thinking about this prompt I remembered an old prompt I had requested from @wickedadaar involving her Rook Beck and my Kalais
Rather than give Kalais a new injury I was inspired to expand on the story and write their point of view
Everything Hurts
overlaps and immediately follows this injury prompt by wickedadaar
Kalais wakes in the healer's tent back at the camp after suffering a head injury (thankfully not too serious of one). Beck has been worried sick, pacing back and forth before she's allowed in to visit and stay by Kalais side as they begin their recovery.
story below the cut
Kalais' head hurt. Attempting to open their eyes made it worse, even in the tent. They groaned as they threw their arm over their eyes for relief. A gentle palm was placed on their head and the flow of healing magic took some of the pain away. Slowly, Kalais removed their arm and blinked open their eyes. Taking in their surroundings, Kalais saw they had been brought back to the veil jumper camp and currently laid in the healer's tent. "How-?"
The healer took his hand away. "You haven't been out for very long, only an hour and a half or so. You've suffered a head wound and were bleeding, so I do need to ask you a few questions. First, what is your name?"
"Kalais Aldwir."
"How old are you?"
"Thirty-two."
Do you know where you are currently and what were you doing before waking here?"
"This is the healing tent in the Veil Jumper camp. Before this I was out in the forest looking for an artifact. I had someone with me, we were ambushed."
The healer nods. "It's a good thing you're friend-" the healer smiled at them with a knowing glint in his eye "-brought you back quickly. I've staunched the bleeding and started the healing process. You'll need to rest here for a little while longer so I can keep an eye on you but you should make a full recovery and be back in the field within a few days."
Kalais nodded. A few days was much quicker than they expected. This healer must have really kick started the process. "The person who brought me back, my…friend, are they-?"
"She's alright, scrapes and bruises at the worst. She's right outside waiting. Would you like me to send her in?"
Relief flooded through Kalais, hearing that Beck was safe and, for the most part, uninjured. At least not badly hurt or wounded like themself. If she had been hurt, it would have been their fault by bringing her out into the forest. (Regardless of the fact she would have never allowed them to go on their own). "Please let her in. It will be easier for me to rest with her near me."
The healer smiled and nodded. "I daresay it will help her relax immensely as well. She's been pacing non-stop since she ran in with you." The healer exited from the tent
A moment later, the tent door was pushed back again and Beck appeared in the entry way. Kalais smiled a shaky smile and she quickly made her way to their side. "Vhenan, you scared the shit out of me," she said, kneeling beside their cot.
Kalais reached up, a shaky hand resting on her face, thumb gently caressing her cheek as they gaze up at her. "I'm alright, vhenan. Thank you for getting me back to safety. I love you."
Beck turned and pressed a kiss to their palm, holding their hand in one of her own after. "Of course I would make sure you're safe. It's the least I can do, especially since you were hurt. It's my duty to protect you, and I failed."
They frowned. "You didn't fail. We were caught by surprise." Kalais squeezed her hand, trying to comfort her. Beck shouldn't blame herself. Ambushed and the Venatori having the upper hand, it's a relief both of them made it back at all. "It could have ended much worse. This is a good outcome, all things considered."
Beck opened her mouth to reply, likely to refute their point, then closed it again. Instead she smiled, squeezing Kalais hand in return. "How are you feeling?"
"Honestly? Like I've been charged by a druffalo." Kalais sighed and looked up toward the tent ceiling. The healer's magic had lessened the pain of the headache, but the rest of their body still felt very sore. "I'm going to need to rest for a few days before I do anything again." They closed their eyes again, the light still bothering them some the longer they kept them open. "Everything hurts."
Fingers brushed over their ear, which flicks slightly, as Beck tucked a strand of their hair back. "I know that feeling. But you don't have to worry, I'll take care of you so you can focus on feeling better." The light disappeared, and even with their eyes close, Kalais knew Beck must be leaning over them. Her lips pressed a gentle kiss to their head, felt through the bandages that wrapped around it. "Rest, vhenan. I'll be here the whole time."
Takes place after Minrathous falls following the dragon attack
Featuring: Tira from @tiravi Lailani, Kalais, and Semar from @sleepingtodream Zalan from @virenasalin Grey from @apothe-cary Ari and Caspian from @seizethemage-main Elysia from @bubblecat-co Jerran from @teamtakagi Lin from @wardentabriis Dan from @evans-endeavors Tamrian and Laine from @randomness-in-motion
It had been a few days since Minrathous was razed by the Venatori in the wake of the dragon attack. Beck was pacing intensely in the Lords of Fortune common room as she spoke with Tira and Lailani in hushed tones. “We have to do something. They can’t get away with this!” Lailani was furious, not at the fact that Minrathous was attacked but at the fact that the Venatori now controlled the city. Too many innocent lives were in their hands, too many potential victims of blood magic and other horrors the Venatori were capable of. “They need to be stopped,” Tira agreed, equally as furious as Lailani. They didn’t need backup to go into the city and hunt Venatori, but they knew it would be safer with their Qunari friend at their sides. “I know, I know. I’m just trying to think about the best way to approach it. We can’t just go charging in on the streets. They’d see us coming a mile away. Do either of you know where we might find some of them?” Tira and Lailani exchanged sly smiles and nodded. “Then that’s where we start. Let’s go,” Beck said decisively as she gathered her weapons. The site and slight commotion garnered the attention of some of the other Lords watching them.
An older elf Beck didn’t recognize, approached the group. “Hey, Zalan,” Tira greeted him happily. “I hear you three are planning to hunt some Venatori,” he paused as they nodded. “I want in. After what they did in Minrathous, they deserve to bleed.” She shook his hand, “Welcome to the team. We’re about to head out. You ready?” He chuckled and smirked at her, “Always.” The four of them then made their way to the Minrathous eluvian.
When they arrived, they were greeted by even more dead bodies and carnage. Beck could sense the rage steaming off of her friends. They had both been victimized by the Venatori and magisters before, and she could only imagine how they were feeling in this moment. She didn’t know Zalan’s history, but he seemed as disgusted and outraged as she was. Those poor fuckers won’t know what hit them, she thought to herself. Lailani led the way to their target. She had unfinished business, she said. Beck didn’t ask what that meant, but she could only assume, and she was happy to help.
*****
Back in the Lighthouse, Grey had overheard Beck’s plan and went to find Ari and Lanti. He still didn’t know Lanti that well, but he knew she seemed like someone who was always down for a fight, especially against those Venatori bastards. He knew Ari through the Lords and knew for a fact she was always down for a fight, especially if it meant getting to raid those fancy Tevinter mansions with all their goodies and gold. Ari was entering the Lords’ common room just as he was leaving it, and they ran into each other. “You feel some getting some gold and glory?” he challenged her with a smile. “What kind of question is that? Of course, I am!” “Excellent, let’s find Lanti, and then I’ll give you the full details,” he said, pulling her with him as he made his way to the communal kitchen. Lanti seemed to have a habit of hanging around where they kept the snacks and drinks, so he figured that would be the best place to start his search. Sure enough, once he entered, there was Lanti, perched on a countertop, chatting with a Veil Jumper.
“Grey!” she greeted happily, pausing for a moment to study him. She jumped down off the counter and approached him, “What’s going on?” She could sense the urgency emanating from him. Grey then explained to her and Ari about how he had overheard Beck’s plan to hunt down Venatori and thought it sounded like fun, so, of course, he had to tell them and see if they wanted to join him. “Sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Lanti,” she introduced herself to the elven Lord next to her friend. “Ari, nice to meet you,” she said as she shook Lanti’s hand. Caspian approached the trio and cleared his throat. “Sorry, couldn’t help but overhear. You’re going Venatori hunting?” he had to make sure he had overheard correctly. “That’s right. Care to join us?” Grey offered. “Love to. Just let me get my gear, and I’ll meet you three at the eluvian,” Caspian said as he turned to leave the kitchen. After he was out of earshot, Lanti explained who he was and what they had been discussing. “That was Cas. He saw my vallaslin and was asking about where I grew up,” Lanti said plainly. She thought for a moment she saw a flicker of concern flash across Grey’s face, but wrote it off as a trick of the light. The trio made their way to the eluvian to meet Caspian.
