592 réponses à ce sujet

[berelinde]

Summary: Beldin passes out, wakes up, and gets really, really emotional.

 

Spoiler

Beldin stood, still and silent, as tears ran down his cheeks. He never felt the knife that passed between his wrists, cutting his bonds. His head swam and his vision went white.

 

Soft wool brushed against his skin as someone draped a blanket around his shoulders.

 

"Here, lad," Sal's voice sounded tinny in his ears. A rigid object pressed against the backs of his knees. "Why don't ye take a seat while ye get yer bearings, aye?"

 

Gentle hands took his arms, but their grip tightened as his knees buckled.

 

The next thing he knew, he was sitting in the chair, his head between his knees. His chest heaved with sobs and his throat burned with the air he did not expect to be breathing at this moment.

 

"Is Cook really in such dire need of scrubbing cloths that you had to tear up his clothes in the middle of the night and give them to her?" Tarl's voice demanded.

 

"Sorry, my lord," Pel said. "We... er... didn't really expect that he'd need them anymore."

 

Tarl sighed. "And nothing of mine will fit. Run across the street to the Arbor and tell Harlan you need a tunic and shirt at once. It will be too short in the arm, but we don't have time to sew him new things. Coalan's would fit, but I don't want him involved in this."

 

Footsteps pattered away.

 

Beldin dried his eyes - no longer swollen - on his breeches and sat up.

 

"Better now?" Sal asked. "Thought we lost you for a moment. Fainted dead away!"

 

Beldin stood, rejoicing in the ache of his knees and the burn where the rope abraded his wrists. He drew the blanket around his shoulders like a mantle, and shifted it around until his arms were free. Etienne stood nearby.

 

Now that the shock of being alive was past, love and gratitude filled his heart and he could no longer contain it. He threw his arms around Etienne and pulled the slender man into an embrace, thumping him on the back.

 

"I will never forget this!" he said, his voice hoarse and ragged with emotion. He opened his arm and drew Rael into the hug. "What you did for me - what all of you did - I... oh, Maker, thank you!"

 

Everything was forgotten. All of the pain, the fear of discovery, even the aching loneliness that had been his constant companion for the last eight years. He was loved. Affection ignited in his chest and sent fire through his limbs, but he was glad of it. He got his pyre after all, but it was his resentment that burned, melting like lead and then charring to ash before it fell away from him, leaving him feeling lighter and cleaner than he had ever thought possible.

 

But someone was missing. Someone he dearly wanted to thank for his freedom.

 

He let go of Etienne and Rael and started toward the doors at the back of the courtroom, stopping only to bow profound thanks to Tempest. He longed to embrace her as he had the others, but he remembered what she said.

 

"That's twice you've healed me," he said, closing his hands over his heart. "I want to thank you, but words are inadequate. Know that I treasure your friendship, and I stand in awe of the beauty of your soul."

 

He paused again when he reached Mercuriel and Laurelin.

 

"You two," he said. Words were becoming increasingly difficult, but his heart was too full for silence. "I don't know if I'll ever earn the... the friendship you gave me today, but I will always remember it. You're the brother and sister I wish I had. Thank you."

 

"Have we got any clue,about where Bartha could have gone?" Laurelin whispered.

 

"She left a note behind," Beldin said. "The warden read it aloud right before you arrived. She said she was going to Redcliffe, and I intend to find her. I need to thank her for giving me my life back."

 

He turned to the others.

 

"We're all in this together," he said, "so maybe we'd better gear up and go swiftly. I know the way. I was born not thirty miles from here."

[mysteriouspast]

When she saw the color drain from Beldin's face, Rael rushed towards him, but paused when she saw that Dale's servants had the situation well in hand.

 

 

 

"Is Cook really in such dire need of scrubbing cloths that you had to tear up his clothes in the middle of the night and give them to her?" Tarl's voice demanded.

 

"Sorry, my lord," Pel said. "We... er... didn't really expect that he'd need them anymore."

 

Tarl sighed. "And nothing of mine will fit. Run across the street to the Arbor and tell Harlan you need a tunic and shirt at once. It will be too short in the arm, but we don't have time to sew him new things. Coalan's would fit, but I don't want him involved in this."

 

Rael threw up her arms in exasperation and muttered something about Beldin needing a personal tailor on retainer.

 

 

Now that the shock of being alive was past, love and gratitude filled his heart and he could no longer contain it. He threw his arms around Etienne and pulled the slender man into an embrace, thumping him on the back.

