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Was it a 'wait and see' situation? Not for Sontna, certainly. Nor her advisors. Was it fair to keep her companions in the dark? Was it fair to burden them with the guilt of inaction? These dealings left a sour taste in her mouth, made her wish the hours would pass faster. The sooner they could leave, the better.

"This is Orlais, lethallin. We've been forced into their Game. Suspect everyone."

People didn't come to these events for their health, after all. Even as they spoke, Sontna could see a masked Bard out of the corner of her eye, gold and purple ribbons cascading down... probably attempting to listen in, though also probably just out of earshot.

"For now, try to behave as normally as possible. Just... keep your guard up."

#There is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods || Lyrian's Replies ||

"Hm- my guard is always up." A simple admission from a man who had seen plenty of the horrors that the world has to offer. Every masked face in that room, every person, every passing presence... he didn't trust in the slightest. But - he was that way with most folk, even back at the keep.

"... I can keep quiet and inconspicuous, at least. I fear that a sense of 'normal' here just entails a log of peacocking and I'm not particularly good at that."

Fenris nuzzled his nose into Lyrian's hair and sighed audibly, just to let Lyrian know he disagreed with his decision. His stubbornness would be the death of him someday, but Fenris couldn't find it in himself to argue with him on it this time. (A selfish part of him was glad he'd stay.)

"And I love this about you," he told him once their eyes met, unable to deny that smile and the warmth in Lyrian's gaze, "Maybe I can stick around and help you with your tasks for a few days, then. At least while you figure out what it is that keeps you up at night."

It was frustrating not knowing the enemy, but Fenris doubted that it was something he could easily slay, even if they figured out the source.

#There is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods || Lyrian's Replies ||

"I'm not sure what it is-" Lyrian admitted quietly, sinking somewhat into the realms of his own thoughts and their often tangled web. "It's like... a strange feeling of dread, I suppose. I can't get rid of it and... it makes no sense being there. "

His word posed as a perfectly honest admission to what had been carding through his mind, the confusion of it muddled with the agitation of it's presence - robbing him of what little sleep he would usually get.

"Maybe it'll pass in a few days." He nested close again, listening to Fenris' heartbeat, knowing it would soothe his racing mind considerably; always more potent than any elixir or draught. "Though - you know I'll never pass up more time with you around camp."

"Hm, I suppose the color makes more sense now," Sontna mused, looking over the uniform. "I suppose whoever thought of it was planning ahead." She knew he didn't want to be there, even without him saying so; it was fairly obvious, and perhaps an expected sentiment from a Dalish elf. (Or any of their kind, but Sontna kept those thoughts to herself.)

At his question, she gave a soft hum and a nod, giving a cursory glance away from her companion out to the rest of the ballroom.

"We're only here because someone's threatened to cause issue, Lyrian," she replied softly. She was loathe to tell him what she'd discussed with her advisors: it could only cause terrible guilt once he knew. "Though... what happens after that issue... and how large of an issue it will be for the rest of us... that, I am unsure of."

#There is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods || Lyrian's Replies ||

Lyrian had, in the very least, expected some variety of troublesome reason to present itself one way or another; one didn't bring a healer to such a large gathering of nobles and politicians alike to idly mingle. That, and with the current climate of late being naught but suffering and slaughter, it was easy to assume more was but only a few steps around the next corner.

"So it is a wait and see situation." Which was, in his opinion, even worse. To not know what was heading your way? Or any potential of it? It meant one had to keep an eye out at every moment, around every corner, every interaction- it was... well, it was exhausting and precisely the reason why he had kept to himself in the wilds for so very long ere joining the Inquisition. "...You've no hint at all-? I don't really want to assume the worst of everyone if I can help it but with such a broad warning..."

Fenris wrapped his arm securely around Lyrian once the other elf had tucked himself closer against him. He buried his face in the crown of his white hair, inhaling his scent and relaxing into the warmth of their bodies.

The soft touches along his arm made him sigh out a rumble from his chest, an action close to the purring of a cat, contently accepting Lyrian's affections despite the dull pain they caused his markings.

"It's alright," Fenris promised him, holding Lyrian a bit closer; more protectively. "There is a lot going on around camp, no one would blame you if you had to step back for a while."

He wasn't sure how they would do without him, but Fenris knew they would manage. They would have to, for as long as Lyrian needed.

#There is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods || Lyrian's Replies ||

"... no... I'm not going to leave. I wouldn't be able to settle away from camp, anyway." Lyrian let his eyes slip closed, let himself sink into the sound of Fenris' heartbeat within his ear. It was a comfort far greater than he could ever explain, and no part of Lyrian ever wanted to walk away from that not even for a short time. "Not even for a day."

"I'll be here, for better or for worse." Lyrian smiled, canting his head upward enough to eye Fenris with eyes shined with love; "... I promised you that a long while ago - I still mean it."

Nobody looked particularly good in that shade. But the agents and whoever else got wrangled into it were stuck with it... at least until armor was needed. Still, she leaned over with a teasing smile, giving her companion a gentle nudge.