When they landed in Minrathous, they headed to upper Minrathous, where all the wealthiest magisters lived. They would either find Venatori to slaughter or fancy things and gold that needed liberating from some evil fucks, a win-win either way.
*****
Jin was pacing the Warden's common room in her plate armor, waiting for her charges to join her. She had summoned those interested to join her on her next trip to Minrathous. “Calm down, love,” Elysia tried to comfort her, placing her hand on Jin’s forearm. Jin stopped pacing, taking Elysia’s hand in hers. She kissed it and held it gently against her chest. “You know, you don’t have to come with me. I’ll have the other Wardens. I don’t like you being in danger like this,” Jin said, cupping Elysia’s cheek with her free hand. Elysia glared at her knowingly, “And what if one of you gets injured? You wouldn’t have a healer with you.” Jin couldn’t help but smile at Elysia. She knew Elysia had a point, and she couldn’t deny it. “Fair enough, love,” Jin admitted, kissing her hand once more before letting it go.
With a small clank of armor, the other Wardens trickled into the common room, one by one. She surveyed them each to make sure they had their gear and weapons as well as their packs in case they might need any emergency provisions once they got to Minrathous. As she stood before them, she assumed her commander's pose. “Alright, Wardens. Since Dan is the most senior Warden besides me, he will take a team of you once we get to Minrathous, and the rest of you will come with me. Lin, Jerran, Kalais, and Semar, you will be with me. Laine, Tamrian, and Quinn, you’ll go with Dan. I want everyone on their toes out there. There’s not telling what sort of gutters or holes these fuckers will be lurking in, so be ready for anything. Do not fight fair. Kill them like the rats they are. No mercy.” Jin paused for a moment before continuing, “And keep score. The more of them we kill, the fewer there will be to torture and kill innocent civilians. Let’s go.” She led the squad through the tower and to the eluvian.
Once they landed, she went east with her team, and Dan went west with his. They would rendezvous back at the eluvian in four hours. If anyone was not there at the agreed upon time, they would be assumed captured or worse and a rescue party would go after them, brining hell to any who dared stand in their way.
[AHHHHH I've been dying to get this series started in earnest. If anyone would like to contribute to the Inglorious Rooks saga, feel free! I just ask that you tag me so I can add it to my collection :) This will definitely have more parts, this is just the first!]
Kalais takes Beck, Vena, and Nyx for a small test of a prototype veil measuring device. Unfortunately, this is not the only trial of the excursion.
a part of the DAADY au. Beck and Vena belong to @wickedadaar Nyx belongs to @so--whoonos Mentions of Desi Aldwir and Ezra who belong to @soturoayami and @lunammoon respectively
The forest is lively as Kalais strolls through the trees, hand in hand with Beck, with Nyx on their other side. The trio follows behind Vena as she forges ahead through the trees, waving around Kalais’ prototype, listening to the tone to find a suitable spot. Today they plan to test the device’s capacity for measuring the Veil with leylines, rather than ambient magic. Tests at the Necropolis proved it could detect nearby stationary lines at a fixed crossing. Now it is time to see if it could pick up any in a location where the lines might be in flux.
“Are you sure it was a good idea to let her handle that?” Beck leans down to quietly ask.
Kalais nods in response. “Yes. I trust her, and I have faith in my work to stabilize it. Any volatile spirit energy should be diffused or redirected through to prevent any kind of explosion.”
“That’s sweet that you thought about that for her.”
“It’s not just for her,” they admit. “If it’s going to measure Veil strength, it needs to handle being near all kinds of spirits for places where the Veil is very thin. I…well I did some testing on my own to make sure it could do that.”
Nyx raises a brow at that, glancing sidelong at them. “On your own? You mean alone?”
Kalais’ face turns a little red. Technically, they had originally planned so, but had run into Jerran along the way. “I didn’t do the experiment by myself. Jerran was with me in case anything went wrong.” They don’t mention how it almost did go wrong, and that voice they heard during it. It isn't important. The important part is that no one was hurt and the device survived.
Since then, Kalais has continued the work on the device, taking breaks as needed (often determined by Beck, or Nyx, or Vena), and had spoken to others who suggested ways in which it could be fixed. Desi suggested a larger battery, a fix which has yet to be tried unfortunately as Desi was focused on his grove, but Kalais feels would be the best option. Ezra suggested eliminating some efficiencies to force the device to use more of what is drawn in. It required some re-wiring and re-directing of how energy flowed through the prototype, but Kalais believes they have accomplished it. They did a brief test in the Lighthouse with some success. Now they are out here and so far it seems to be working, though its just on its most basic function. Once a suitable spot is found, they will set it up and run the device through the next activation steps, hoping it will read the leylines again. And if that works, they will finish the steps to generate the field. All in all, both steps should only need to be active for a few seconds to tell if they have done it correctly. Once that is determined, they can deactivate it and prepare it for a larger battery.
The group continues forward, chatting idly. Kalais asks after Nyx's new paramour, gently teasing but sincere in their interest, causing Nyx to blush when they respond. Vena races through the trees, stopping just long enough for the others to catch up, and once they're in sight again, she's off once more, disappearing between branches. Kalais tries to keep an ear out for her to keep tabs on where she is, in order to follow after her yes, but also with concern for safety. They know Nyx is surely doing similarly, keeping a spectral eye following the younger elf. All in all, Kalais enjoys the time spent with part of their family.
At some point though, something begins to feel off. Kalais stops joining the conversation, slowing down and listening. No birdsong. No small animals rustling in the leaves. The forest is too quiet.
Both Beck and Nyx notice, though Beck is the first to check on them. "Is everything alright, vhenan?"
Kalais shakes their head slightly. "I don't know. It's too still. Just wind." They have learned from years in the forest, when everything is quiet, something is about to happen. Usually something bad.
They start moving again, then Nyx freezes up, all eyes wide, and wings popping out. Kalais' heart plummets into their stomach. "Vena. This way!" Nyx takes off immediately. Kalais and Beck follow after, with Kalais grateful Nyx didn't just teleport. If they had, Kalais is uncertain if they would be able to find where Vena had gone. Thankfully, she isn't far.
They find Vena in a small clearing, but she is not alone. Six Venatori are in the space as well. One holds Vena in his grasp, holding her arms tightly behind her as she struggles weakly against his grip. Parts of his robes look singed. She had clearly tried to escape herself. The Venatori must have done something or given her something to keep her in their hold. Four of the Venatori stand behind, knives and swords out and ready, looking to the one in command for instruction.
The final one, the one leading this group, stands in front, holding the device in his hand, inspecting it. "Well isn't this interesting?" He looks at Kalais, Nyx, and Beck. "What a fascinating instrument. Something extra to bring with us." He looks back towards his compatriots. "Take the elves, kill the qunari."
A bolt of necrotic magic whizzes past his head and slams into a tree behind the group, splintering bark from the trunk. "You're not taking anyone," Kalais says firmly, hand still outstretched after casting. "That was a warning. Let her go." On either side of them, Beck and Nyx stand with their own weapons out and ready.
The leader smirks while some of the others laugh. "No, we won't. And you know what else, we'll take this thing she was carrying as well, when we grab you all. Maybe it will help in the upcoming event." He looks over the device as he muses about it. "Of course, we'll need to figure out what it does." He glances at the trio. "Would one of you care to enlighten us before we gag you all?"
Kalais glares at him. Beck shifts slightly beside them. Nyx is motionless. But then tension is palpable.
"Very well." The Venatori reaches for the switches on the device.
"Don't do that." Kalais takes a step toward him. He stops and looks at them with a brow raised. "If you activate it wrong, it could be disasterous."
"Then, maybe, you should tell me what it does."
"Let us all go. I'll tell you what it does and you can have it—"
Beck looks at them incredulously. "Kalais—" she whispers.
Kalais puts a hand out to their side to stop her. "—You can have it, as long as you let us all go, including her." They hold their hand out toward Vena.
