Neria Surana

(Part of the City of Chains Modern-Day AU Universe)

[spitfireanddiplomacy]

Out of Stock [Marian & Neria]

[spitfireanddiplomacy]

“Since we’ve never been formally introduced, I didn’t expect you to recall me at all.  But, I do thank you for attempting all the same.”  She let a chuckle slip through her lips followed swiftly by a smile.  It wasn’t hard to tell that there was history between the two of them that she was not yet privy too, but that was probably because she had never asked.  The past was never a popular topic with Anders, but perhaps she would make it a point to inquire about theirs one day soon.

“Wait, you can actually manage to get through that thick skull of his with your bossing around?  You simply must tell me your secrets.”  Following on the heels of the other woman as she led back into the store and through the beaded curtain to a backroom that seemed more of a potion shop and herb storeroom than a backroom, she peered around amazed at how different the atmosphere back here was.  It was as if stepping out of the dessert and into an oasis; the flowering plants just seemed so out of place and yet right at home.

“So, you’re a mage and a warden?”  She quirked an eyebrow at the woman in question, but she was busily sweeping about the shelves as if moving to a rhythm all her own in tune with the surroundings of her tidy little workshop nestled away within a kitchen .  When she came up with a crate and some herbs, Marian was surprised that she’d managed to scrounge up as much as she had.  The little shop didn’t seem like there was enough to hide half of the things she had discovered.

“I will tell Anders when he wakes.  We really are in your debt, you know?  I have not a lick of magic in me, and though I’m good with first aid and applying salves and bandages, there are many things that come into the clinic that I simply could not take care of.  I am not a healer.”  Accepting the load into her arms she smiled at the woman.  “Do you have any time?  I don’t know if you’re any good with creation magic, but I’d rather not wake Anders and we could certainly use another capable hand at the clinic today.  Not that you have to…”

The statement was meant honestly with no pressure behind it.  She did seem like she was rather busy, but if she wanted Anders to stay asleep, she’d need an extra pair of hands at the clinic.  Who better to ask than the woman that brewed the best potions she’d ever seen in action?  Adjusting the pile in her arms, she twisted around in the small hallway and turned for the curtain.  “That is if you’re not too busy or have other plans. I do not wish to interfere with anything you need to accomplish today.”

[temptationinallthings]

Neria chuckled softly and shook her head. “I don’t know if that’s a really good description, and if you asked I’m sure he would deny it until he turned blue. I suppose you could say I badger to infinity. No secrets, though to be honest, sometimes I don’t give him much of a choice. I think the man just enjoys arguing.” She joked, though there was truth to the words and she knew it.

“Yes, actually, I am.” She said, pausing for a moment at the inquiry. She was still getting accustomed to that bit of knowledge. She’d hidden from being a warden for so long, and her status as a mage…well of course this woman would know because of Anders…and the potions. It was unnerving all the same.

Neria covered her mouth as a bark of laughter escaped her. “Oh…Ancestors I am terrible. Just ask Anders, I think he rather enjoys the retelling. However, I am a master at triage and bandages.” She glanced at her watch, and then bustled over to the table to check her potions. Considering the time, she carefully adjusted the heat on both and then turned back to her with a smile.

“And I think I have a few hours before I head back to the Grey Warden compound to check on the updates in progress there.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure when I became so busy. It's a bit boggling sometimes.” She waved toward the front, grabbing a few extra items as she followed behind. “Nonsense. I’ve mentioned to Anders that I wouldn’t mind getting in and helping a bit.” She paused at the front to explain to Sereda, waggled her phone in case there were any major issues and then nodded toward the door. “Shall we?”

[temptationinallthings]

Old Friends, New Places [Nathaniel & Neria]

[butchers-boy]

It didn’t take much encouragement to weaken Nathaniel’s resolve, the nobleman easily surrendering himself to the old flame sparking between them though in his mind he knew proceeding with caution was the far more logical thing to do —especially in light of his recent (and painfully dysfunctional) reunion with his ex-fiance. But caution was fading quickly in the wake of her silken hair at his fingertips and her soft lips pressed against his. 

He loosed a soft groan into her mouth when she traced the lines of his jaw, the hand not winding its way into the strands of her dark hair sliding across the expanse of her stomach to wind around her waist and tug her more securely against him. It had been like this, once, though those moments seemed like a lifetime ago.

He’d given up on seeing her again when there was no word of any survivors from the Amaranthenian Internment Camps following the ending of the Blight, and though a small spark of hope had bloomed when he’d come across Anders, he’d not allowed it to grow. He knew what it was to wish someone alive and be forced to bury them.

Then again. Elissa had turned up again too in spite of the headstone he’d placed in her honor.

Perhaps it was fate after all. 