"You look fine. If anything, it makes your hair all the more striking." Once she said it, she realized it may not sound the most complimentary, though she certainly had meant it as one. "I... meant that to be a good thing."

At the question, she gave a soft, thoughtful hum and looked down toward the dance floor. Most of their agents lined the room, but some tried to blend in and remain undercover.

"You're a healer, aren't you? I've a feeling we'll need your skills before the night is through."

#There is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods || Lyrian's Replies ||

"Well - - at least any bloodstains won't be seen, I do suppose." Lyrian smooths down the front of his jacket, letting his eyes scan the room - - not a single cell of his person particularly wanting to be there among the height of the political madness of the world. He cared very little for any of it, truly, but understood the importance given the current circumstances.

"You're expecting a tousle of some kind, then?" He queries, idly leaning against a pillar as his eyes scan the room from their position. "You think someone's going to cause issue, tonight-? I do imagine they'd have a good reason, given that the resistance would be rather firm."

@inquisitionscout asked: "I'm just glad I could be a part of it." dealer's choice, from Lace on @inquisitionscout!

"...Sometimes, that it the most important thing to take away from a situation." Lyrian's gaze fixated on the view from the keep, the slowly descending orb of the sun painting the mountains in the most beauteous array of pinks and deep oranges. "Being a part of something brings a feeling of belonging, and the heavens knew how many of us needed that."

#There is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods || Lyrian's Replies ||

The gesture was comforting, and she let herself relax, her posture losing its usual practiced rigidity. To simply exist, to have a home without hiding... how long had it been since she had been able to do that? Had she ever been able to offer that life to Norrim? A soft, thoughtful hum escaped. Perhaps soon, she could.

Where would they go?

Sontna thought about it for a moment, her head briefly tilting to rest her cheek against the top of Senreth's head. Eventually, though, she righted herself, and looked down to him.

"I was hoping you might have some ideas," she replied, a corner of her mouth turning up in a half-smile. "It is your life, too." She paused. It wasn't her first choice by a long shot, but... "If you wanted it... we could try and find another clan. I could do my best to fit in, cause as little trouble as I can."

#In Your Life You Inspired So Many. In Your Death Many Lives Were Changed || Senreth Replies ||

"I'm not sure I could ever faithfully belong to another clan--" Not after how he had lived within the Inquisition, not after everything he had suffered; not after his death, the war that had claimed him. After everything, Senreth truly didn't believe he belonged within a clan any longer - it didn't suit him and he didn't want to blindly offer himself into something that he knew would ultimately make him uncomfortable.

"We could... see where the wind takes us, for a little while." It would give them time to think, he supposed, while enjoying a smite of freedom; see open lands, experience smaller settlements - - see life, as it was. He glances as Sontna, then back out toward the landscape - truly, he'd do anything for that little family.

Vallen thoughtfully looks upon his resting companion before turning his gaze up to the darkening skies, considering their options.

"I suggest," he starts, his voice loud enough for their small company to hear "That we make camp for the night."

There is a murmur of relief among the men following them, and they slowly disperse to make short work of setting up camp while Vallen takes a seat near Senreth.

"We'll keep watch," he tells the other elf, now keeping his voice low and just for the two of them, "They're good men, but they are new to this, they haven't seen the world like we have."

He had wondered why they could only afford to send him rookies for this quest until he found out who they were up against, then he realized they were not here for support… they were the bait.

'Sitting ducks' was more right than Vallen would like to admit.

#In Your Life You Inspired So Many. In Your Death Many Lives Were Changed || Senreth Replies ||

Another sleepless night it was to be, Senreth thought, as he set himself down - - honeyed tone fo eyes scanning those of company. New men would get eaten alive by the viciousness of the world if they were not guided, but eventually... they would have to face it and either remain strong enough or break under the vulgarity of it. He'd been there, seen it countless times before.

Senreth had no optimism, frankly - - the world was dark, the machinations surrounding were dark, and now that they were stood as bait toward whatever they were facing... he had little hopes that many of them would see the next dawn. He hoped he was wrong.

"Get some rest if you need to. I don't mind keeping watch." He didn't need as much sleep as everyone else, after all, he may as well make himself useful.

@quiisquiliae asked: A little wooden halla, hand carved with a scrap of green ribbon tied in a bow around it's neck is found with na'elle's things. (happy birthday, from tal)

Na'Elle might have been hardened by her life experiences, but she was a soft-hearted individual at heart. She found the Halla when she had gone to change her tunic, had sat for a long moment with the little figure in her hands, fingers brushing against the soft wood.

She smiles, quiet and sentimental and tucks the figure back into her belongings to keep as a little treasure.

She would have to find Tal, thank him-

#She Was a Child of the Moon; Wandering Aimlessly in the Dark. || Na'Elle Replies ||

"I wouldn't take it too personally." Sontna couldn't help the teasing smile that played at her lips when the healer spoke. She gave the terrible outfit a once-over, doing her best to hide a grimace. "I don't think that uniform suits anyone... and the color certainly isn't doing anyone any favors. Really, I've no idea who picked it."