Without taking their gaze from the one holding Vena, Nyx whispers to Kalais. "You can't trust them." Kalais glances at them out of the corner of their eye. They know they can't trust them. But they have to try, if it gets them all away and to safety without injury.
The Venatori stares at them, then smiles. "What does it do?"
Kalais looks between Vena and the venatori. "Let her go first."
"What does it do?" he snarls.
They glare at him, jaw clenching. "It measures the Veil," they answer, tone tense and words clipped. "Finds places where its thin."
"Was that so hard?" His smile is back. "Of course, you could be lying so just to make certain-" He activates the device before Kalas can say anything else, flipping each switch in quick succession.
The artifact begins to glow and hum a loud high pitched tone. Kalais moves, dashing towards Vena. Several names are shouted, and Kalais hears their own and Vena’s from both Beck and Nyx. The artifact builds up energy, the excess crackling and shooting off bolts into the air. Kalais reaches Vena, placing their hand upon the arm of the venatori restraining her, focusing their magic on that connection point and pulling life force from him, inflicting necrosis that spreads up the venatori's arm. He screams in pain and releases Vena, and Kalais pulls her to them. The artifact sparks even more and with a loud crack, the energy explodes outward. Kalais wraps themself around Vena, summoning a shield around the two of them, hoping its enough. They feel a blanket of warmth settle around them, as Nyx's protection shelters them from the outburst of energy. The Venatori all scream.
Kalais' hair whips around their face in a way it shouldn't in this part of Arlathan. They glance over their shoulder. The burst of energy ripped a tear in the Veil. The venatori are all dead, having been too close when it happened. They're certain the only reason they survived, both Vena and themself, is due to Nyx. Kalais looks around, searching for Nyx and Beck. Both of them took cover a little ways away it seemed, as Kalais spies the two of them several meters away. Beck's mouth moves but Kalais can't hear her over the sound of the wind and pure magic. Signs that the tear is unstable.
"Da'len."
Their eyes widen and they slowly look back over their shoulder. Their hold on Vena loosens, and the shield drops.
"Mir enansal. Come here." Over the roar of magic and wind, soft and gentle tones call to them. Memories of what she looked like were long gone, but Kalais would never forget her voice. They still hear her in the lullabies they hum to themself some nights.
Despite every warning sign, despite Ezra's warning as well, Kalais turns and faces the rift. There is something, someone on the other side. Ezra warned them, reminded them of the danger, but they also said there was a chance. Kalais needs to know. "Mamae?"
"I'm here. You won't be alone anymore."
“Kal?” Vena’s shaky voice reaches their ears. “Kalais?”
They answer without looking at her. “It's my mom.” As Kalais stands there staring into the tear, they see her, a light shining through, a hand reaching out to them.
“Look at how you've grown! I'm so proud of you!”
Kalais smiles, eyes tearing up. It's all they've wanted to hear from a parent. "I've missed you. I've missed you so much!"
"Mirnehn, come here. Take my hand and we can be together again. Forever."
They take a step closer, hand half raised toward the rift and their mother. A different hand grabs their other, stopping them in their tracks. "Kalais, don't do this." Their name jolts them back into some focus. They haven't been Mirnehn for a long time. She doesn't exist anymore. But their mother wouldn't know that. Kalais can forgive her that.
"Together?" they ask the spirit.
"Yes. You will never be alone and never forgotten with me."
Never alone, never forgotten, together with their mother forever. If it's their mother. Kalais' grip tightens on whoever's hand holds theirs. The offer is tempting, but it sounds lonely. Even with all their fears and worries—maybe the reason those anxieties exist—Kalais isn't lonely anymore. They have love, family and friends they have found and surrounded themself with. "I can't leave my family. They need me," they say quietly. The wind whips harshly around them. In the back of their mind, they vaguely recall that as a sign the rift is becoming more unstable.
"I am your family!" The words are harsher. A tone of voice their mother never used with them. "Don't you want to see me again? Don't you want to spend more time with your mamae?"
They do. Kalais must admit to that. They always wished they had more time with her; wished that she had not become sick, that she had lived and they never transferred clans, never met their father, and lived a good life full of love. But that's not what happened; and as awful as their lonely upbringing was, Kalais would live it all over again knowing the love that waited for them.
Kalais steps closer to the rift, their hand slipping from their sister's grasp. The wind whips wildly around them, almost dragging them toward the tear at times and they plant their feet firmly to fight against the pull. "You can't give me that," they say, feeling tears fall down their cheeks. "You're not her, as much as you sound like her, as much as you pretend to be her. You can't be her."
The form of the entity flashes and snarls. The rift grows more and more unstable. Kalais recognizes the beginnings of a collapse, the Veil's attempt at fixing and righting itself after a violent tear. They need to break away soon or they won't be able to get far enough away to avoid serious harm. They focus back on the entity, who screeches and tries to lunge for them. Kalais stands tall and faces it for a final declaration.
"You're not my mom."
Kalais breaks away, cuts off the connection, just as a strong arm grabs them and pulls them away. The tear collapses in on itself, as the Veil rights itself with a final expulsion of energy in the area. The wave of it knocks Kalais and their protector to the ground, as a protective aura envelops both of them once again, keeping them safe from additional harm.
When the air calms, the arm around Kalais lets go. "Kalais, vhenan, are you okay?" Beck's shaky voice reaches them, as she looks over them.
Kalais sits up, gently pushing away her hands, wiping tears from their face. "I'm fine." They glance around the area, looking for Vena. Their sister stands next to Nyx, wide eyes watching. Nyx's arm holds her close as they, too, watch Kalais, worry evident, but Kalais is uncertain if its for them or Vena. "Vena…" their voice shakes.
"Kal…" Kalais cannot decipher the look on their sister's face as she grabs Nyx's clothes.
"I'm sorry," they say, trembling. They know they made a mistake, believing even for a second that they could trust whatever that was, and they all saw it. It was a mistake to even bring them out here, to put them in danger like that. "I'm sorry," Kalais repeats again, glancing up at Nyx. "This shouldn't have happened. I didn't mean- the Venatori and- it was activated too quickly- and the spirit-" They have trouble breathing as they try to explain. "I didn't think- I didn't know- I'm sorry."
Beck's arm wraps around them, pulling Kalais against her. Her hand gently grabs their chin, turning them to look at her. "You didn't know, and that's okay. We're all alive. No one is injured besides some scarps and bruises." She kisses their head as Kalais clutches at her armor and clothes, trying to calm their breathing and focus on her words. Her presence, the gentle pressure of her arm holding them, helps ground Kalais, and even after a short moment, they already feel calmer.
They take a deeper breath and look up at Beck. "Thank you, vhenan. You can let go, now. I would like to stand." Beck nods and helps Kalais to their feet. Once they're steady, Kalais turns their attention back to Vena, taking a small step towards her. Beck had said there were only minor injuries, but that might not account for everything the Venatori could have done. "Are you alright, Vena? Did they hurt you? Do anything to you?"
Vena looks over them with that same indecipherable look, then takes a hesitant half step towards Kalais, though still loosely holding onto Nyx's arm. "Is it you, Kalais? You're still you?"
They nod. "Yes. Yes, I'm still me, Ven."
"You rejected it? The spirit and what she offered? You're staying?"
Kalais nods again with a small smile. "Of course I'm staying. We're family," they say, motioning between themself and Vena, but also to Nyx and Beck. "You don't abandon family."
Their sister smiles widely and runs toward them, wrapping her arms around Kalais in a tight hug. "I was so worried, Kal," she confesses, voice slightly muffled as she buries her face into Kalais shoulder. "You said it was your mom and I was so scared you would leave."
Kalais returns her embrace, holding her just as tightly and resting their cheek on her head, closing their eyes for a moment. "Never. Never by my choice am I leaving."
A hand settles on their shoulder, and Kalais opens their eyes to see Nyx with a soft smile on their face. "We stick together and rely on each other." Kalais nods to them as well, wrapping an arm around Nyx and pulling them into the hug. "I don't know if that entity was attached to you or the artifact, but it is gone now, at least for now. Please, let us know if it comes back," Nyx says, pressing a kiss to Kalais' temple.