The arm around her back reached out toward the table, brushing aside the plate of uneaten food so that he could brace his hands around her slender waste and sit her atop it, easing himself forward between her knees. He paused for a moment, running his hands restlessly from her knees to her hips and looking up into her eyes for permission to continue or a request to stop.

[temptationinallthings]

It was an experience she’d never anticipated having again. It had never mattered that they’d shared no vows or promises. For some reason words had never been necessary, and  yet there had been so many between them that she’d lost track. Secrets, hopes, desires, she’d shared everything with him, and she suspected he had as well. All of it had been with the knowledge that every encounter with the darkspawn might be the last. Perhaps it had made them reckless…stupid. But she’d never cared. Nate had comforted her in ways she could never describe, and when he’d gone, she’d mourned his loss.

Not once had she ever dreamed he’d walk back into her life as easily as he had the first time. She knew, somewhere in the back of her mind, that this was foolish. There was no place in his life for someone like her, and he didn’t need that kind of complication. She was a mage and a grey warden.

That didn’t stop her from leaning closer when his arm tightened at her waist, and excited heat from pooling when he cleared the table to set her there as anticipation swamped her. She appreciated he hesitation, not at all surprised by the gentlemanly gesture though she was hardly one of his noble ladies. The hands that ran along her legs just sparked flames that she had no desire to quell, and the sudden gleam in her eyes said as much.

Smiling she framed his face with her hands and leaned in even as she pulled him forward and whispered huskily, “I feel like I’ve been cold for an age.” She brushed her lips lightly against his, and then nipped at his lower lip, and added with a soft growl, “No more noble intent. Set me on fire like no one else can.” She dropped her hands from his face to the buttons of his shirt to further prove her point, pushing at them restlessly until she could finally touch the heated warmth of the skin beneath. Ancestors she’d missed him so much…

[absolutioninflame]

Bleeding Out - [Anders and Neria]

[thedemonyouknow]

"The former warden’s body was decaying." Justice noted, flame-blue eyes passing down his vessel’s arm as he stretched it out and flexed the fingers, remembering what it had been like to watch flesh pulling away from bone, knowing that once it was done he would likely cease to be. "You recall this, I am sure. You helped me. You and this one, but those efforts were in vain. I am certain you remember this as well." 

With a curious tilt of his head he moved around the room, eyes walking over all the things held within it as though he could understand something of the woman who lived there by assessing its contents. “We merged because he offered.” The spirit answered. “I could no more take his form hostage than could a demon. Anders saw that I was fading and wanted more time to discover how to send me back. This was the only solution he could come up with. I accepted. Now here we are.” 

He spread his hands at this, moving the vessel’s face into some semblance of a welcoming smile as he turned back to the elven woman still seated on her couch. “I knew that our minds would be in conflict for a time, and the influx of power from my form would be difficult to contain as we assimilated, but this one is strong. I knew he would weather the transition, and he has.” He inspected the lines of his arms and hands once more, the smile remaining. “He has weathered this and so much more.”

"The camp, Neria. I know what you suffered there. What this one suffered." He paced closer to where she sat, crouching down in front of her knees. "That pales in comparison to what this one has endured. I found endless records of atrocities in his mind, stretching back over decades, things he—" the vessel’s head tilted up, his smile widening ever so slightly. "He does not wish for me to speak of this to you. Such secrets he keeps. All the scars and damage, what this world has done to him because they fear the force that he could become. He hides it from even those closest to him, but I have found it. I have seen it all, and I will see them all punished for what they have done just as I punished those at the camps that dared to touch you."

[temptationinallthings]

She knew his words should have been comforting, and to an extent they were. After all, she liked the idea of Anders being consumed without his will even less than the liked the idea of him harboring a spirit. Of course she didn’t really know how to feel about the latter part. She’d not minded Justice after all. It was just the idea of him being in her friend’s body that troubled her.

She was quiet, letting him talk, and when he mentioned how well Anders had ‘weathered’ the transition, she smiled sadly. “Anders is an incredibly strong man. He doesn’t give himself enough credit most to the time.” She murmured, not at all surprised to know that the mage not only housed a spirit, but did so without loosing who he was in the process. He really was the strongest of them.

He routed her when he mentioned the camp, and when he knelt before her. “The camp…” She swallowed carefully as understanding finally dawned on her. That was why he’d never returned. He hadn’t abandoned her at all. “He was horrified by what you did wasn’t he?” She asked huskily, searching his face. It was strange because even though it belonged to Anders, she could see the differences. It didn’t move quite the same way, as though simulating the emotional cues necessary to operate Ander’s face was difficult…stilted.

She considered the rest of his statement in silence, and then her amber gaze fixed back to his. “He hides them because he doesn’t want to hurt those that he loves. It is a quality worth admiring.” She pushed to her feet, moving away from him as her thoughts churned. “You remind me of Anders before…” She shook her head looking down. “He never told me what happened after we separated, and I wouldn’t pry.” Her gaze flashed back to the being. “And I don’t want you to tell me either.”

