TDM #5

[calderaevents]

ARRIVAL

It happens in an instant. A heavy weight in your gut, a trembling of your limbs, the world spins and you barely have time to register that you're falling before you lose consciousness. And when you awaken, it's not where you were last. Dark, unadorned oak walls surround you in a tiny room, the only furniture the bed you are currently resting upon, and the bedside table with a folded piece of parchment resting atop it that simply reads:

“The Tavernkeeper is awaiting your arrival downstairs.”

As you exit you find others like yourself emerging from the surrounding rooms. You are indeed in a tavern, but there is no hustle and bustle one might think to hear in such a place. The only person down on the main floor is a humanoid figure wiping down the bar, who smiles when they see you. They're familiar, but not, and you can't quite place their face. For some reason, however, their presence is comforting and warm.

“Welcome, Visitor. I'm sure you have a lot of questions.”

And you most certainly do.

Due to popular demand, the starter tavern and the drinks provided are available to in game characters via a portal accessible only to those with a faction gem.

DRINK MENU

FLAMEFRUIT SANGRIA a deep red wine based punch with chunks of softly glowing fruit floating in it. A single serving makes you feel relaxed, social, and maybe even a little flirty.

MOLTEN MEAD Though the thick drink itself is room temperature, it bubbles sluggishly, and feels very warm going down. The bold flavor affects your mood. You feel very bold! Like you could do anything!

BESALT BRANDY a hopefully staple drink for the brewery, this liquor is smooth and rich with a peppery bite. Ironically after consuming it, you kinda want to bite someone! Not hard! Just a little nip and nibble!

THAT ASHY ESPRESSO a single potent shot of dark espresso swirled with a gold-tinged cream. Intense and bitter with a hint of caramelized sugar. You are now very awake, hyper, and excited.

PYROCLAST'S WHISKEYa glossy black whiskey that turns a vibrant glowing orange when swirled. You now breathe fire.

EMBERMARK WINE a rich, velvety, spiced wine that immediately makes one feel mellow and calm.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY

As the effects of your drink wear off, the Tavernkeeper speaks once more:

”It is time, my friends, for you to find your new homes.”

You are compelled to walk through the only door leading out of the tavern, finding yourself not outside, but in a deep black, seemingly endless room with five portals arranged in a circle. As the last of you leave and the door closes behind you, gone when you look back again and replaced with nothing but that black void, three of the portals illuminate:

The first portal is surrounded by an almost blinding light, prismatic rainbows shining brightly in the dewy air outside of the tavern. A soft breeze may gently caress you, pulling you toward it. The portal seems to lead to a city in the clouds, airships and winged beings of all sorts soaring through the skies. Of the little bits of visible land, much of it boasts giant waterfalls that look like clouds melting into the land below. The portal calls to those who crave independence and freedom; and especially to anyone that wishes to find the strong bond of a family not forged in blood.

The second portal is encircled by a fairy ring of spotted white capped mushrooms, the faint scent of damp stone and rich earth wafting from within the faint green glow. Peering inside, one can see a sprawling harbor city of gray hewn stone, a melting pot of humanoid beings going about their day, and beyond, rolling green farmland and cottages clustered in small villages. This portal is destined for those who crave stability and solid ground beneath their feet. A simple life, an adventurous one, and everything in between can be found within.

The last portal is adorned with shells and seaweed, the glow of blue around it catching on droplets cascading down the circular opening. Beyond it you see a city housed inside a massive bubble deep under the ocean, spiraling towers encrusted with coral, and a variety of different creatures mingling about the streets. Outside of that bubble, merfolk swim, a massive squid engulfs the view from the portal as it smoothly glides through the water, and schools of fish disperse as it passes. A sanctuary in the sea that calls to those with a hunger for knowledge and a desire to aid those in need. Or perhaps it is the mystery that beckons you - the lure of the unknown in the depths that bids you explore it.

---

Upon following the pull of the breeze through the first portal, you are thrust into the beauty of a lively city that goes by the name of Heaven's Bow. Much of this main city feels exactly as you would expect on a city below, but there are clouds surrounding every direction you look. The walls of buildings are made with light-colored limestone, and buildings are generally built up to heights made even more grandiose by their position in the sky.