"I will. I promise," Kalais replies. They hope whatever it was doesn't come back. Resisting the temptation once doesn't mean they could succeed a second attempt. They will be vigilant for any sign of reappearance, and inform someone the moment it does. Kalais' hold on their siblings tightens as they bury their face against Vena's hair and the fabric of Nyx's clothes.
Behind them, Beck speaks up gently. "Kalais…the artifact…" They release their siblings and turn toward her, spending a moment just gazing at her with love, until they see the device in her hands. She holds it carefully in her hands as she brings it to them. "I'm sorry, vhenan. It's…broken." She holds it out to Kalais, who gingerly takes it. The dark stone orb is detached from the base, and a few of the thin metal plates swing loosely in directions they shouldn't. "I couldn't…there wasn't enough time to grab it and you." She tucks a strand of hair behind their ear, which flicks slightly as her fingers brush over it. "You are my priority."
Kalais nods, still looking down at the artifact in their hands. It looks bad, but the more they look over it, the more they already see opportunities to improve it as they rebuild. Like everything, it will just take time. "I know. I'm not upset about that. People are always more important than things." They look up at her with a small smile. "Thank you." They gently pull her in for a small gentle kiss. "It's not beyond fixing. Just a little more work."
Beck cradles their cheek, thumb brushing over their skin, admiration in her eyes as she gazes back down at them. "If there is anything I can do to help, just say the word."
They lean into her touch. "Having your love is already enough." They take a deep breath and step back, looking around at all of them. "Um…I suppose we should head back. This…was unexpected and I don't think it very safe for us to continue, and we should inform others."
"I've never seen them in such numbers in the forest," Vena says, shifting from foot to foot. "And he said something about an event."
Nyx places a comforting hand on her shoulder, and looks to Kalais. "I agree with Kalais, we should head back. We can inform the leader of the Veil Jumpers at the camp before we head through the eluvian. We will make sure others are informed to be even more cautious if they must visit Arlathan and to never go alone."
Beck gently takes Kalais' hand. "Then we shouldn't stay here. The longer we delay, talking about this, more people might be sent out without knowing how dangerous it is."
"Then let's go," Kalais says as they begin moving. "I know the quickest way back. We stay together, within clear eyesight at all times." They fall back onto the same rules they've had with teams on expeditions before, stepping easily back into that lead role.
Together the group moves, weaving through the trees, careful and cautious of any other threats, keeping an eye on each other. Kalais constantly looks back, checking that everyone is still following and no one has fallen behind. Eventually, the camp comes into sight and Kalais breathes a little easier. They allow their family a moment of calm and rest as Kalais informs Strife of their encounter, though deciding to omit the rift and the spirit. After, they regroup in front of the eluvian and step through, the group heading home to rejoin the Veilguard and the rest of their family.
Featuring Beck Adaar and Vena Nuvenis @wickedadaar and Liselath Cordova @antivan-sprig and brief appearance of Tira Laidir @tiravi
tw: violence, blood, non-graphic mentions of death, ptsd-like symptoms
A never ending stream of darkspawn. That’s what met them at Weisshaupt. They all knew as much going in. One of the Wardens, Fisara, had left a note when nearly the whole faction disappeared from the Lighthouse. What they didn’t expect was Ghilan’nain herself, a masked face in the clouds over the fortress. Kalais froze when they saw it, hardly able to breathe, staring up at the sky. Their goddess. The one whose markings were etched on their face, before the elves knew what they were. The Mother of Halla no longer, and hadn’t been for a long while. Corrupted now as Mother of Monsters.
Beck grabbed their arm, pulling them out of their terrified stupor. Kalais stuck with Beck, not wanting to lose her in the sea of monsters, needing to be near to keep an eye on her, to keep her safe. The two of them, along with others, headed through the Outer Wall courtyard, fighting off what they could. They left when there were enough others present to hold the courtyard, running to help at the wall above the front gate. Among the chaos there, Kalais spied Vena and fought their way toward her, the instinct to protect her kicking in, even as Vena let loose streams of fire at the horde of darkspawn. From their spot on the wall they watched the dragon, the Archdemon, strike the bell tower, sending stone tumbling into the streets below. They made the decision to move down to try and help or defend anyone there. In the chaos, Kalais lost sight of Vena. They would lose precious time trying to find her. Vena was capable, they had to remind themself. They had to trust that she would be alright.
The streets they ended up in were choked with blight, tendrils crawling up the walls and winding through the streets. Fighting through it all became more and more tiring. Even despite knowing it would not be effective against the darkspawn crawling the streets, Kalais no longer had the strength to pull any magic but necrotic bolts from the Fade. But they kept at it, throwing as much force behind each bolt that they threw at the darkspawn.
Any chance they got, Kalais glanced around them, trying to see where Beck was and who else might be around them. There were so many people and even more darkspawn, it was hard to keep track. People shouted and screamed from every direction, it was impossible to tell who or where needed the most help at any given moment. They refocused, dodging a hurlock’s spear and firing off a volley of bolts at it. It staggered and someone else (a warden? One they didn't recognize) finished it off. They spun around again. Beck fought another hurlock a little ways from them, pinned near the wall of a building. Kalais began making their way over, dispatching more darkspawn ghouls along the way. Off to their side, yet another hurlock, one of the large ones with an axe (Kalais didn’t care what they were called), cut down yet another warden. Then it turned towards Beck and charged. Kalais sprinted towards her. Beck had her back to the charging darkspawn, finishing off the one she was already engaged with. Kalais sped up, as fast as their legs could carry them, dodging ghouls and hurtling tendrils. They braced themself and collided with Beck, pushing her away with all their strength. The charging hurlock swung, catching Kalais instead, the force of the swing throwing them against the wall. They crumpled in a pile at the base of it.
They come to again moments later, their vision swimming and their hearing drowned by the sound of their own heartbeat and pounding headache. Someone fought the hurlock, screaming as they dispatched it. There was a pain in their side, and they reached down, feeling a tear in their armor and something wet, their hand coming away red. Their hearing started to return slightly, though still muffled, but they couldn’t focus their eyes. Another person appears. A voice reaches them through the haze.
“I’ll cover! Get them to help!”
Vena. She glanced back at them, before turning back around, reigning fire on the surrounding darkspawn. Protect Vena. Kalais tried to stand, flinging out their hand to cast, a weak bolt fizzling out before reaching its target. They collapsed back to the ground.
“Kalais!” They looked up to see Beck kneeling by them. For the first time ever since Kalais met her, she looked scared. “Let’s go, the library isn’t far.” She reached out toward them.
They weakly tried to scramble away. “No, don’t touch me! I’ll be fine!” They tried to stand again, using the wall as support. Their legs shook and they fell again. Their vision started to tunnel. They were becoming too lightheaded. They were in trouble if they couldn’t walk.
Beck scowled at their actions. “Kalais, don’t be an idiot! You’re hurt! Let me carry you!” She reached out toward them again. They shook their head, once again trying to move away, but the pain now was becoming too much to bear.
“Get them out of here!” Vena called back, shielding as best she could between unleashing bouts of fire at the horde.
“I’m trying!” Beck shouted back. She turned back to Kalais. “There is no time! Let me help you!” Beck all but growled at them. She moved toward them, arms reaching to pick them up.
Kalais attempted one final time to weakly scramble back. “No! You can’t!” They collapsed with a pained cry, a hand pressing to the wound at their side. Beck ignored their insistence, too concerned with their injury, and moved quickly to scoop them into her arms. “Don’t!” Kalais panicked and held out their hand in a last ditch effort to get her to stop.
Kalais’ hand made contact with the exposed skin of Beck’s midriff, just below where her armor stopped. Their fingers dug in, unintentionally. Beck gasped in pain, collapsing to her side in front of them. They wrenched their hand back but the damage had been done. A black mark stood out against Beck’s skin where their hand had been, veiny tendrils slowly creeping outwards. “No! I'm sorry! I didn't -” They stood, with an ease they didn’t have moments ago, and backed away, keeping their hands clutched to their chest. Their heart and thoughts raced as they desperately looked around for someone to help. Anyone who glanced towards them, they saw fear and judgement. Even Vena, when she could spare the glance, glared at them. “Please,” they begged weakly to anyone who might listen.