 

"I will never forget this!" he said, his voice hoarse and ragged with emotion. He opened his arm and drew Rael into the hug. "What you did for me - what all of you did - I... oh, Maker, thank you!"

 

He let go of Etienne and Rael and started toward the doors at the back of the courtroom...

 

Rael smiled in delight as Beldin brought Etienne into a giant bear hug. The disparity between their relative sizes was never more apparent and she covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. Her laughter died, however, when Beldin's arm scooped her up and crushed her into his side--the other half of the bear hug. If Etienne was smaller by far, then Rael was minuscule and her pointed toes danced back and forth, inches from the floor.

 

Finally, Beldin released them and bounded off towards Tempest. Landing on the ground unsteadily, Rael lost her footing and found herself stumbling into Etienne, who caught her in his arms. She blushed as she found herself in his embrace, slowly raising her eyes to meet his.

[TreeHuggerHannah]

When Tarl named Tempest as Beldin's advocate, she knew the trial was essentially over. The ending was predetermined. She would not testify falsely against an innocent man. And if Beldin was was willing to take a beating to prevent her from being accused of magic use, he surely would not allow her life to be taken in a suicidal bid to lose his own. 

 

Still, when the verdict was rendered, she let out a long breath she hadn't realized she was holding. A wave of euphoria rushed over her. Beldin was a free man. Not only free, but he had been cleared of the crime for which he had been sentenced. Though the brand would always remain on his skin, the sting of condemnation was gone now that he had solid proof of his innocence.

 

Tempest noted that Beldin had considered hugging her and stopped short, and for that consideration she was grateful. She had no fear of Beldin. Even so, extensive physical contact with males could be difficult for her, and she was surprised but touched that he realized that.

 

She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze instead.

 

"I treasure your friendship too, Beldin," she said. "What you did for me... it did not go unnoticed. I'm sorry you got hurt, but I'm grateful that you would go to such lengths to protect me. You are a good man, and a true friend. I'm glad you have your freedom now."

 

It briefly crossed her mind that Tarl might be able to do the same thing for her, if she told him what had happened and showed him the scars. He might not believe her, though, and she had seen that he was capable of violence if he deemed it necessary; surely a blood mage would merit such rough treatment. Even if the warden did take her side, he likely bore no authority to render judgment on a matter that had happened in the Free Marches. Nor had she ever been convicted of any crime. Besides, there was the problem of being considered an apostate because she had fled the Kirkwall Circle...

 

No, she couldn't ask for Tarl's help. And she had to make sure she remembered that although he had proven a helpful friend, he would also be a dangerous enemy to someone who got on his bad side. She needed to be careful around him.

 

"If Bartha is injured, she may need healing," Tempest agreed when plans were being made to go after her. "Eshara is well enough for the time being, and there's nothing more I can do for her right now. I'll get my staff, and meet you in a few moments so we can be on our way."

[Lorien19]

"You two," he said. Words were becoming increasingly difficult, but his heart was too full for silence. "I don't know if I'll ever earn the... the friendship you gave me today, but I will always remember it. You're the brother and sister I wish I had. Thank you."

Laurelin smiled in a rather pointless attempt  at Beldin to restrain her own tears and placed her hand on his shoulder even though she had to stand on the tip of her toes to reach him.
 

Who would have thought that a human of all things would call her sister,and actually mean it."I never had a brother..."Laurelin paused and looked back at Beldin "Your words do me great honor."Her voice cracked but she retained her composure "No matter how things will evolve...I want you to know that I will never forget them."
There was one last thing she could do and that was finding Bartha,and she knew exactly how.

"She left a note behind," Beldin said. "The warden read it aloud right before you arrived. She said she was going to Redcliffe, and I intend to find her. I need to thank her for giving me my life back."

"We're all in this together," he said, "so maybe we'd better gear up and go swiftly. I know the way. I was born not thirty miles from here.

Laurelin nodded she looked outside the window "There is a faster way to do this."She said in a stern tone "It is dangerous out there,so the sooner we find er the better."her voice became shaky for a second "I will go out and look for her,hopefully bump into Sarel and Tessa while I'm at it...They're also in great danger"





 

[ChachiBobinks]

Etienne made a mental note to speak with Tempest later. She seemed far too eager to let them know what role she had served in the healing of both Beldin and Eshara and... well... she seemed to be an honest woman. And he felt that honest put herself and her family in danger. (Request for a quick private PM before leaving!)