The Skyfall Docks are the first thing you notice, boasting hundreds of airships sailing in and out across the clouds with shouts that accompany a typical port city. Just outside is a fantastic market with goods not only from the other regions of Caldera, but from what some shopkeepers claim are other worlds--items sold or left behind by Visitors. Almost anything can be found in the markets if one is willing to look hard enough. Transport to other locations throughout the sky and even to the land or sea can be found here.

If the docks are too lively for you, you may instead find yourself roaming the underbelly of Heaven's Bow and finding brothels and gambling parlors filled with the promise of pleasure and fortune. The guild house for the Sylphs can be found here as well, giving out quests and training to prospective adventurers and guards alike--though none of them seem concerned with the illicit activities that surround them. Perhaps the freedom the Sylphs boast of extends to what others may deem an undesirable activity.

But most curious of all, you find a shimmering opal gemstone in your hand. When placed anywhere on the body, it will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

---

If it was the second portal that called to you, you will find yourself in the busy city of Grey Ward, with its cobblestone streets and sturdy grey stone buildings. You are in the heart of the city, the Glass Market, so named for the colorful stained glass windows of the surrounding buildings. The scent of cooking food and the sound of barkers fills the air; watchful guards keep an eye out for pickpockets and thieves, and citizens go about their day. From here, one can investigate the rest of the city: the Sundown Docks, where both sea and sky faring skips transport people and goods. The Soot Spire, home of inventors and engineers. The Hearthstill, the main residential area. The Downs, a smaller residential area for those with less means.

Outside the city walls, one can explore acres of farmlands to the east and west, or follow Terra’s Pass to the less settled areas, but take care. Past the Skyward Range, out in the smaller burrows and villages, the influence of the city guard diminishes quickly, and you’ll have to keep your wits about you. Bandits along the road are always a risk, and the wildlife are less controlled by regimented hunting.

In your hand is a gemstone, a brilliantly green emerald that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

---

If the last portal beckoned you through it, you find yourself within that bubble covered city beneath the sea, the city of Salt Spire. Your ears pop with the change in pressure, and the smell of the salty sea fills your nostrils. All around you buildings made of dark stone encrusted with coral and seagrass tower high above your head, the backdrop outside the dome a deep blue, seemingly endless sea filled with fish and merfolk and all other manner of creature swimming through the water. You stand in the heart of it all, surrounded by people with gils on their necks and scales upon their vibrantly colored skin, all of whom seem intrigued by your arrival. You have many options of where to visit in the city under the sea, but where oh where will you go first?

The Salt Spire Library is right before you, an impossibly large building housing thousands upon thousands of books of all genres. Fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery and all between. You may even find books from your world and others! Oddly enough though, no Calderan history books are to be found, and if you ask for them, the librarians and locals all choose to ignore your questions.

If scholarly pursuits aren't to your interest currently, perhaps a trip to Bluetide Market would be more your style? The marketplace is host to every manner of shop one might ever need: artisans of all varieties, apothecaries and healers in the Shimmer Quarter, the most in fashion undersea clothing shops, food stalls, and all between can be found in Bluetide. There are also the Tideshore and Fogbottom docks on either end of the city. The former allows transport to the surface via large, magical bubbles for those that cannot hold their breath or make the swim themselves yet. The latter allows people to venture further into the sea. Those without their underwater abilities are offered rebreathers for travel that last for four hours before needing to be replaced.

In your hand is a gemstone, a shining sapphire that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

IGNACIA'S CRADLE/EMBER VEIL

Months ago, a piece of land from Heaven’s Bow fell from the sky and scarred the land below, damaging a part of the city. From that chaos and ruin rose new life, a new ruler, and a new city: Ignacia’s Cradle. Just a short walk from the edge of Grey Ward, the gates of the city are guarded by two massive obsidian golems, and any who did not rise from the lava itself are warned at the entrance that to travel about the city will be most difficult, unless they have obtained a way to mitigate the extreme heat: be that with a charm, an ability, or a potion. The very streets themselves are paved in slabs of volcanic rock, tall spires of buildings constructed and shaped by rapidly cooled lava. The main method of travel are the mine carts, with tracks that wind through the spires ready to take one to almost any location.

Currently, the main feature of Ignacia’s Cradle is the Lava Flats, home of skilled smiths that use the extreme heat of the lava to melt the strongest metals and create unbreakable weapons, glassmakers and jewelers who fashion elaborate headpieces, rings, and amulets. These items are sold at the Ember Market on the outskirts of the Flats.