Someone ran over, reaching out to help Beck up. Kalais recognized her, belatedly, as Tira. One of the Lords. One of Beck’s friends. Creators, she saw the whole thing. She saw me hurt her friend. Tira grabbed her arm to help pull her to her feet. Beck waved her away, standing with a groan. “I'm fine.” Her tone was short and clipped. Without saying anything else, she stalked over to Kalais, picking them up and leaving no room for argument. She hurried through the streets, dodging blight tendrils and darkspawn, making for the library.
In Beck’s arms, Kalais's hands gripped the fabric of their own armor like it was a lifeline. They were careful to make sure no other spots of exposed skin touched her. Beck was angry with them. It was clear from her voice and expression. Evident in how she refused to look at them. And she had every right to be. Kalais closed their eyes. They always knew this would happen one day. They were a fool to believe they could have something good in their life.
Suddenly, they impacted stone stairs, tossed from Beck's hold, as she collapsed with a pained grunt. Kalais crawled toward her, instinctually reaching toward her, before quickly pulling their hand back. Even without moving her, they could see the black mark had spread further. For a second time, they desperately looked around for anyone who could help. On the stairs below them, wardens and members of the Veilguard kept the darkspawn occupied, giving them a momentary reprieve. Among the chaos, Kalais saw someone they knew could help. “Liselath!” The blonde elven crow turned to them. “We need help here! Please!”
Lisel nodded and pointed towards the library gate. “Move! Over there! Be there as soon as I can!” She yelled back, moving to try and give them more cover as she blasted fire at the advancing darkspawn.
Kalais shook their head. “I can't! I can't move her myself!”
Liselath sprinted over, taking in their own condition. “Kalais, you're hurt too!” She reached toward them.
Again they backed away, shaking their head. “Not me, I'm fine for now.” They grimaced admitting that. The only reason for their current strength is because of what they did to Beck. “She’s the one that needs help, please.”
Lisel nodded once and turned her attention to Beck, who tried once again to wave help away. Lisel went to work, inspecting Beck for injuries. Kalais took up a position further down the stairs, once more joining the fight with what energy they had remaining. They could at least put what they took to good use protecting the other two. They struggled to call fire to their hands, but didn’t dare reach for anything else, no matter how much easier it would be. Behind them, they heard Lisel’s bewildered whisper, “Necrosis?” Kalais tried to keep their face neutral. Internally, it felt like their already torn heart was being crushed. Lisel was smart and she had seen their past in the fire. She would be able to piece it together. Another friend gone.
Moments later, Lisel helped Beck to her feet, moving toward the library gate. Kalais moved with them. They focused on shielding the three of them, as more Veilguard members arrived, adding their strength to the defense of this part of the fortress. Even as they retreated toward the library, the darkspawn grew too numerous and climbed over the walls to swarm the small courtyard before the library gate. Lisel and Beck were able to open the gate and step inside. Kalais hesitated a split second, making a decision. Might as well put the strength to good use. They began closing the door behind the two. Lisel looked back. “Kalais?”
Beck glanced back a moment later, eyes wide, shaking her head.
Kalais responded to Liselath. “Take care of her please. Get her to the Lighthouse.”
“Kalais, no! KALAIS!” Beck shouted, trying to extricate herself from Lisel’s hold. Kalais pushed the door closed.
They turned to the scene before them. The courtyard was already overrun by darkspawn of every variety, even as more of the Veilguard arrived. In one moment, they had already cost themself their partner, sister, and some of the few friends they had. In for a copper, in for a gold. They ran back into the fray, slamming bolts into the closest ghoul before grabbing it and pressing their hand to its head, draining the life from it, and letting it drop lifeless to ground before moving on to the next. They couldn't help heal, but they could help defend and take down as many of the monsters as they could with them.
-----------------
They sat a little ways from the infirmary door, knees drawn up and head hanging. People hurried around them, in and out of the infirmary and presumably to other rooms. They didn't mind. Others needed help. Comparatively, physically they were not an emergency. They had returned in a daze, half their mind focused elsewhere, the other half just cognizant enough to keep others at a distance to prevent any other incidents. They had sunk down against the wall here, when they could no longer force themself any further.
The screams kept ringing in their ears. Screams of those at Weisshaupt; the gasps of pain from Beck; the cry of pain and fear from Vanaya, as she tried to escape their grip on her arm. The shouts from adults, demanding they be sent away. The looks of mistrust they saw in clan members faces; in their friends faces; and in faces of the Veilguard.
“Kalais?” A gentle voice called to them. Kalais lifted their head, dull eyes see Lisel kneeling in front of them a short distance away. “May I heal you now?” They paused in their response, taking stock of how their body felt. Numb. They nodded. Lisel helped them move their legs and remove armor to see the wound at their side. Dried blood crusted a majority of the area. It looked as if it had been half healed already. Lisel stopped someone passing by to ask for warm water. Her hands glowed with her magic as she began coaxing flesh and skin to mend. “Beck is stable. She is resting now. Took a lot of us to drag her back to the Lighthouse. She didn't want to leave without you.”
Kalais glanced away from her. “It's my fault. I'm the reason for the necrosis.” They admitted quietly. Lisel would have figured it out on her own, if she hadn't already. “I hurt her.”
“And she'll be okay.” A bowl of water and a rag were handed to Lisel and she started cleaning the wound and wiping away the dried blood. “I'll still need to bandage this. You'll be good to go afterwards as long as you have no other wounds?” They shook their head. They had gotten off lightly, compared to others. She disappeared for a moment, returning with bandages to wrap the wound. “It was chaotic. No one will blame you for an accident.” Kalais didn't answer. The first time had been an accident too and their whole clan wanted them gone, sent away somewhere else, in response. Even when the Keeper insisted they stay, everyone kept their distance. The same would happen here.
A DAADY au fic. Kalais' experience during Blood of Arlathan. Featuring Beck, Vena, and Del (all three belonging to @wickedadaar). Mentions of Nyx (@so--whoonos), Desi (@soturoayami), and Ezra (@lunammoon)
It is not a long wait until the arrival of the "event" spoken of by that Venatori. The increased presence of Venatori is investigated and Strife and Irelin arrive with news. Many dalish elves have gone missing, whole clans even; all taken by the Venatori for something big planned by Elgar'nan.
The plan is to infiltrate. Rook and the Veilguard proper make their way through undercover, while several groups keep track of their progress, ready to lend assistance should worse come to worse. Other groups scout out the locations where those captive are being held, with intent to free and rescue once found. Kalais volunteers for one of the former, knowing they won't be very helpful once captives are freed.
So now they find themself, crouching among shrubbery as they make their way to their post. Beck is close behind, impressively quiet among the branches and twigs. The small group they were assigned to is spread out along the walls of a courtyard, where several Venatori amble about and sit in wait for what the gods’ have planned. Once they are in position, there is nothing else for them to do but wait as well, careful not to be seen through the window beside them.
It's a long wait. Vena is getting restless if the periodic rustling coming from her spot is anything to go by. Kalais reaches beside them, finding Beck's hand to hold, and she gently squeezes their hand in return.
Eventually, Del appears beside them. “Something is happening,” they whisper, pointing through the window. “A couple Venatori left a moment ago with a halter and lead.”
“Leaving the event, maybe?” Beck asks. Kalais looks between the two, an uneasy feeling in their gut as they meet Del’s gaze. Kalais tightens their grip on Beck's hand.
It's not long until their fears are confirmed. The Venatori return, pulling a halla behind them, tugging harshly on the lead. A crowd of Venatori swarm to watch. Kalais feels a tingling itchy feeling on their forehead and chin, yet they remain still, watching the halla. Surely this is not happening. Surely this is a gift for Ghilan'nain. She wouldn't let them do this, would she?
Vena appears beside the group as well, eyes wide and fearful. "They have a halla!" she whispers harshly. "Why do they have a halla?"