Probably Cullen. It looked like something he'd pick. Of course, she could well be wrong... and hoped she was, considering how uncomfortable he looked, too. Sontna herself thanked all her lucky stars that, as the Inquisitor, she was able to choose different attire.

"I wouldn't fault you for changing into armor," she replied. "I believe I saw Cole wandering about suspiciously un-uniformed."

#There is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods || Lyrian's Replies ||

Lyrian didn't think he looked good in red- in fact, it made him look even paler than he was. His hands adjusted the uniform for a moment longer, pulling at the discomfort of the collar and the odd feeling to the cuffs before entirely giving up and deciding he would just be uncomfortable for the evening.

"...how did Cole get away with it?" He utters, more under his breath than aught else, attempting a smile - attempting to look comfortable and at ease when he was anything but.

"I did mean to ask why I was requested to come, actually--" Lyrian was curious, more than anything. He wasn't a warrior, wasn't someone who directed troops, wasn't someone who stood at the council - - he was a healer. A herbalist. No politician. He'd no idea what he was doing in the slightest.

Fenris is a light sleeper. He has noticed Lyrian tossing and turning in his sleep, but knows the man to be quiet and reserved.

With all the love in the world, he could not solve all of the things tormenting him, so he would sometimes pretend not to see them until Lyrian found it in himself to tell Fenris about it.

His ears twitch when Lyrian sits up, and tiredly, Fenris blinks his eyes open when Lyrian adjusts his blanket. He yawns and curls into the warmth, reaching one arm out to the other to invite him into his embrace.

"You haven't slept," It was not an accusation, just an observation. "Lay with me for a while."

#There is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods || Lyrian's Replies ||

Lyrian had tried his best to not wake Fenris, knowing how light of a sleeper he was - but his restless that eve was truly something beyond the usual restlessness. Hearing his voice, feeling his arm reach for him - - his dear heart felt warm within his chest and Lyrian couldn't resist laying back down just to tuck himself close against the other.

"I'm sorry I woke you." He whispered, closing his eyes if only to bask in their shared warmth. Soft fingers run over Fenris' arm, gentle affections offered in pure heart, to hopefully soothe toward rest once more. "I don't know what's wrong with me lately... I just cant seem to settle." Maybe it was an omen of some kind, a subconscious feeling that was warning him about something - or he was just frazzled from working as hard as he did. Perhaps both. He didn't know, and that was part of the agitation.

"...my heart feels... heavy." And Lyrian didn't know why. He was so very loved, cared for - but something was subconsciously eating him alive, and he really needed to work it out before it really started to affect him. He could only go so long without sleep.

quiisquiliae

The question hung in the air as Nick thought. He had no grand thoughts of saving everyone or stopping the Blight himself. It was unreasonable and foolish to think. And besides, while he was immune to the taint due to his condition, he was no Warden.

What was there to do?

"The only thing I am able." He was never the most optimistic of people, but the Maker had left him here for a reason, and as far as he could tell it was to help others however he was able. He was upright and functional, it was enough. "People will die. I am not naive enough to think anything can stop that, for it is how the world works. But if I am able to save a few or at least ease their passing, it will mean the world to them."

Rolling his shoulders to try and work some of the tension out of them, pale eyes turned to his companion. "Nothing was ever accomplished out of pessimism my friend."

#In Your Life You Inspired So Many. In Your Death Many Lives Were Changed || Senreth Replies ||

Senreth had seen so much death, so much suffering; to expect it was normal by that point. He wasn't so naive to think it could be prevented, not in its entirety. Serving as an Emerald Knight had proven that to him - - small victories had to be cherished for the atrocities of war an difficulty would spread faster than water on a flood plain.

"Pessimism, I fear, I might have sank into the marrow of my bones a long time ago." Before he had died, likely - - and had only soaked further into his bones as he had rotted away in that crypt, forgotten even after his deeds. His apparent resurrection hadn't altered that - he had seen too much.

He stands, reaches for his longsword and sheaths it once more; ready to move.

"If you've intent to continue doing what you can... perhaps you'd accept my company to be of aid?" Senreth had naught else to do, after all - - and making a brief difference to a select few would be preferable over getting overwhelmed with everything else. It would be easy to lose ones self to despair, given the way things are.

quiisquiliae

Disgusting. He lay there a moment panting, the adrenaline from combat starting to wane slowly before nodding. At least until he realized more of him was covered in black ichor than was clean. Disgusting.

Talon gratefully took her hand in assistance before pulling the blades out from the fallen darkspawn. Ew. Nothing was clean to even wipe them off. Great. Even still, he couldn't help but give her a broad grin. "We lived bitch." He laughed, offering a high five with his free hand. "What was that about a suicide mission again?"

At least they were... Well. Alive. And able to walk. Ghost padded over, a dopey grin on his face and plopped his butt down on the ground, also panting from the exertion.

"I'd give ya a hug but I don't think ya want that."