At the edge of the city lies the Ashfall Terrace, where a small farm using the rich volcanic ash and soil is in its infancy, as well as the Basalt Brewery where clever alchemists are researching ways to use the extreme heat to craft new and unique beverages that they are eager to find folk to test them out on.

---

The hot spring of Ignacia’s Cradle is a breathtaking anomaly located just beyond the Ashfall Terrace, tucked into a secluded crater formed by the celestial impact that gave rise to the city. Here, molten veins from the Lava Flats weave beneath the earth, heating a natural reservoir that bubbled to life amidst the chaos. The spring’s waters shimmer with an ethereal brilliance, hues of deep turquoise blending with molten gold and fiery orange, as though Heaven’s Bow itself left behind a fragment of its essence. Steam rises in curling wisps, carrying the tang of minerals and faint traces of sulfur.

The spring, known to locals as The Ember Veil, is both a sanctuary and a marvel of natural wonder. Its soothing waters are reputed to heal wounds and fortify the spirit, with the temperature kept in perfect balance by an intricate system of naturally formed vents and channels. The edges are lined with intricately carved obsidian benches, where patrons can soak their feet or meditate in the rising steam. Plants resistant to the intense conditions—vivid fire lilies and ash ferns—dot the perimeter, their resilience a symbol of life’s ability to flourish even in the harshest environments.

Sometimes, when two or more individuals share the waters, the spring creates a subtle connection between their minds, allowing memories to surface like ripples on its surface. These shared memories appear as glowing, translucent scenes that hover above the water, visible to all within the spring. Participants can relive moments from their lives, experiencing them through each other’s eyes, fostering profound empathy and understanding.

Another of the spring’s mystical properties occurs when bathers who enter the waters feeling drained, injured, or burdened by grief often find their vitality restored. The waters seem to draw out negative energies and emotions, replacing them with a warm, invigorating sensation that spreads through the body. In rare instances, the spring has been known to accelerate physical healing, mending minor injuries and soothing chronic aches, as though the magic itself is stitching the body back together.

A lesser-known but equally fascinating effect happens on particularly clear nights, when the moonlight reflects on the spring’s surface, some bathers report fleeting glimpses of potential futures. These visions are often cryptic, appearing as brief, dream-like flashes, but they have guided many to life-changing decisions. The alchemists of the Basalt Brewery believe this effect stems from residual cosmic energy, and they have begun experimenting with enhancing it through the addition of rare minerals and lunar elixirs.

RADIANT SUN

The day begins like no other, with the skies painted in hues of golden-pink as the Radiant Sun ascends. Its light spills over the world, warm and soft, caressing the land and filling every heart with a sense of peace. Beneath its glow, emotions of love and connection bloom like never before. Strangers exchange heartfelt smiles, old friends embrace as though no time has passed, and lovers find their feelings deepened, their bonds strengthened.

Even the air feels different—lighter, sweeter, as though the universe itself is celebrating. The songs of birds harmonize with the melodies of impromptu musicians who feel inspired by the sun’s radiance. Those with magical abilities sense their powers of healing and creation magnified, as if the sun itself lends its strength to their intentions. Long-held grudges seem to melt away under the sun’s tender gaze, replaced by tears of reconciliation and words of forgiveness.

The Radiant Sun touches every heart differently:

◾A widow finds peace as memories of her late spouse no longer bring sorrow but gratitude for the love they shared.
◾A timid youth finds the courage to confess their feelings to the person they’ve admired for so long.
◾A gruff warrior lets down their guard, laughing freely with their companions for the first time in years.

For a fleeting moment, the world feels as it should be—unified, harmonious, and drenched in love.

But as the day wanes and the Radiant Sun dips below the horizon, an unease begins to settle...

JEALOUS MOON

The golden light gives way to deep purples and silvers as the Jealous Moon rises, its glow pale and cold. Its light pierces the heart, not to warm it, but to expose the insecurities that lie buried within. Where love had flourished during the day, doubt begins to creep in.

Under the Jealous Moon’s influence, emotions twist and darken:

◾A once-reconciled pair of siblings argue over old grievances, as jealousy over perceived favoritism resurfaces.
◾A couple, who had spent the day lost in each other’s arms, now question each other’s loyalty and intentions.
◾A nobleman, inspired to be generous during the day, grows suspicious of those who received his gifts, fearing they may exploit his kindness.