Delaney shushes her and Kalais simply gives her a stern impassive serious stare before turning their attention back to the gentle creature. Their mind tries to structure a plan, a way to slip through and free the creature. They grab their staff and start to move towards the window opening. A hand grabbing their arm stops them and they turn back to Beck, who points. “It's them.” Kalais follows where she points. A small group enters, led by the Shadow Dragon detective. Rook and leading members of the Veilguard. “We can't expose ourselves, unless they need help. Otherwise, we risk the mission.”
“We can't do nothing!” Kalais hisses in reply.
“There is nothing we can do!” Del whispers sharply back. “I wish there was but this is an infiltration. We can't ruin the Veilguards’ cover.”
Kalais presses their lips into a thin line, looking back to the halla, struggling to keep their anger under control. She can't. Ghilan'nain wouldn't let this happen. Please, don't let this happen. It's not quite a prayer, but it's the closest they've come to one in a long time. As they watch, Rook approaches and passes the halla.
The cultists begin to speak and chant. The halla lifts into the air and twists. Kalais' heart pounds. The itch on their face feels more like burning now. Behind them, Vena's shaky voice asks Del for what is happening and Del instructs her to look away. They take the opportunity to try and move again, ducking through the shrubs, making it a few feet before Beck catches them by the waist and pins them to the ground. “Let me go!” They try to keep their voice low even in their anger. Kalais pries at Beck's arm to be released, and scrabbles at the ground, desperately attempting to pull themself out of her hold. It is all futile, as Del joins, pulling their hand and arm away from prying against Beck’s hold.
The halla reaches the apex, and Kalais stills, staring. “No, no no no,” they whisper. “Don't do this. Don't let them do this, Ghilan'nain. Help her please. You have to help her!” The halla looks at them, its intelligent gaze meeting Kalais' through the brush. Blood swirls around the halla, the chanting stops, then the halla explodes. The Venatori cheer.
Kalais stares at where the halla had been. Somewhere off to a side in the distance echoes a howl full of rage and pain that mirrors the growing wrath in Kalais as their gaze shifts to the cultists responsible. Beck and Del’s grip lessens as they both look towards the sound. Kalais struggles free and stands, pulling on their magic, their hands taking on a sickly green hue as they take steps towards the ruins.
They raise their hand to cast. Someone crashes into their back, wrapping their arms around their chest, pinning Kalais' arms against their sides. Del curses as they struggle again, even as she spins them around and deposits them into Beck's firm hold. “Get them away from here. Take Vena with you.” Vena tries to protest, but Del pulls her a bit away to speak with her, as Beck carries Kalais away from the ruins, Kalais struggling the whole way.
Once they are far enough away not to be heard, Beck sets Kalais on their feet and let's go. Kalais immediately turns and attempts to slip by her, heading back towards the ruins. Beck grabs them by their collar and tugs them back. “Where do you think you're going?”
“Back! They need to pay for what they did!” Kalais tries again, but Beck blocks them again.
“What is wrong with you?!” Beck asks, struggling to keep her voice level. “This isn't you.”
“They killed her!” Kalais yells, flinging their hand out pointing towards the ruins. “She let them kill her! For no reason! She should have justice. They need to answer for their crime.”
“And you think you're going to be the one to hand it out.”
“Who else? No one else was doing anything! You prevented me from saving her! You and Del!” They glare at her. “You should have helped me! I thought you supported me!” Kalais almost pokes her on the chest. They notice the green tinge of their hand at the last moment and stop. A flash of fear, followed by guilt crosses their face as they pull their hand back and turn away from Beck.
Beck takes a deep breath as they yell at her. She doesn't know what exactly is happening but this is not her Kalais. Upset about what happened, absolutely, but this angry vengeful person in front of her? “I do support you, vhenan. But revenge is not something you're capable of.”
“You don't know what I'm capable of!”
“I do know.”
Kalais flinches at the reminder. They stand with their shoulders tense and hunched slightly as both hands cling tightly to their staff. Beck sighs softly and slowly approaches, closing the small distance between them. Gently, she places a hand on their shoulder, and when they don't move away, loosely wraps both arms around them from behind, placing a kiss on top of their head before resting her chin on their head.
“I do know what you are capable of, and vengeance has never been something you've wanted. I understand why you are angry. I understand that what happened was unjustified, that it was cruel. In a different context, I might have let you, probably even helped, but this mission required secrecy. I know you know that. We would have been outnumbered. Saving her would have put everyone at risk: us, the Veilguard, and the elves we’re trying to save.”
As she speaks, Kalais’ shoulders fall as the tension leaves them along with the fight. Their head bows and they rest a hand on Beck's arm. “She looked at me,” they say quietly. “I saw her and she saw me. Right there at the end. She was so scared, and all I could do was watch, so that she wouldn't die alone, surrounded by monsters.” Their voice shakes, as tears spill down their cheeks. “All I did was watch.” A moment later, they collapse, and Beck readjusts her hold to catch them and gently lower to the ground with them, as they sob, hiding their face in their hands. Beck pulls them into her lap and close to her, her heart breaking for them that they had to witness such an event.
“Kal? Beck?” Vena's voice comes through the trees.
“We're over here,” Beck replies.
A moment later, Vena appears through the branches. She pauses a moment to briefly take in the scene of them before she too joins, kneeling next to Beck and Kalais. Vena gently takes her sibling’s hands, slowly pulling them from their face. Kalais looks at her, sees the red around her eyes. Their sister has been crying as well. They gently wrap their arms around her, pulling her into the embrace with them and Beck.
Del finds them a few minutes later, giving them all a moment before making themself known. “I don’t think any of them noticed us. Whatever wolf that was grabbed their attention more. But we need to move now.”
Beck frowns and half glares at them. “Give them a moment for pity’s sake!”
“I have! I would give them more if I thought it would help. But our people are still in danger. Sacred as they might be, the halla are still animals. We can’t let the death of one be more important than the lives of people.”
Kalais glances up at their friend. They press a kiss on top of Vena’s head and hold her by the shoulders, pulling back enough to look at her. “Del’s right,” they say with a small sniffle. “People still need our help. Are you alright, Ven?”
Vena looks between all three of them. “I-I can be.” Kalais studies her a moment longer. She's being brave, that much is clear. Kalais worries how much they might be breaking their sister if they ask her to continue.
But their decision is made for them when Vena’s expression shifts to worry, and Kalais feels a pit in their stomach like they had before with the artifact test. “Mom,” Vena says quietly, glancing back towards the ruins. She stands quickly and pulls Kalais up with her. “Nyx needs us! Come on!” She unsheathes her mage knife and darts through the trees. Del shares a nod with Kalais and follows quickly after. Kalais grabs their staff from the ground and prepares to follow as well. If Nyx needs help, so will Ezra and Desi most likely.
Beck grabs their arm and they turn around to her. “Will you be okay? We can leave if you need to.”
Kalais takes a step back towards her, holding her hand in their free one. They aren't, truthfully. But there is a new determination in them that wasn't there moments before. “Our family needs us. My people need us. That needs to be my focus now. I will be alright once they are all safe.”
Beck looks over them for a moment, then nods. “Let's go then. Lead the way.”
Kalais nods in response and heads off between the trees, back towards the ruins. They know Nyx won't hear their thoughts, but Kalais focuses towards them and the rest of their family even so. Hold on, we're coming to help.
A trip to Arlathan for Kalais Aldwir and Beck Adaar to investigate ruins where the Veil is thicker than usual, becomes an impromptu artifact recovery. Followed by a nice night under the stars.
Beck belongs to @wickedadaar
A day out in Arlathan was exactly what Kalais’ needed. They had been at the Lighthouse for a while and a trip back felt nice. They took a deep breath, stepping out toward a ledge. They were abruptly grabbed by the collar and dragged back. “Nope, not without a rope for me to hold.” Beck said, letting go once Kalais was standing next to her again.
“I wasn’t even that close, Beck.” They sighed. “I know the forest. I know how close I can get before it gets dangerous.” They brushed themself off and readjusted their collar.
“What are we doing here again?” Beck asked.