She paced slowly, her gaze distant. “Before Amaranthine Ander’s was hard…angry… I’m not even sure what changed him, but now he’s...he’s so much more than he realizes. He is a symbol of hope, though he is quick to dismiss it.” She turned back to the spirit, amber eyes hard and determined, “And if you do not consider his wisdom into your calculations Justice, you will destroy more than your ‘vessel’. Justice is not a composition of death. Justice weighs and measures. It is impartial and values due process. If you proceed on this path of destruction you will be no better than the Templars you left me to after your first little skirmish. I will never blame Anders for leaving me to their mercies, but I have no such compunction about blaming you. Your method is flawed.” She ignored the voice shouting in her head not to mouth off to a spirit. She’d never been one to hold back her opinion, no matter how disliked it was, and now would be no different. 

[absolutioninflame]

The Crumbling Tower - [Anders and Neria]

[absolutioninflame]

Anders snorted when Neria emerged, the clothes she’d found better quality but no less ill fitting than those she’d scavenged from the packs outside The Spoiled Princess. His attention pulled back to his food quickly enough and the need to shovel as much raw nutrition into his body as quickly as possible so they could get back out and walking again. 

As focused as he was on their pacing and the path they needed to take to get there, he quickly forgot she was at the table with him. Until she spoke up again to say the last thing he’d ever expected to hear pass between her lips.

He cleared his throat, using the last of his soup to wash down the bite of banana that had stuck in his throat when she thanked him. “You just happened to be going my way, it’s not like I went above and beyond to keep you safe.”

With another jarring clear of his throat he stood, taking the mug over to the sink to rinse the soup residue clear of it. He was nobody’s hero, nobody’s savior. He looked out for himself just like he always had, Neria just got caught up in his wake. He wasn’t responsible for her. He couldn’t concern himself with her well-being. If it came down to it, he’d run and leave her behind to buy himself time. Wouldn’t he?

Even as the thoughts ran through his mind he became less and less confidant they were true, and the idea that he could be hampered by his concern for another person only served to make him irritable and more anxious to get them back on the road. “Finish that up.” He barked, running through the cabinets one last time for anything that might be of use to them. “It’s ten more miles to Chelsea. We can find a place to sleep for a few hours there, and I’m sure there are women in the town whose clothing will be far better suited to your frame.” 

Little else offered in explanation Anders shouldered his duffle and headed out the door. Neria would catch up with him, or she would not. Either way he had to keep moving. Someone could have noticed they were missing by now.

[temptationinallthings]

She frowned faintly at his words, her gaze flickering to him. From the way he spoke, it was like the idea of ‘saving’ anyone truly bothered him, and she didn’t understand. How did he not see what he’d done? She never would have made it out of the tower with him. Her magic wasn’t strong enough, and she wouldn’t have had a clue how to get out (she sure as hell wouldn’t have thought of the front door).

She considered pointing all of this out, but decided it was likely better to just eat. So she munched slowly, though her eyes kept returning to him as she tried to figure him out. Catching the contemplative expression on his face, she thought about asking him what he was thinking, but he staved that idea off with his sharp order to eat. Sighing inwardly she made quick work of her own food after that and then mimicked his actions, moving to the sink to rinse off her dishes.

She bit her tongue on the groan that threatened to overwhelm her at the idea of walking even one more mile, let alone ten, but she didn’t dare complain. This wasn’t a pleasure trip. They were running for their lives, and if she wanted to survive, she had to keep moving when he said to.

When he marched out the door without a backward glance, a moment of panic seized her. Maybe he really didn’t care. For a moment she felt like that annoying rock that manages to make it into the bottom of one’s shoe. Had he been kicking to get rid of her for hours and she just refused to budge? A tremor raced down her spine and then she shook her head. No. Anders was not that cruel. She refused to believe that. Twisting she grabbed up her own bag, ignoring the way her shoulder protested its returned weight, and she scrambled out the door behind him.

She was not going to be left behind. 

[temptationinallthings]

Dangers of Herb Collecting [Bethany || Neria]

[sunshinehawke]

As soon as they arrived in front of the cavern Bethany felt on edge. From the looks of it, there was more to this Bone Pit than it just being an abandoned mine of sorts. She didn’t know what the entire story of the place was, and she wondered if she would want to know. It was always better to have more knowledge of what she was getting herself into, but she had a feeling she wouldn’t like what she heard.

She followed Neria with a torch of her own, having lit both with her magic. Her eyes glanced at the other as she found a patch of the mushrooms before turning them away. It would be best that she kept an eye out for what might or might not be around them. If they were going to need to fight something, she would much rather not allow them to have the element of surprise.