The air grows heavy with tension, and the magic of the Radiant Sun fades, replaced by the sharp sting of distrust. The moon’s pale light seems to follow people like a judgmental gaze, amplifying every fear, insecurity, and lingering resentment.

Worse still, the night seems endless, as though time itself has bent beneath the weight of the Jealous Moon’s envious glow. For three long days and nights, the moon lingers high in the sky, its pale, piercing light casting a shadow over hearts and minds, amplifying discord and despair. Its power sows strife among even the closest bonds, driving some to dangerous extremes. Yet, when all seems lost, the scholars of the three factions unite their wisdom and uncover a glimmer of hope—a means to dispel the moon’s cruel influence. For those who have not yet succumbed to jealousy’s grip, there remains a chance to reclaim harmony, a chance for redemption before the damage becomes irreversible.

The solution lies not in complex rituals or rare relics but in the simplest and most instinctive actions: physical connection. To weaken the moon’s hold, people must embrace one another—offering a hug, a handshake, or even resting a hand on someone’s shoulder. These gestures of closeness disrupt the isolation and mistrust that the moon thrives upon. Sitting side by side or holding hands creates a barrier against its oppressive light, reminding the afflicted that they are not alone. Even small acts, like sharing warmth through proximity or clasping arms in solidarity, build a shield of connection that the moon cannot penetrate.

As these actions ripple through the night, the Jealous Moon’s light begins to dim, its sharp, cold glow softening until it fades from the sky entirely. The tension in the air lifts, replaced by a quiet calm that feels almost foreign after the chaos of the past three days. Slowly, the world seems to exhale, and the darkness that clung so tightly to the hearts of many begins to loosen its grip. People step back from the brink of despair, their minds clearing as if waking from a long, disorienting dream. Relationships strained by the moon’s influence begin to mend as apologies are exchanged, tears are shed, and bonds are reaffirmed.

ALL IS WELL(?)

With the Radiant Sun rising again, its golden-pink hues spilling across the horizon, life begins to return to normal. The birds resume their morning songs, markets reopen, and the hum of daily activity fills the air once more. Though traces of the moon’s influence linger in whispered memories, there is a collective sense of relief and gratitude among the people—gratitude for the light, for connection, and for a second chance to heal.

In the outskirts of Ignacia's Cradle, Aella and Terra, two of the three leaders of the factions, come together to address the gathered crowds. Together they assure the people that this celestial event was a rare anomaly, something never before recorded in the annals of history. They explain that while the Jealous Moon’s influence was unprecedented and deeply unsettling, it was a unique alignment of cosmic forces that is unlikely to occur again in their lifetimes—or ever.

The leaders thank the people for their resilience and compassion, emphasizing how their acts of unity—simple gestures of closeness and connection—proved stronger than the moon’s envy. They commend the scholars for their quick thinking and the Visitors for their role in guiding others through the chaos. Finally, they urge everyone to move forward, not in fear of what has passed, but with the knowledge that even in the darkest moments, their strength lies in the bonds they share.

QUESTBOARD

Settled in? Good. It's time to make your way to the Questboard located in every city in numerous, easy to access locations. That is, if you want to make any kind of impact on the world or just get some Bones for anything you might wish to purchase. Visitors are given a very small stipend in which to survive every month, but all it does is keep you fed and housed. These quests will assure you greater wealth, and they're the main reason you're here: each finished quest helps the Calderans fix their shattering world.

Quests can be accepted at the questboard via magically signed parchment upon the board. Just sign your name to accept and the paper will be whisked away... somewhere. You're not actually sure. Probably nothing to concern yourself with.

Once quests are completed, earned Bones will be dropped off at the character's residence by Bonita, the mysterious artisan who has supposedly handcrafted every Bone circulating in Caldera. Please do not speak to her, she startles easily.

*February will be the last month to complete quests for this rotation. New ones will go up on March 1st.

OOC NOTES

Welcome to Caldera's fifth TDM! All characters awaken in a strange tavern with nothing save the clothes on their backs, all of their powers stripped, and a piece of parchment directing them downstairs to the Tavernkeeper. There is a thread of all questions answered by the Tavernkeeper here, and if you have more, feel free to ask there for what would be offered ICly.

For OOC questions, please direct themhere.

All locations are available to be explored! Ignacia's Cradle and Ember Veil have been added, along with details about the Violet Drop regarding the Cult of Triton.