 

Thank the Maker that Beldin was not only healed, but exonerated. He couldn't imagine bearing an erroneous title but.. wearing the proof of such incorrect accusations in his flesh was something he could understand. Beldin had revealed a nearby Chantry and he made plans to pen a letter that night back to the Circle, asking Peonie if she knew of any sort of magic or poultice that could weaken the brand. His mind was spinning one-hundred rotations a second as Beldin pulled him in for a hug, crushing his lithe form against the warrior's body. Eyes widened as he looked up in confusion. It took a few moments before words and Rael's proximity combined and he knew what was going on again.

 

"I expect it will happen more," he replied, mouth twitching from want to grin. "Blades seem to desire you, serah Beldin."

 

The man hurried off and suddenly Etienne's arms were full of Rael instead. His breath caught and he looked at her, teeth immediately grasping his bottom lip. "I-I, ah.. apologize, messere Rael," he said weakly. He was.. apologizing for catching her. His actions seemed contrary to his words, though, and he pulled her closer instead.

[mysteriouspast]

The man hurried off and suddenly Etienne's arms were full of Rael instead. His breath caught and he looked at her, teeth immediately grasping his bottom lip. "I-I, ah.. apologize, messere Rael," he said weakly. He was.. apologizing for catching her. His actions seemed contrary to his words, though, and he pulled her closer instead.

 

Rael nestled her face into the place where his neck met his shoulder as his arms held her tightly. When he released her slightly, she traced her fingertip down his cheek, then brushed her lips just under his cheekbone.

 

Beldin's voice caused her to quickly turn her head towards the back of the room. "We're all in this together," he said, "so maybe we'd better gear up and go swiftly. I know the way. I was born not thirty miles from here."

 

She nodded at looked back at Etienne with a warm smile before stepping away. "I'm already suited up," she said to the room. "I'll grab my weapons and be ready immediately."

[ChachiBobinks]

Maker, was his heart destined to explode from sheer emotion. One moment, relaxing with a book. The next, ready to go to bat for a man he only knew so-so, then suddenly embraced and hugging and Rael smelled wonderful, wrapped up in his arms. He swallowed roughly and marveled in how well she fit in his arms. It was as if she was meant to reside there, tucked in against his shoulder and hugged close to his frame. It was.. comfortable.

 

She pulled back and took all of the air in his lungs along with her. He watched her with hooded adoration and let the smallest smile slip as he brushed his thumb over her chin.

 

Startled by by the interruption, Etienne grasped the back of his neck. "I'll need only a moment's time to prepare," he added meekly.

[berelinde]

 

Laurelin nodded she looked outside the window "There is a faster way to do this."She said in a stern tone "It is dangerous out there,so the sooner we find er the better."her voice became shaky for a second "I will go out and look for her,hopefully bump into Sarel and Tessa while I'm at it...They're also in great danger"

 

Beldin looked around and saw that Etienne and Rael were enjoying a quiet moment. Tempest traveled as lightly as he did, so she would not need much time to get her gear together. The only real delay was - to his dismay - himself. As eager as he was to run after Bartha, he really could not go charging up the Ruswold in naught but his pants. Warden Tarl's home was warm, but the wind was rising.

 

"Just keep in mind that it isn't any safer for you to be out there than it is for Bartha, Sarel, or Tessa," he said. "But if you've got something in mind, this would probably be a good time. I've got to armor up, and Pel isn't back yet."

 

Impulsively, he kissed the top of Laurelin's head and shot out the door toward his quarters, calling "I'll be back in a moment!" behind him as he ran for his armor and axe. The sword was still in the cellar, but he didn't need it and he didn't want to waste the time it would take to retrieve it.

 

He paused in his chamber just long enough to scoop up his armor and shield from the chair he was using as a makeshift armor stand and grab his axe from its place beside the bed. He'd leave the pack for now. The others had run off without theirs, so they would need to return here anyway.

 

By the time he got back, Pel was just returning with the borrowed clothes. The tunic smelled of ale and the shirt was still warm from Harlan's body.

 

"Did he give you the shirt from his back?" he asked Pel.

 

"It's busy in there tonight," Pel said. "He didn't have time to go upstairs and get clean clothes, and he figured it would just get bloodstained anyway."

 

Beldin could only shrug agreement. Most clothes he wore did wind up that way. He pulled on shirt and tunic - the sleeves stopped mid-forearm - and buckled on his armor.