When she heard the other speak she turned to look at her and let a faint smile appear on her lips. “I’m doing okay. We haven’t encountered any problems yet, although we haven’t been in here for very long. However, I think we should tread carefully. It would be best that we don’t draw any unwanted attention” she said, making sure that her voice never got too loud. Their quiet footsteps alone could be enough to alert a creature of their presence.

“Let’s continue forward. How many more of the mushroom caps do you think you will need?” she asked her as she held the torch toward the opposite way they came from and started walking. It was strange that the place was abandoned. Well, it was good for them because they might not have been able to get in if people were working. However, outside it looked like there had at least been people in the caves somewhat recently. Yet they encountered no one. That didn’t bode well.

She continued down the path with Neria, a few minutes passing before she glanced down at the ground. Recognizing the mushrooms she turned her eyes up at the other female. “There’s a small patch here” she told her. A quick noise sounded off in the distance, drawing Bethany’s attention away from Neria so that she could watch and listen. When no more sounds echoed down the cavern she spoke. “I have a feeling that whatever else is in here may be watching us.”

[temptationinallthings]

She nodded slightly. “Sorry, question of habit. At the circle in Ferelden I would go herb hunting in some of the nearby tunnels and the mages they sent with me were always a bit…jumpy.” She smiled faintly and glanced back at her. “I should have realized you were made of sterner stuff.” She moved quietly, but she was always worried it wouldn’t be quiet enough.

“Just a few more if possible. They’re fairly useful, and I’d like to not have to come back out here for a while.” She confessed.

As they wound their way deeper into the tunnels, she let her mind travel back to those days in Ferelden. They’d been some of her favorites. One of the few times the mages and Templars has been in a relative peace. They’d all sit around the fire, sharing funny mixed encounters. Her thoughts graced on Cullen for a moment before bouncing away. She needed to focus.

She followed the girl’s gesture and smiled. “Thanks.” She murmured moving to kneel beside the mushrooms and making quick work of freeing them from the main plant, but careful as always. It would do her no good to damage the roots because that would be one less place she could gather from. She glanced over her shoulder at those words, her body tensing faintly. “I think you may be right.” She eyed the bundle she had indecisively. Technically they could go, but what she had wouldn’t last long. She really needed more.

Standing she said, “Come on. The quicker we do this, the less time there is to attract attention.” She slipped down a crudely cut stairway into a large open clearing. In the distance she could see the glint of water, but she didn’t have long to consider the other reagent possibilities because the moment her foot touched the center of that clearing the invisible eyes that had been following them descended in full force.

Spiders.

Why did it always have to be caves and frakkin spiders? Trusting that the girl could handle herself, she faced off with two, a faint smile curving her lips. She didn’t count herself as a great mage…but she was pretty decent with entropic and spirit magic.  Slamming the first with a hex of torment, she focused a spirit bolt on the second. As usual none of her spells were ever enough to just drop an opponent, but it gave her a chance to back up, and when she did, she was able to encompass both in a walking bomb poison that would slowly tick away their life, and further incapacitate them.  

[fereldan-commander]

♖ Petals & Pain :: [ for Neria ]

[fereldan-commander]

Duncan counted out the appropriate number of silver, happy to see that he had the quantity in cash rather than having to use his card for once, and passed it over to her with a nod and a smile. Money traded for the tea, he slid the latter nearer to himself on the countertop, tilting the package about to examine the contents, though herbology had never been his strong suit and he recognized little beyond a few instances of “that looks familiar—I think it’s Fereldan.”

The instructions for preparation were clear enough, from what he’d gathered, so with the bag still on the counter he extended the hand not gripping his cane to shake the potionmaker’s.

"Thank you, Miss, for what was certainly the most comfortable afternoon I have had in quite some time." With another parting nod, Duncan scooped up the tea bag in his free hand and lifted it in a final wave, nodding to her as he caned to the door and out into the bustling Kirkwall traffic once more.

[temptationinallthings]

Neria watched him disappear out into the bustling street and sighed softly. She knew she should have been glad to think that she might have a repeat customer, but she wasn’t. She would have been far happier if that were the last she saw of him but she knew it wouldn't be. His was the kind of pain that had sunk deep, and it plagued his psyche as much as his body.

No. Her teas would be useful for a short duration, and then that unending agony would sink its claws back into his being. She suspected he’d even put it off, but eventually he’d wind his way back to her door, just as he had this time. She would try new things, but it was only a matter of time before she was forced to try the herbs with as many side effects and helpful traits. You don’t know that. She drew in a deep breath and nodded to herself. Maybe he’d be different. The taint made her think otherwise, but for him she’d hope nonetheless. 

END.

[temptationinallthings]

Old Friends, New Places [Nathaniel & Neria]

[butchers-boy]

Nathaniel couldn’t help but doubt the full sincerity of Neria’s agreeance with his request to keep her feelings in regard to his father under wraps should ever they have the misfortune of meeting in person. But for now, it was enough, and the difficult topic was easily tossed aside in favor of her warm tucked against his chest and her voice in his ear registering both surprise and genuine delight at having seen him again. It was a stark contrast to the reunion with his ex-fiancé, and one that he desperately needed. 