Kalais pulled out a map. “There's an area of the forest I wanted to check out. It has some properties similar to-” they stopped, glancing at Beck. They hadn't discussed that experience much with her since the day it happened. But despite the nightmare, Kalais had been curious about how the Veil felt in that room, like someone had patched it over. “Well, similar to other areas we've found but are too dangerous to spend much time near.” The statement was true enough. The Veil Jumpers had found such areas before and were often deemed too dangerous for any further exploration.
Beck frowned at them, picking up on the unsaid information. “Uh huh, what kind of properties?”
“Thicker Veil, mostly.” Kalais glanced around the area. “It should be that way.” They stashed the map away and took the lead down one of the paths.
“Should?” Beck asked lightly. Kalais could hear the teasing smile in her tone. “Don’t you Veil Jumpers have this forest memorized?”
They glanced back over their shoulder. “We have it mapped pretty well, but some areas can be…strange,” they stated. Beck raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for them to expand on that information. “The fog. Some areas for some reason become blanketed in fog, and the Veil is already wonky here, there is sometimes more ambient magic in the fog. It can play tricks on you. Walking down one path doesn’t necessarily lead you to where it did before the fog.”
Beck caught up to Kalais easily, falling into step beside them. “Wonky. Is that the technical scientific term for it?” she smirked while she said it. Kalais didn’t answer, and instead rolled their eyes and took her hand in one of theirs. Beck continued, “Ya know, when you asked me here this isn’t exactly what I was envisioning.”
Kalais stopped. “Are you not enjoying it?”
She stepped in front of them, taking both of their hands in hers. The teasing smile was gone, replaced by concern. “I am enjoying the forest and the scenery you’ve shown me so far. But I’m worried about this research you’re doing. Are you sure it will be safe for you? The more I’ve heard about this ‘sleepover’ you all had, the more it seems like you got lucky.”
They considered her words. “You’re not wrong. I think I did get lucky. A bad nightmare and migraine is nothing compared to how some of the others woke up. But I’ve spent eight years exploring this forest. I know what I can handle here.”
Beck looked them up and down, scrutinizing them. “If you’re sure.”
“I am.” They raised one of her hands and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “I promise, I am not putting you or myself in any more danger than is normal here. And if at any point you think that has changed, feel free to pull me out by the collar like you just did.” They smiled up at her, mischief in their eyes.
Beck shook her head and leaned down to kiss them on the top of their head. “Alright. I trust you. We’re going on an actual date next time though.”
Kalais smiled and continued to lead them down the paths of Arlathan. They headed deeper and deeper into the forest, through ruins more and more overgrown. There are surprisingly few anomalies to deal with. Kalais expertly navigated around to avoid most of the anomalies, helping Beck whenever possible for the ones they couldn't. Eventually they arrived at a crumbling ruin, with the bronze door hanging off its hinges and the interior dim. Kalais stopped several feet away from it.
“This it?” Beck asked, looking over the ruin. It didn’t look much different than any of the others she had seen.
Kalais nodded in response. “We didn’t get to go much further than a few feet over the threshold. Irelin was concerned about the difficulty of pulling magic through. She insisted we head back to inform Strife.” They had wanted to stay. This was the first place they had found like this. They had wanted to explore more initially, at least try to figure out what this building had been. But it was their first time leading an expedition, them and Irelin both. They erred on the side of caution and had been curious ever since. Strife had shot them down every time they brought up bringing another group here. They thought of coming here alone once, before Caspian talked them out of it.
They began walking toward the open doorway. Beck grabbed their shoulder and turned them around. “Hey, wait wait wait. Let me go first.” Kalais rolled their eyes and took her hand.
“Together.”
Beck nodded. They both stepped over the threshold. Immediately, Kalais could feel the difference, now that they knew what to look for. It was colder and it felt like the walls were pressing in on all sides. They concentrated, summoning a small flame to see by. It took more effort than it should have, and the flame was much smaller for the amount of energy being spent. “We’ll need to do this quickly.” They glanced around the immediate entry way. “We should head further in. This area is too small to do anything in.”
They carefully explored further. Windows along the wall were shattered, branches poking through and stained glass scattered across the ground. A thick layer of dust sat on nearly every surface and particles floated through the air as they walked. The further in they went, the smaller the flame in Kalais’ hand became, until it was barely the size of a flickering candle. “Interesting. Expending the same amount of energy but pulling less and less magic through.”
“That’s different from that room then?”
“Yes, I was able to sustain the flame once it was summoned. It just took more energy to do so.” Kalais walked backwards a few feet, watching the flame grow slightly again. “The room was like someone had patched over where the Veil was thin. This doesn’t feel quite the same.” They returned to Beck’s side, the flame diminishing again. “There might be something creating this effect.”
Beck glanced at them. “One of those artifacts you mentioned before? The ones the Inquisition found?”
“It’s possible. If magic doesn’t work the closer we get though ....”
Beck slung an arm around their shoulders with a smirk. “Don’t worry, love. I’m here to protect you.”
They shook their head and smiled. Beck said it casually, but she meant it seriously. They were a more than capable mage, but not being able to use magic did severely handicap their combat ability. They were taught basics in their clan and Strife didn’t insist on much physical combat training for mages. They could do it, but it wouldn't be pretty.
Exploring further, they came to a larger chamber, in the center of which stood an altar. An unfamiliar object stood on the altar. The windows here still had intact stained glass depicting the gods. When they entered, the miniscule flame flickered out. Kalais could not resignite it. They took a step in. Beck stopped them and pointed towards the corners of the room. Two dormant Sentinels stood in each of the far corners, hidden in the shadows cast through the room. Keeping an eye on them, the two ventured further into the room toward the altar. The Sentinels did not move.
Kalais approached the altar, and inspected the strange device on top. They had seen illustrations of the artifacts found by the Inquisition. This was similar in many ways. The biggest difference they could see was size. This was much smaller, perhaps because it was only meant to affect a smaller area?
After checking out the inactive Sentinels, Beck joined them at the altar. “Is this what's keeping magic from working? Is it on right now?”
“It's hard to tell.” Kalais reached out a hand to touch it, running their hand across its surface. “If it is, I don't think there is a way to know for certain without deactivating it.” They crouched down to inspect the altar itself. It was made of stone with little in the way of decorations, not even any writing to identify what it was for. They stand back up, glancing about the room for any clue as to what this place was. A general worship space maybe, considering the windows present each seemed to depict a different god. “I can’t get a read on this place. Can’t tell what this building was used for.”
Beck also glanced around the space. “Is that a helpful thing to know?”
Kalais shrugged. “Sometimes. It might help in figuring out why this artifact is here. Was it placed as an offering on the altar? Or did some magic happen here that needed to be covered up via making the Veil thick enough to create an anti-magic zone?” They circled around the artifact. They recalled the schematics from the Inquisition mages’ reports. They carefully lifted it up, waiting to see if anything in the surrounding area changed, before turning it over in their hands. “If this is at all like the others then it should be easy enough to activate, or deactivate, whichever is the case.” They looked at Beck. “Ready?”
She nodded. “As ready as I can be, love.”
Kalais pressed something on the base. There was a hum of energy then nothing. “Huh, well that was disappointing.”
Suddenly, something metallic flashed out of the corner of their eye. They were yanked backward by the collar. A metal axe smashed down beside the altar, in the exact spot they had been standing. Their gaze flashed up the axe handle to the now active Sentinel that held it. Behind them, metal crashed against metal, and they swung around to see Beck pushing the second one away. “Grab it now! We have to go!” She shouted at them.
Startled into action, Kalais swiped up the artifact, tucking it under their arm. With their free hand, they flung a bolt of fire at the Sentinel that had almost hit them. “I have it!” they called to Beck, leaping over the altar and heading for the door. Beck followed behind, fending off the Sentinels as they followed. Kalais kept close, firing bolt after bolt at the Sentinels. One lifted its weapon overhead, and Kalais struck its head, catching it off guard and staggering it. Beck took advantage of the opening, striking it in the chest and sending it toppling over where it stayed. The second one took a swing at Beck. Kalais dashed forward in front of her, creating a shield over her and themself. The strike crashed against the barrier. They dropped the shield and struck out with their hand, sending out lightning to the animated armor. It spasmed, then dropped its weapon as the armor fell apart in a heap on the ground.