The TDM is game canon and all completed quests can be carried over once accepted into the game.

Participation in the Radiant Sun/Jealous Moon effects is not mandatory.

main navigation

Comments

[lighten]

"She will be able to rest now, if nothing else."

Annette paused. "I have been given shelter at a small church in Heaven's Bow. Why?"

[thesunreturns]

"Sounds a bit like my younger daughter," Simon answered. Which is cheering him up -- he can argue that October shouldn't like him as much as she does, but she has made it clear that he's family. "Some people end up heroes, for better or for worse."

And between October and Simon's brother, he's pretty sure he's content with just being family to a hero.

"I have my own magic back, my lady, but I am not so skilled with anything that can touch the emotions. Illusions, and transformation magic." He's not going to mention the blood magic, as that tends to unsettle people.

Ember Veil

[lostinasong]

Grace's crossed arms were resting on the edge of the pool, cheek resting on her forearm, and she was humming softly, thoroughly enjoying the acoustics of the area and the way her voice bounced off the water and the rock. She was so deeply relaxed that it took her a moment to realize someone was talking to her. And that the view in question was probably her naked back. With a soft scoff, she shifted to lift her head and propped her chin on her arm, raising a dark eyebrow at the cute guy grinning at her. "Terrible," she replied, crinkling her nose. "Cliche. A little boring. Tell me you have better lines than that."

go for it mate

[wrathstrikes]

For a moment, Felix wonders why the fuck a stranger is telling him a bit of information that personal. It's something Felix would never do. But then he realizes- that stranger knows that fact about Felix against his will, and is trying to even it out by sharing something equal.

"Yeah, no shit." His tone has softened slightly, but is still grumbly.

"Did everyone go on and on about your sister and how heroic she was to throw her life away for someone else?"

[lighten]

"Ha!" She barked out a laugh. "He would have our heads at the mere thought of it." She genuinely did not doubt that, somehow, he would know. "We are on the tail end of his own rebellion."

Fair point, though.

"I was the Baroness and Bishop of a town called Farbridge. The leadership there needed to be replaced, and it was I who took the spot. It was... trying." She replied. "What of you?"

Re: go for it mate

[thesunreturns]

"The opposite, actually. Everyone spoke about how it was a waste that she had died helping humans who weren't even her own people." Simon tilted his head, making sure Felix could see the pointed ears. 'Pointy ears' seem to be a common enough cue that something is odd about the speaker.

"They still made her death a symbol of their beliefs about the world, rather than about her as a person. I don't think any of us could have stopped September from doing what she thought was right, but there is a difference wishing your older sister hadn't been so reckless than using a stranger's death as a lesson to others."

Which was the common ground Simon was trying to find.

[needsexcitement]

"What sorts of illusions?" Cadence asked, pouncing on that. "Maybe you could tell stories with little illusions to help any frightened foals...er...children."

Forgive her, she was learning new terms for things.

"That can go a long way to help raise their spirits and maybe even those of their parents or anyone else who wants to listen!"

Was it going out and being some grand hero? Maybe not to minstrels and other grand storytellers, but he'd be a hero to the people he'd helped in this trying time.

[thecodexabides]

"He is a sorcerer, but he is...nice." Oh boy heresy, everyone's favorite. "I am sure he will speak to you."

"Yes? We travel through the Imperium. It is multiple star systems we access through the Warp." Which is basically a hyperspace hole torn through Hell that they run screaming through at high speed.

[thesunreturns]

"I could," Simon admitted. "I'll have to think of some, of course. It's been a while since my children were young."

Technically he now has a teenaged stepson, but Peter mostly sees him as 'August's father'. Which... he can't exactly fault the boy -- Peter already had two parents when they married Simon, but a sister was new and exciting.

[epicure]

Girl the back of your head is ridiculous.

"I fear not, darling." He said dramatically, leaning his head back so the long strands of gold grazed the dark rock behind him. "I only know the terrible clichés. Shall I just list them off until you hear one you like?" He cleared his throat. "Are your legs tired? Because you've been running through my mind all day." Or how about "do you have a map? I seem to be lost in your eyes-"

[Dan Avidan Voice] this went on for several hours.

[needsexcitement]

"See? We're not so useless after all!"