He’d never felt more grateful to have someone step back into his life.

"I’m just as surprised as you are, and equally grateful. I certainly never expected to find you again, and definitely not here in Kirkwall." He shook his head, chuckling low in his chest, his arms tightening briefly around her and then releasing when she withdrew to look up at him. He’d been holding himself back for her comfort, but those words and one look in her eyes reset his course, and before he knew it he’d leaned in and kissed her just as he had so many times before.

[temptationinallthings]

She knew he didn’t fully believe her, but she was glad he accepted her statement anyway. She wasn’t sure she could be any more convincing than that anyway. His next words sent a wave of warmth and contentment washing down her spine. It wasn’t that she’d ever doubted how much she liked him, or how big his role had been in her life, she’d just done an admirable job of blocking it out because she’d never expected to see him again.

She should have been surprised when he kissed her, but part of her had been hoping too much to experience anything but happiness. After all, she’d been fairly certain she’d never kiss him again, and yet here she was, curled up in the safe protection of his arms, warm and content. She shifted just enough to stretch one hand up to curl into the silken hair at the nape of his neck, while the other flattened against the shirt she’d been mocking earlier.

The rush of sensation was enough to make her giddy, and when he drew back so that they could breathe, she laughed softly, the sound merry and so far from mocking it could never be mistaken for anything but delight. “Ancestors Nate…” She shook her head wordlessly, caressing her hand along his face wordlessly before she leaned back up to kiss him again.

[absolutioninflame]

Bleeding Out - [Anders and Neria]

[absolutioninflame]

"Free." Anders repeated the word amid tears and a broken laugh, sniffing and wiping at his face as though he could somehow pull himself back together. "It was Karl that wanted the revolution that I’ve been trying to lead. He was always the smart one. Always the one people wanted to follow. I’m just a pretender. A poor substitute trying to take his place."

He stood and began to pace, shaking fingers worrying through the strands of his shoulder length sandy hair. “You’re going to start seeing reports soon, about a Templar massacre and a tranquil mage. I-I need you to understand that I didn’t do the things they’re going to release in those reports. I’m not the man that left the tower with you, not anymore. I would never…” He turned to Neria, holding her eyes, willing her to see the man he was now and not the callous, self-centered he had been. “It was not me who committed those atrocities. But there is something you should know.”

Shaking hands covered his face, a long release if breath blowing between slightly parted fingers. “He wants to speak to you directly anyway. There’s nothing left to do but show you.” 

He dropped his hands, guilty, remorseful eyes passing up to hers once more before they were closed behind a blink of his eyelids. When they opened anew the amber of his irises was gone, replaced by white-blue flame, and an echoing voice superseded atop the mild baritone of his own. “Warden Surana. I have wished to speak with you again for some time, but the vessel did not grant me permission.”

[temptationinallthings]

She sighed softly and shook her head. “You give yourself far too little credit Anders. What you’ve done without him…he would be so proud, and I know he’d tell you that he couldn’t have done any better.” Her lips twitched faintly as she added, “And Karl wasn’t exactly a modest man if I recall correctly.” Most mages weren’t though, so it wasn’t exactly an insult.

She watched him stand, and knew that while her words meant little now, hoped that they might bring him comfort later. Her brows furrowed faintly at the mention of a massacre, and when his words drifted off, she was already shaking her head. “Anders I know that. Believe me I have seen and experienced the difference sweet. You don’t have to convince me.” She wanted to move to his side, but it was clear that he needed to move freely, so she just twisted her hand in her skirt and watched helplessly. “Anders if you say you didn’t, I believe you.” She said softly. When he covered his face, she gave up her position of distance, and was halfway to her feet when the words ‘he wants to speak to you’ trumpeted through her mind and she faltered. “He who?” She asked slowly.

Neria dropped back to the couch, amber eyes never leaving the brilliant white-blue that pierced her. “Justice…what a surprise.” Had she tried some bad herbs? Was she dreaming? She reached for her own arm sluggishly and pinched it—hard. Nope. Very much awake. She stood slowly, her eyes narrowing as she moved toward the being that now apparently inhabited her dear friend’s body. “Oh Anders…” she sighed softly, her gaze flickering back to Justice’s.

“You could not survive forever in Kristoff’s body.” It wasn’t really a question, more an observation. She wasn’t sure she’d ever forget the sight of the dead warden’s body moving about the campsite, slowly decomposing. She’d tried to help, but there was little to be done once death had laid claim to something. She considered him silently and the added, “And you changed each other.” Ancestors she didn’t know how to feel about this. The Justice she knew had been a good being if a bit black and white in his perceptions (understandably), but if the words that had been tumbling from Anders’ lips just moments before were any indication…this Justice was ruthless.