Kalais turned around to Beck. “Are you alright, vhenan?”
Instead of a response, Beck immediately began checking them over for injuries. “I’m fine. Are you hurt at all?” They shook their head, but allowed her to continue until she was satisfied they were unharmed. When she was finished, Beck gently held their chin and tilted their head up. “You scared me, when you appeared between me and that guardian. I thought you were going to be hit for sure.”
“I was protecting you,” Kalais said, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “You were still finishing off the other one, and it was going to hit you.”
Beck smiled down at them. “That’s very sweet. But that’s my job. I protect you.”
They sigh in response. This was a well-tread discussion between the two. “We can protect each other.”
“Of course, we can.” Beck leaned down and placed a kiss on the top of their head. “Did the artifact survive?”
Kalais held it out, looking over it for any damage. “Not a scratch. And now we know that it was indeed affecting the Veil and suppressing magic.” They tucked it back under their arm again. “I think that’s enough exploring for one day. We should probably start looking for a place to set up camp for the evening.”
Beck took their hand. “Lead the way.”
-----
The sun had set and Beck finished putting out the small campfire they had made. She stooped to enter the tent. Kalais sat inside, fiddling with a small artifact they had brought with them from their room in the Lighthouse. Now that it was finally dark enough, it was time for the second part of this trip. Beck sat down next to them. She tucked a lock of their hair behind their ear. “You’re very cute when you’re concentrating.” Kalais was thankful for the dim light. If there had been more light, the light dusting of pink on their cheeks would be visible.
They set down the artifact in front of them. “You’ve said that before.” They turned to her. “Ready?” Beck smiled and nodded. They nodded in turn, looking down at the artifact. “Alright. Here we go.” They pressed the top of it.
Metal flaps lifted and created a small globe shape. The interior of the artifact lit up, projecting light through small holes in the globe. Across the canvas of the tent, a pattern of stars was projected, slowly rotating. Kalais smiled and their gaze roamed across the tent, their eyes wide like they were experiencing this for the first time all over again. Beck took a moment to look around too. Kalais had been right about the little artifact creating something beautiful. Captivating had been the word they used. Beck had to disagree though. She gently took Kalais’ hand, her gaze fixing on them. There was nothing in the world so captivating as the elf beside her. “Gorgeous,” she said quietly.
“It is, isn’t it?” Kalais replied. “I never expected something so beautiful to end up in my hands like this did.” They were still watching the points of light dance across the tent. They didn’t see the amused smile on Beck’s face.
She leaned in to whisper to them, “I wasn’t talking about the artifact.”
Kalais stilled and turned to look at her. Beck sat back with a satisfied smirk. They laughed lightly and shook their head. They reached out to cup her face in their hands. “I never expected someone so beautiful and wonderful to end up in my life like you have, vhenan.” They kissed her gently. When they parted, Kalais kept their forehead pressed to Beck’s. “Ar lath ma.”
Beck’s arms wrapped around them, pulling them into her lap. “Ar lath ma, vhenan.” She kissed them deeply, gently laying them down to spend a blissful night under canvas stars.
Somewhere in Upper Minrathous - Inglorious Rooks Part 2
Featuring: Tira from @tiravi Lailani from @sleepingtodream Zalan from @virenasalin Grey from @apothe-cary and Ari from @seizethemage-main
Word count: 1,055
CW: slavery, blood, gore, graphic violence
Beck and her three elven companions approached a mansion that had definitely seen better days. It must have been hit hard during the dragon attack. However, Lailani still knew her way around. If Beck had to guess, this was where she was a slave. She led the group expertly through hidden passageways and side hallways before they arrived in the main portion of the building. Beck could feel restless spirits here, an uneasiness permeated the air that made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. This was a sign that there was certainly blood magic nearby. She shuddered at the sensation, drawing the attention of her companions. “Blood magic nearby,” she explained shortly, drawing her sword to ready herself for battle. The group approached a blind corner and could hear voices echo from around it. Lailani readied her mage blade, Tira readied her daggers, and Zalan called his magic to his staff.
As they rounded the corner, they were face to face with either Venatori. In a flash, Beck leaped forward, blocking their attacks with her shield and attacking with her sword to draw their attention while the Tira and Lailani moved through them with lightning speed, while Zalan helped draw their fire and provide magical shields for the other three. In between casting shields, Zalan volleyed magical missiles at the Venatori, who were still standing, as Tira and Lailani made short work of them. Beck cut through the last few that tried to hold the line. Before long, the four of them stood amid a puddle of dead Venatori and their blood.
Before they could celebrate, they heard footsteps approaching, more Venatori. This group was larger, about 15 of them, but they were dispatched just as easily and with prejudice. They continue through the mansion, killing all the Venatori they come across with increasing speed and brutality. Tira killed one of them by cutting his eyes out and making them eat them. Beck was equal parts unnerved and impressed. Lailani made one of them explode with her magic, just because she wanted to. Zalan watched on in horror as he slowly realized the two elven women were not here on business. This was purely personal for them, and he supported it.
Eventually, they arrived at what Beck could only describe as the slave quarters of the mansion. The conditions were indescribably cruel. These elves were living in squalor (even that doesn’t capture the depravity of those who were charged with caring for these elves). Beck’s blood began to boil as she took it in. She had seen undead corpses treated with more care than these living people. It just became personal for her, and Maker help whoever is responsible. She could feel her fury reflected in her companions as well, but Lailani and Tira especially. They moved through the area, helping and freeing those they could, and taking stock of who was lost so they could inform their loved ones if they could find them. Surely, the faction leaders at the Lighthouse would know how to go about doing so.
After the victims of these heartless fucks were escorted to safety, Beck and the team returned to their objective: find and kill the owners of this mansion and make them pay. They continued through the seemingly empty building until they approached what seemed like the entry to a hidden room. Listening closely, they could almost discern voices on the other side. They analyzed the door and could not find any obvious mechanism of opening it, so Beck defaulted to her way to make an entrance: kicking it down. She handed her sword to Tira and took several strides back from the door. Then, with all of her speed, strength, and force, she rushed the door, knocking it free and sending it clattering to the floor. Inside the room stood several very surprised Venatori. Tira tossed Beck her sword, and they began the fight once more. By the end, what remained of the bodies was no longer recognizable, a fitting end for the horrors they had perpetrated.
*****
A few streets over from where Beck and her friends were, Ari, Grey, and Lanti were breaking into a luxurious mansion that appeared not to have been occupied for some time. While Grey and Ari rifled through the drawers, cupboards, chests, and coffers of the residence, Lanti continued deeper into the structure, ensuring it truly was empty. With chaos in the streets and Venatori around every corner, you could never be too safe. As she went room to room, making sure it was clear, she grew more and more anxious. Something wasn’t right. Her crow training told her something was going on here, but she couldn’t quite figure out what. Everything seemed to be in order. She couldn’t find any hidden rooms or tunnels, or escape routes. It truly did seem like a perfectly normal dwelling.
As Lanti began to doubt her instincts, she heard a commotion from behind her. It sounded like Ari and Grey had company. She rushed to their aid, but kept her steps silent as she approached. She needed to assess the situation before deciding on a plan of action. Lanti raised her axe and used the reflection on the steel to study the room. She saw where four Venatori had ambushed Grey and Ari and subdued them. Both of them were seated on the ground with their hands tied. Thankfully, those idiots had their backs to her. Soundlessly, Lanti snuck up and cleaved all four in twain. She “divorced their heads from their shoulders,” a colorful phrase she used quite often to describe her actions, but now Grey could see exactly what she meant. With one fell swoop, all four of the Venatori crumpled to the ground. Lanti looked around as she untied Grey and Ari to make sure they wouldn’t be surprised again. Grey hugged her tightly as he thanked her for saving them. Lanti chuckled into his chest, “Of course. Couldn’t let the Venatori kill my best friend.” In that moment, she felt a small flutter in her chest as he held her, a feeling she couldn’t quite describe, but she ignored it. She was sure it was just the joy from killing those Venatori bastards or, at most, just the feeling of a hug from a friend.
