused on the reward ahead of them and feeling little fear and-
When Vex says three, she grips her blades harder as she hears the unpleasant cry of the beast before she sees it. After that its just muscle memory, years of rogue training leading her forward as she takes advantage of the element of surprise and slashes at the closest expendable part she can reach. Which of course turns out to be its neck, and it only cries harder as her blade catches on one of its gills and cuts deep. One of the bombs that had been thrown had made impact that she can only guess from the color of the water around them, and she just grins back at Vex when it starts thrashing away from them.]
Well, that went even better than I'd hoped it would. [And she laughs, feeling encouraged by their progress.] Just a couple more hits and we'll have us one big fish ready to be sold for as much as we can get.
Making it mad enough to come out of hiding to attack us and hitting it while it's down? Works for me, anything's better than this game of hide and seek it wants to play.
[Everything else she nods at in confirmation, watches Vex aim her bombs at the slithering beast under the water and steadies herself. Likely they wont have many chances to get it right with a ship this small, a beast so large. And she waits for the count, blades ready, focused on the reward ahead of them and feeling little fear and-
When Vex says three, she grips her blades harder as she hears the unpleasant cry of the beast before she sees it. After that its just muscle memory, years of rogue training leading her forward as she takes advantage of the element of surprise and slashes at the closest expendable part she can reach. Which of course turns out to be its neck, and it only cries harder as her blade catches on one of its gills and cuts deep. One of the bombs that had been thrown had made impact that she can only guess from the color of the water around them, and she just grins back at Vex when it starts thrashing away from them.]
Well, that went even better than I'd hoped it would. [And she laughs, feeling encouraged by their progress.] Just a couple more hits and we'll have us one big fish ready to be sold for as much as we can get.
And here you've got me sold on riding one of the beasts. [A shame, because they really do sound nice to ride even with her preference to the sea. She just gives a reassuring smile at his wistfulness, pushing along in tandem with him across the water.] Don't be too down, you sound like an expert on them. They might not be here, but you could at least spread all sorts of stories about them. That's what I can think of what a few people would do anyway.
[Though she pauses her train of thought because excuse her? Giant centipedes? She could shudder at the thought, and here she was hoping she'd left all the giant insects back in Thedas. The one good thing about the world ending, or so she'd thought. Instead she looks slightly uncomfortable while likely looking as if she's trying to picture it for herself.]
Please tell me you're kidding. I thought the giant spiders where I came from were bad, but you mean to say people ride something so- [Disgusting? Unsettling? Bizarre?] -horrifying as if its normal? I think I'd much prefer your fluffy birds.
[Though she pauses her train of thought because excuse her? Giant centipedes? She could shudder at the thought, and here she was hoping she'd left all the giant insects back in Thedas. The one good thing about the world ending, or so she'd thought. Instead she looks slightly uncomfortable while likely looking as if she's trying to picture it for herself.]
Please tell me you're kidding. I thought the giant spiders where I came from were bad, but you mean to say people ride something so- [Disgusting? Unsettling? Bizarre?] -horrifying as if its normal? I think I'd much prefer your fluffy birds.
The best things always are.
[Be it business, pleasure, fighting, it all worked out for the best in the end.
She's plenty drenched herself, and she's both surprised and glad that the serpent's dying throes hadn't sunk or flipped the whole boat over with the amount of water that splashed onto them, that remains in the bottom of the boat. She knows it's likely the head will be worth a good price, but looking at the blood swirling in the water already she regrets just a little having a mostly white outfit as her usual clothes.
He brings up a good point though as she looks it over. The water is at least much calmer now that the beast is slain, and it's at least helpfully floating instead of sinking to the bottom. It's only slightly less of a hassle, and though she knows both their blades are sharp to have cut through the beasts skin in the first place it wont make the bleeding stop.]