"Honestly I'm not sure what to think." She said at last, her gaze returning to his. "Why? You had to know what would happen? Or…or did you think he would just disappear?"She asked in confusion.

[absolutioninflame]

The Crumbling Tower - [Anders and Neria]

[absolutioninflame]

They trudged on in silence for hours, Anders pushing himself (and thus his companion) at a near brutal pace through the woodland that stood between them and the small village of Chelsea. Ideally they could stop there for food and rest before pressing on through Highever to book passage on a ship leaving Amaranthine for the Marches. Sure, Highever had it’s own port, but it was small and far too close to their Chantry for his comfort. Better to press on to the coastal hub; large enough to get lost in but not nearly as risky as Denerim.

He’d nearly forgotten Neria was with him until she spoke, drawing his gaze back over his shoulder to where she lagged slightly behind. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes he slowed his pacing, reaching out to take Neria’s pack onto his shoulder where his duffle bag already lay. “Should be one at the top of this next hill. We can’t stop if it looks like anyone’s been there recently. Too big of a risk. But if that happens there’s a cave closer in toward those hills. We’ll stop there to rest if need be. I can find something edible in the forest.”

Anders signaled Neria to stay back once the cabin came into view, dropping both their bags against a nearby tree and easing his way up to the edge of the treeline to look for signs of activity in or outside of the cabin. When he found none, he waved her up, jogging back to retrieve their bags then heading inside.

"Check the closets for clothing that fits you better, and shoes if you can find them. We’ve got a long way to go before we reach Amaranthine and you’ll be crippled if you don’t get something better than those slippers between your feet and the ground." When Neria disappeared, Anders began searching the cabinets and the fridge, tossing anything non-perishable into his duffle for later consumption and settling on what appeared to be leftover vegetable soup and two slightly brown bananas for their dinner.

He pulled two mugs from another cabinet and divided the soup into it, hearing the mugs quickly within the palms of his hands and then placing them steaming to the table. Another quick search produced spoons, which he slid into the mugs. By the time Neria returned he was seated at the table munching happily on his banana. 

[temptationinallthings]

She would have protested when he took her bag, but she was too tired and sore to manage it. Just keeping up with his longer strides was half way to doing her in anyway. If she’d been paying attention, she would have caught his impatience (or was it annoyance) but she was far too busy concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. She wanted to tell him that there was definitely a need, but she wasn’t going to complain. He was far more familiar with running than she was. If that was the way it had to be, then that was what she was going to do. 

She wanted to sigh in relief when the cabin finally loomed into view, but she resisted. No sense celebrating too soon after all. However, when he waved her forward, she gave a hearty murmur of gratefulness and moved toward him. His recommendation for clothing was one that she more than agreed with, and she moved into the only other room of the cabin. It was reasonably sized, and she moved to the dresser, but all of the clothing were male, and the ornaments decorating the walls soon explained why.

It was a hunting cabin. Great. There wasn’t anything even remotely close to her own size, but at least they were better quality. So she pulled out the jeans, and took her knife out of her back and sawed off the bottoms so that they were at least the right length. There was nothing she could do about the waist, and the only belt she found was about three times too large as well. Once again she hacked it down to size, then punched her own hold in for the clasp. Finally she pulled an oversized flannel shirt and eyed it dolefully. Her size had never seemed annoying until now. There was little she could do about the shirt. She found a simple white tunic undershirt and pulled it on, almost laughing when it hit mid thigh. Tucking it into the pants, she pulled the flannel shirt on and tight it at her middle. To complete the picture of what looked more like a little girl digging through her father’s clothing, she added a baseball cap, tucking her hair through the back.

The shoes were a no go. Even if she’d wanted, she couldn’t have made them work. She tried to think of a way to make her own slippers better, but if she added anything there would be no room for her feet. “Well…here’s hoping we get lucky and stumble over someone with smallish feet.” She muttered before finally emerging. The sight of the food had her stomach growling and she moved to sit down eagerly. The first bite sank all the way to the bottom. It was a sensation she hadn’t experienced since before she’d been taken to the circle, and it made her pause. Was this to be her new life? She frowned at the bowl, but then shook off the thoughts. There would be time for that later. Right now she was just going to do what Anders said. After a few more bites, she finally glanced at her companion to add, “Thank you Anders…” When he glanced at her she added, “For helping me. You didn’t have to. So…thank you.”

[temptationinallthings]

Dangers of Herb Collecting [Bethany || Neria]

[sunshinehawke]

“The bus will be perfectly fine” Bethany responded after having locked the door to the apartment. She followed the other down the stairs and out of the complex. Luckily the bus they rode wasn’t all that crowded. While they might have been able to fit on the bus regardless, it was nice to be able to sit during the ride to their stop.