 

"I'm ready to go when you are," he said.

[obsessedwjpn]

Everything had begun and ended so fast. Mercuriel felt like his head had just experienced whiplash. All he understood was that Beldin was being released from the trial as a free man and that made his heart swell with emotion. He wasn't sure why or when exactly he'd developed such fond associations with the human male but Beldin's innocence assured him that he'd made the right choice in standing by him. At least, he hoped. A small corner in Mercuriel's heart worried that he was just setting himself up for another let down, by either his own hand or just fate. He quickly squashed that thought. 

 

Beldin's warm voice brought Mercuriel back to reality. He was thanking both Laurelin and Mercuriel. Mercuriel didn't know what to say exactly. A human had just claimed him to be a brother. Such a familial relationship never occurred outside the Dalish clans. At least, Mercuriel had never had such a thing happen to him before. He had addressed Laurelin as sister because of their shared background but could he really accept Beldin's offer of brotherhood? 

 

For the moment Mercuriel put aside his concerns and shook hands with Beldin. He was just grateful for the trial to be over with and he would ruminate later on what a possible brotherhood/friendship with Beldin entailed. Meanwhile, Mercuriel noticed that Laurelin seemed quite happy as well with the outcome. She patted Beldin on the shoulder and then Beldin responded with a kiss to her forehead?! Mercuriel knew that Beldin probably meant very little in the way of romance by the gesture but the elf felt tendrils of anger surge up his body.

 

His jealously was quickly overrided by the concern in everyone's voices for a missing member of their party. He noticed that the other human female, Tessa, and Sarel, the elf mage, were also missing. where had they gone off to? The remaining party members seem to be discussing their departure. Perhaps they were going to go after the missing ones? Beldin had mentioned Redcliffe. 

 

Laurelin's melodic voice chimed in. She seemed to be suggesting a way that would speed up their search. Mercuriel looked at her, brow raised. "I'm assuming you are going to use magic, then?" He definitely found Laurelin captivating but, at the same time, he couldn't just go along with her plan if it involved magic. Mercuriel had nothing against magic in particular but he didn't trust it to not fail them. "I am sure Beldin knows the way well enough and Dog could help us if need be." A slight frown appeared on his face.

 

Dog licked Laurelin's hand in answer to his name being called. Mercuriel tossed Beldin a grin, "If you are quite done with the search for your missing pants, shall we be on our way?" He moved over to Beldin and whispered into his ear. "Glad to see you are alright. I never doubted you. And," he chuckled, "when we have the time I will tell you all the stories concerning MY missing trousers." 

[BFace]

{In Which Tess meets a mage, and hijinks...well, they don't ensue.}

 

Spoiler

Tessa saw the elf mage and his hound fairly quickly after leaving the Warden’s place. After looking around to make sure she wouldn’t alert anyone, she jogged to catch him up, slowing to match his own pace to walk beside him.

 

Speaking in a conversational tone, Tessa said, “So that’s what a “huff” looks like. I’d heard the term, “He left in a huff”, but had never really understood what that meant.”

 

"The warden had a man beaten, I fear the same might have happened to Bartha, and now she's out here alone. We need to find her and bring her back safe." He stopped walking and rubbed his temples. 

 

"Tessa, Laurelin and Etienne are busy, I'm the only mage available if she's bleeding out. If she dies, so do her attackers and the warden. People entrusted with such should be better than the rest of us while they're in power."

 

Tessa was taken aback.  Bartha being injured hadn't even occurred to her. The rest of his points were good, as well.

 

However... 

 

"Bartha left of her own accord. More importantly, she's obviously pretty good at taking care of herself." 

 

She held a hand up to discourage any outburts for the moment. 

 

"Also, Etienne bade me bring you back. We can all go out together, yes?" 

 

She gave Sarel a friendly look. "Besides, what would keep a lone mage, even with the staunchest of allies," Tessa smiled down at Fen'Harel before going on, "from being overwhelmed in the dark? A smart bandit would break your wrists first thing."

 

"A bandit would have to get close enough to to try, but. . ." Sarel sighed. "You have a point. Let us wait, but they need to hurry."

 

[berelinde]

Bartha's Adventure

 

The warm glow of the wine faded long ago. Bartha did not drink enough for a truly spectacular hangover, but she's tired and drained... and beginning to feel the chill seeping up through the windmill's earthen floor. 