What I wouldn't give to have had a mage along with us for the ride for something like this. Fire magic would be beyond useful with this much to deal with. [She sighs, looking over the dead fish and the size of their boat. Even just one fireball would be beyond helpful at a time like this. No way would it fit and not leave either of them in need of several baths and new clothes.] Maybe we can use the net to tie the head to the side of the boat after severing it? Might make rowing a little harder, but the water could help keep us from smelling even more like fish when we arrive.
[Be it business, pleasure, fighting, it all worked out for the best in the end.
She's plenty drenched herself, and she's both surprised and glad that the serpent's dying throes hadn't sunk or flipped the whole boat over with the amount of water that splashed onto them, that remains in the bottom of the boat. She knows it's likely the head will be worth a good price, but looking at the blood swirling in the water already she regrets just a little having a mostly white outfit as her usual clothes.
He brings up a good point though as she looks it over. The water is at least much calmer now that the beast is slain, and it's at least helpfully floating instead of sinking to the bottom. It's only slightly less of a hassle, and though she knows both their blades are sharp to have cut through the beasts skin in the first place it wont make the bleeding stop.]
What I wouldn't give to have had a mage along with us for the ride for something like this. Fire magic would be beyond useful with this much to deal with. [She sighs, looking over the dead fish and the size of their boat. Even just one fireball would be beyond helpful at a time like this. No way would it fit and not leave either of them in need of several baths and new clothes.] Maybe we can use the net to tie the head to the side of the boat after severing it? Might make rowing a little harder, but the water could help keep us from smelling even more like fish when we arrive.
I know, right? They're soooooo gross!
[ And thank you, Isabela, for justifying how disgusting he finds them! Not that he's seen them out on the streets too often, but imagine his surprise when he sped to Olympia's stables hoping for cute, fluffy birds and found those instead. Absolutely repulsive. ]
We clearly gotta talk to the folks in charge and make 'em see reason on this one. Take back the horrible centi-freaks and give us the good, pure, perfect chocobos!
[ And thank you, Isabela, for justifying how disgusting he finds them! Not that he's seen them out on the streets too often, but imagine his surprise when he sped to Olympia's stables hoping for cute, fluffy birds and found those instead. Absolutely repulsive. ]
We clearly gotta talk to the folks in charge and make 'em see reason on this one. Take back the horrible centi-freaks and give us the good, pure, perfect chocobos!
Oh? Did they promise you something big, or are you thinking there's more to get if they can offer you what they already have?
[It's something she'll keep in mind when it comes to needing to mind her manners or at least be a little less grandstanding when doing something she isn't supposed to do.
As it is she's always been out for herself, maybe a little less so these days with her Big Act of Kindness she came back to do before everything happened to lead her here. She's at least kept a (somewhat questionable) moral compass about what she's done in her life at least.]
Mercenary work? Well, if you're looking for any help with that I think I'd be interested in lending a hand. [Its at least similar enough to what she'd done on her travels, only she looks a little more trustworthy to deal with than some people she'd worked with in the Armada. She chuckles to herself a little as she nurses her drink, offering a smile in sympathy.] Sounds like a reason I took to the sea. Making your own rules, cutting out the middleman, not being bound by anyone else's judgement for your actions...it's nice isn't it?
[It's something she'll keep in mind when it comes to needing to mind her manners or at least be a little less grandstanding when doing something she isn't supposed to do.
As it is she's always been out for herself, maybe a little less so these days with her Big Act of Kindness she came back to do before everything happened to lead her here. She's at least kept a (somewhat questionable) moral compass about what she's done in her life at least.]
Mercenary work? Well, if you're looking for any help with that I think I'd be interested in lending a hand. [Its at least similar enough to what she'd done on her travels, only she looks a little more trustworthy to deal with than some people she'd worked with in the Armada. She chuckles to herself a little as she nurses her drink, offering a smile in sympathy.] Sounds like a reason I took to the sea. Making your own rules, cutting out the middleman, not being bound by anyone else's judgement for your actions...it's nice isn't it?
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