When the bus came to a complete stop she followed Neria out of the vehicle and toward their destination. A light laugh escaped her when the other asked her about “nosey, inconsiderate people” barging in on her.  “Well, I don’t think I would consider you one of those people, if that was what you were getting at” she said with a smile, her eyes glancing at the others before looking at their surroundings. “But normally I try to understand why they are being nosey or inconsiderate. Some people come off that way because they are worried or in a rush. If they are acting in that manner on purpose for no reason… Well, then it’s an entirely different matter.”

“Do not worry about taking up my time, I’m happy to help. I would much rather help someone than waste time sitting around the apartment” she reassured the other. She could have gone to Anders’s Clinic, but he more than likely had enough help for the rest of the day. Neria was in need of help and she was only by herself.

While she might have been looking for Garrett initially, it sounded like a task that Bethany would be able to help her with right away. That way Neria wouldn’t have to wait and Garrett could continue on with the work he was doing. After all, they were only looking for herbs that she needed. They might have to protect themselves by fending off some spiders, but it wasn’t exactly a job that put them in immediate danger.

[temptationinallthings]

It was fortunate she’d been out to some of the outlying areas of Kirkwall for herb hunting or she might not have been able to find the bone pit at all. Once they were out of the city, she pushed her cloak back over her shoulders so that she wasn’t as warm, and she glanced over at her companion with a faint smile as she listened to her . “Well I think you may be a bit generous then, but I’m glad you don’t think so regardless.” She said with an easy smile.

Reassured that the young woman really didn’t mind offering her time, Neria nodded, and put it out of her mind, though she made a mental note to try and add a bonus to what she’d planned to offer the other gentleman just for going out of her way to be so helpful. It was a rare trait these days, especially in Kirkwall. Sometimes it seemed as though the entire city had adopted the creed ‘every man for himself’ people were so focused on themselves.

When they finally reached what looked to be the Bone Pit, her nose crinkled faintly at the small dark cavern. “Well I don’t mind saying that I don’t like the looks of that.” She confessed, amber eyes sliding over the other scenery for a moment before she sighed and straightened her shoulders. “Ahh well. If I want those mushrooms, in we must go.” She noticed an old basket near the entrance with what looked to be torches, so she grabbed up two, handing one to Bethany before her nose crinkled wryly. “I don’t suppose you could?” She smiled when a few moments later her torch blazed to life and then she turned back to the mouth of the cave. “Alright…here goes.” And with her torch held high, she descended into the darkness.

Half an Hour Later

They’d been winding their way through the semi darkness for the better half of an hour when she found her first set of mushrooms. “Excellent! I knew this place would be perfect as soon as I saw it on the map.” She knelt down, carefully clipping the caps off so as not to damage the plant base and stowing them in her pack before she unfurled her map of the cave and made a quick notation. When she was done, she glanced back at Bethany. “How are you doing?”

[temptationinallthings]

A Tour of the Rose [Feynriel || Neria]

[sandintheireyes]

Feynriel squeezed her hand back, his smile brightening even more.  He didn’t know how or why it was happening like this, but after a lifetime of fearful isolation, it was as if the world was trying to make up for it, now, suddenly giving him access to friendship and understanding in ways he’d never known before. 

Not to mention knowledge.  The prospect of seeing Neria’s shop and learning from her – things he could actually use to help people – had him almost excited enough to forget how tired he was.  It was late, however, and even if he felt like he had extra energy, this was no time to press that. 

“I’ll come find you at your shop during normal-people hours sometime soon, then?  When would be good for you, or should I just show up and we can plan from there?” he asked eagerly, piling napkin atop cleared plate out of habit and pushing it aside where it could be easily picked up.

[temptationinallthings]

She copied his gesture, stacking her own dishes up and sweeping the crumbs that had spilled around the plate into her hand before dumping them on the plate. Grinning at him, she nodded. “Absolutely. I look forward to it. If you have the chance to send a note ahead, I can work with my assistant to make sure the shop is covered so I can work with you in the back.” Her eyes lit up with an excitement that never failed to envelope her when she thought about working (or sharing that work with others) in her garden or brewing potions.

Glancing around, she noticed that they seemed to be the only ones left, and she glanced at her watch. “Goodness look how late I’ve kept you.” Shaking her head, she pushed out of the booth, and when he stood, she leaned forward to press a kiss to his cheek. “Take care Feynriel. I’ll look forward to having you at the shop.” She smiled brightly, and then dug into her pocket for a few silvers, adding them to the table before she waved and slipped out of the café. Life in Kirkwall was not at all what she’d expected, but she grew to love it just a little more with each day despite the troubles that came with it…  

[temptationinallthings]

What is it you desire most that you do not already have? What's the strangest request you've had for potions or herbs since you've owned your shop?

It’s really foolish of me, but I’ve always wanted children. Really I’d be happy with just one, but in the circle they don’t want you to think about children. Ancestors forbid we pass on our magic…but I don’t think its a curse, and I’d love to be a mother.