Cadence beamed at Simon in spite of the ominous moon above. Maybe it was because she wasn't human or humanoid so it didn't have quite the same pull on her. Or maybe it was as simple as being able to shake off its effects due to all the love inside of her like she had Prismia's spell so long ago despite not having a horn. Whatever the reason, she was glad for it in order to help pull her new friend out of it.

"My name's 'Cadence', by the way. Sorry I didn't tell it to you sooner."

[wrathstrikes]

Exactly, how else will you get cool action shots of the gloves and rizz everyone in a 50-metre radius if you don't spar with them?

Felix is very eager and serious about sparring, yes. Always, with anyone, but especially with a sword instructor who's tolerable to be around.

"Good," Felix says in a severe, determined tone that suggests that there's now no going back- Felix will drag him there if he has to.

"Sure. I'm a dryad or whatever it's called," his thumb slips into one of his sword belts, pulling on the clasp that now has an emerald laid into it, "so I'm staying nearby in an inn until I find another place. I'll be around."

[youknowwhothisis]

He shrugged his shoulders. "Partially. They hide the horns or the wings or whatever so they can fit through doorways or be less threatening-looking, but I can do the whole thing, hmhm..."

He tapped a hoof to his chin. "I could take a minute and cook up a new one. I'm getting a feel for the aesthetic from ya: Softer features, solid-colored fur... could do the horn and wings, too. Alicorn, you said...?"

ember veil

[dalishoriginal]

"Zev... Never change."

Zevran is not the only nude elf in these hotsprings. Well he was, up until a minute ago. He isn't now. Move over, buddy.

"Oh, shit. This is... Damn," Hot. It's real hot. It's also really damn delicious, "Okay, I'm seeing the appeal of the Hot Springs. I get it, now."

[epicure]

Finally, someone who knew how to party. Zevran scooted over, just enough to let the other elf in. He chuckled.

"A bit on the warm side, dear Warden?" He teased. "I hear such springs are good for aching muscles. I imagine you have many of those these days."

[borelblue]

'Don't leave' - he's already setting his towel down and stepping into the pool, heart aching.

"And I, you, Halsin," he says quietly. "I am here."

Aymeric moves in next to him, and guides Halsin's head into the crook of his long, elegant neck. He sighs from the heat of the water and the touch of his lover both.

"I am here."

[dalishoriginal]

"Oh excuse me for not being used to boiling up like a stew," Get splashed, idiot, "You have... no idea. I used to think Loghain was a pain in the ass, then I got to Weisshaupt."

Do not mind him one bit he is just going to stretch out and lean back. Oh yeah, that's the stuff.

"I mean, it's not like I'm busy, I'm just the senior Warden for the entirety of fucking Ferelden. I got time to go on a trip to Orlais, who cares? And get snatched up to wherever this place is," He thinks about that for a minute. They've seen some weird shit together, but this is an entirely new experience. Where are they, even? "It's almost the nicest kidnapping I've ever had. You?"

[lost_and_foundry]

"But why would I put you in a position where you might feel like you had to lie to me?" Barcus smiles, expression mild and soft, though his eyes are as bright and clever as ever. "No, I'll save my questions for when I really need to know the answers."

He tilts his head slightly, unfamiliar with the word Solas uses, unfamiliar with the Qunari. He gives a slight shake of his head, mystified, as if to indicate they're talking at cross purposes, but offers his own form of clarification:

"We've used explosive powder in mining for centuries. Smokepowder is nothing new. I can make it here. Have done. With care and precision, it's only as dangerous as any other weapon."

"Runepowder is more than that, though its function is much the same. It's more powerful, and more poisonous." There is also the spiritual concern of taking up the weapon a god discarded as too terrible and turning it to one's own ends. When the gods think something is too harsh, it's too harsh.

"Wulbren was always clever," he adds with a sigh. There's an ache in his voice, some stress or sorrow only partly related to the matter at hand. "Very clever, very bold, very brave."

[wrathstrikes]

Felix's work on sharpening the blade with the whetstone must have done the trick, because it does cut pretty well. However, he's not expecting a counter-attack so soon, because he doesn't expect superhuman speed from such a large man. In Fodlan, large men in heavy armor are slow as hell. Felix doesn't know yet that Caldera is a much bigger pond than Fodlan; people have lifespans and abilities that are far beyond what he thinks possible.