Ummm… I mean I’ve pretty much heard it all? From ‘strange itching’ to ‘long lasting’ I get a lot of requests. Though…I suppose there was this one  gentleman a few months back that asked if I had something to help with a fungus on his…package. That wouldn’t have been so odd if the fungus weren’t something normally carried by nugs. 

[temptationinallthings]

Greatest regret? Favorite book?

I really don't know. Everything I could think of…if it hadn't happened I wouldn't be here today, and I like who I am today. I suppose I regret not knowing my parents names. I can never look them up…and I'll never know if I have a family out there. 

You'll laugh, but I suppose I did promise to tell the truth. I found an old book of fairytales when I was at the Circle. Mostly romantic gibberish, heroes and the like. It was called a 1000 Nights of Bedlam. I've yet to find another copy.

[elissaromildecousland]

Two Truths for Tuesday

You may ask two questions and my muse must answer them truthfully.

[fereldan-commander]

♖ Petals & Pain :: [ for Neria ]

[fereldan-commander]

Duncan’s body had the tendency to build resistance to things quickly, so it was likely that his immunity to the tea would develop fast and hard. Still, it had—as the woman had kindly pointed out—helped him just then, so it was worth a try.

"Exactly what I just did, hm? And how many times per day am I meant to sit and let myself fall unconscious?" Despite his words, his lips curled into a warm and appreciative smile, his eyes reflecting nothing but gratitude. "I will try to find the time. As it is, I’ve probably spent more here than I ought." A reluctant sigh caught in his chest, hitching as he pushed himself to stand, retrieving his cane from where it leaned nearby.

"How much do I owe you?" He followed her back into the store but did not tail her to the workroom, realizing that it likely wasn’t meant to be for customers, and instead stood near the checkout counter, allowing the interesting sights and smells of the shop to distract him.

At the very least, he was feeling considerably better than when he’d entered, even if the effects would prove decidedly temporary.

[temptationinallthings]

She smiled faintly and shook her head. “I did not necessarily mean during the day serrah. Perhaps at night, when you are ready to retire though, it could be useful no?” She wasn’t too surprised by his comment. Grey Wardens weren’t exactly the ‘lets stand around doing nothing type’. She suspected that was something the joining ceremony naturally weeded out. After all, not everyone made it through that process, and she’d never met a lazy warden.

She watched him regain his feet, curbing the desire to help him. She didn’t know him, but she recognized that glint in his eye. So once he’d retrieved his cane, she turned to lead the way back through her toward the front. Leaving him to browse, she bustled back into her workroom to gather the tea bags she’d made for him, pleased that it had worked, and hoping it continued to do so.

Returning to the front where he was waiting, she gave him the price and then said, “But please…if it stops being effective, don’t hesitate to come back. There are other herbs I could try, I just prefer to start on an even base first.” She said as she pushed the specially designed herbal tea across the counter toward him.  

[temptationinallthings]

[temptationinallthings]

Old Friends, New Places [Nathaniel & Neria]

[butchers-boy]

Nathaniel wished he didn’t flinch at the cold edge to Neria’s words when she spoke of his father’s incarceration. She had never been the man’s biggest fan. 

But the last words she spoke, no matter how much in jest she might have meant them, sent a stream of ice through his veins. Rendon Howe would tolerate such an indiscretion from no one; man, woman, elf, human, no one. His retaliation for such an act would be swift and extreme, and not seen until it was far too late to be avoided.

"You must promise me you would never do such a thing." Nathaniel insisted, tipping Neria’s face up with a gentle but firm finger against her chin. "You are saying this in jest, but I know there is a part of you go wishes to do exactly that. My father would…" Something flashed through his silverite eyes as they held fast to hers, a concern that went far deeper than had ever been voiced. "I would not see you suffer any further at anyone’s hand. Not so long as I stay breathing.”

[temptationinallthings]

Neria blinked in surprise at the intensity of his words, her smile fading slightly as she peered up into his face. Normally she would have made some quip about never offering such an insult to his family, but the gleam in his eyes held her fast, and she couldn’t quite conjure her normal flippancy. Licking her lips she nodded and finally looked down.

He was right of course. “Alright. No defending your honor.” She agreed, though she didn’t promise. She’d learned the value of being careful with her words. Life was never what one expected, and she knew if that wretched man that called himself Nate’s father ever did anything to Nate, and she had the chance, she’d probably do more than yell at him. In the grand scheme of things it would likely be best to never run into the cantankerous old arse.

She sighed softly, cuddling close once again as she let the topic of his father drop. “I still can’t believe you’re here.” She said at last, her lips curving again. “I have found so much in Kirkwall that I thought I’d lost, and some things that I never even knew I was missing.” She tilted her head back to peer up at him. “So I guess it wasn’t all for naught, eh?”