The push slams him against the wall, and he grunts as some of the air is knocked out of his chest, but stays on his feet, light on the balls of them. He recovers and darts quickly toward Gadriel, feinting in one direction before going the other, to attempt another slice at a more exposed part of his abdomen.

[wrathstrikes]

So he's not human. Not a huge surprise, since many, if not most, people here seem to have something more than human going on.

Made her death a symbol of their beliefs about the world, rather than about her as a person. That hits Felix. He is not good with words, so he never had the right words for why it made him so angry, until just now.

He looks up at Simon, nods.

"Yes, exactly. You get it." A phrase that Felix almost never says to anyone for any reason. He always feels misunderstood, especially about this, and it's a relief for someone to see his point of view.

"So many people in my world think it's noble to sacrifice yourself for a King or an Emperor or even an ally. They're so ready to throw their lives away in blind obedience. If Glenn had been more concerned with his life than with perfect knighthood, he might still be alive."

A few beats of silence.

"Dead is dead. Him dying for a good reason doesn't change that he's gone."

Waters of Memory

[fundamentalchaos]

"Hey Orym I was wondering if-" Ashton hadn't been ready to see it, not really. No matter how much he expected it might happen, no matter how much he dreaded it, it's hard to watch one of the people you felt most responsible for do...that.

Even after the vision is gone Ashton is left standing stock still staring at the waters surface, a sheet of rippling water that reflects the light.

This was one of the things they had been keeping from him. Letters, FCG, Fresh Cut Grass....Faithful Caregiver. Dead. He wants to be angry, wants to rage and break something, wants to punch a wall or something. There's so much going on in their head right now, so much boiling to the surface that they can't quite think straight. It's all a mess and at the top of it all is this deep disappointment in themself. Why hadn't they stopped it, why had they failed to keep their friend from sacrificing themself?! Ashton's hands shake and they can't move from where they are staring into the water, not even registering the hot tears falling down their face.

"Wh-what the fuck..."

[goethbeforethefall]

Solas has no answer for Barcus' denial, and so he makes no further objection. Perhaps it is different, perhaps it is not. There is no point in making comparison when no true comparison can be made. Except that, something in Barcus' voice echoes old sorrows, tugging on memory, and the thought the comes to Solas then is... Much more difficult to discard.

Cautiously, Solas draws nearer, considering his words carefully. What is there for him to say, that could not be painful? He cannot know the truth, and only make a guess the source of Barcus' expression. In the end he says only simply:

"You loved him," And then, "Tell me what happened?"

[goethbeforethefall]

"Yes, the proverbial gilded cage," He opines, and the driness of his tone is nearly a sneer all by itself, "It is frustrating in the extreme. And yet, the residents of this place seem largely content with their lot here."

Which is its own kind of frustrating, really. There should be riots, resistance, resentment... not this vapid subservience. But then, Solas was not entirely innocent of compliance himself.

"It is far worse, for mages," He says, into that thoughtful silence. These Leaders are dangerous, he clearly understands that much, but how dangerous? "They strip those who come here with magic of their connection to the Fade, or any other source of power. Until you work to earn it back, of course."

[thecodexabides]

He let her tip his face up to face her, bringing his eyes up last, trying, and failing, to blink the tears away. He can feel them burn in his eyes, blurring his vision.

He didn't deserve this, didn't deserve her forgiveness, or any of what she had done. She had been his first friend and ally here, only ever trying to show him nice things, things he'd never had before. More than anyone here, she had tried to bridge the gap--not trying to understand him, but trying to show him her world and let him make the leap. "I don't know how...."

He didn't dare move, afraid of touching her, the memories it might awake, though it felt like the very blood in his body wanted to touch her, just one last time. But he had always been bound, by his duty, and she would always be free.

And now he would never have that again. Because forgiveness is sweet but bittersweet, because it means that something was broken--a cup, mended, can still hold water, but it is not the same cup as before, bearing the cracks of its break. She was the first pure and beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes on, and he was speechless before her again, knowing this was probably the last time he would see her, before she darted off, like a deer in the moonlight, white tail flashing, to the happiness she deserved.

[kusuriuris]

He gives a good natured laugh. "I find drinks make my work easier, people tend to loosen their lips with sake flowing."

The Medicine Seller tilts his head in a catlike manner, looking the stranger over. "I take it you've recently arrived?" he asks. There's an emerald on a chain wrapped around his kerchief, clearly already settled in.