 

The sails rattle and creak in the rising wind, and the shaft turning the grist stone gains momentum. Flour spills from the edges of the stone into a wooden trough at its base, and she can hear the slither of grain against the channel that funnels it down between the stones. Dogs bay in the moonlight, and a very confused rooster crows midnight. Mice skitter along the rafters, and geese honk overhead as they make their way north to winter on the sunny banks of the Minanter River. But grist and wildlife aren't the only things that move in the night.

 

Bartha is awakened from a fitful doze by the sound of a shovel biting the ground outside. Gravely soil slides from the shovel, and it digs in again and again.

 

"Are you sure we've got the right spot, Marl?" a male voice asks. The digging stops. "It can't be that far down."

 

"The note said three paces left of the door," a woman's voice answers.

 

"But which left?" another male voice says. "From outside or inside the windmill?"

 

"Facing the windmill, idiot," the female says. "You can't very well pace from inside, can you?"

 

"But do we know who did the pacing?" the first voice asks. "I mean, Dieter's got an Avvar in his band. If it was him, we're digging in the wrong spot."

 

"And he's also got six elves and a dwarf," Marl says. "Paces are paces. Sometimes, you just have to use more steps to measure them."

 

"That makes no sense whatsoever," the first voice complains.

 

"Shut up and keep digging," Marl says.

 

"What are we even digging for?" the second voice asks.

 

"What does anyone ever dig for? Now shut up. The last thing we need is somebody from the village poking his nose in where it doesn't belong."

 

"Aren't you worried the people in the windmill will hear?" the first voice asks.

 

"There's nobody in the windmill, Dace," Marl says.

 

"Then why's there a light in the window?" Dace the digger asks.

 

"It's moonlight on the glass. Now dig. I don't hear any of the other lads flapping their jaws."

 

{The windmill door has brackets for a crossbeam and one lies on the floor beside the door. You may attempt to fit the crossbeam into the brackets, but you will have to roll a Dexterity(Stealth) check, target number undisclosed. Bartha can try to be stealthy, but she won't know what she needs to succeed unless she tries it.}

[TreeHuggerHannah]

As Tempest walked the relatively short distance back to her room to retrieve her staff, she couldn't help a smile. Beldin was safe, and in her state of relieved euphoria, she was sure that Bartha would be safe also. Eshara would be alright, and they would find some way to help the Dalish clan too. All would be well.

 

She wasn't sure if her demeanor at the time had shown just how much Beldin's thoughtful words had meant to her, and how deeply she was affected by them.

 

I stand in awe of the beauty of your soul.

 

She'd never thought of her soul as beautiful. To her it was damaged, fractured, polluted with someone else's darkness. Although she knew herself capable of kind actions, she could not help feeling hopelessly stained.

 

Hearing that her friend saw something else... well, it mattered.

 

This wasn't the first time she'd been complimented, of course. Her Circle friends said nice things to her regularly, too. Kind words weren't enough to fix the damage that had been done to Tempest's battered psyche.

 

Not to fix, no... but they certainly helped. She would never forget what Beldin had said to her tonight.

 

Tempest's heart felt lighter than it had since leaving her Circle, as she took her staff from her room and headed back to join the others.

[ChachiBobinks]

At Beldin's word, Etienne hurried off and back to his room, only pausing to ask a servant if they would mind grabbing his robes later in the evening and seeing that they were washed. Having been embraced by a particularly sweaty and blood-covered Beldin had left his fancy Circle clothes a little dirty. Once in his room, he quickly changed into his traveling gear, grabbed his pack (sans only books), strapped his staff on, and headed for the door.

 

Thankfully he rounded the corner just behind Tempest. "Serah Tempest," he called out quickly, jogging to catch up with her.

[TreeHuggerHannah]

Etienne would see just an instant of startle reflex and hesitation when he called Tempest's name, an old habit that died hard. She recognized his voice, though, and the smile was still on her face when she turned to speak to him.

 

"Serah Etienne. What can I do for you?"

[Mahumia]

Bartha was awake at once when she heard the noises outside. As silently as she could, Bartha sat upright and continued to sit on her hunches. Her heart was beating so hard, she hoped that the folks outside couldn’t hear it. She counted at least three voices… no way that a confrontation would end well for her.

 

She was looking around, searching for options… there was a crossbeam: that would keep them outside, but might also make it very obvious that the mill was not empty… on the other hand: it would buy her time, in case they’d decide to peek inside.

As silently as she could, she sneaked towards the crossbeam and lifted it into the bars.

 

{Bartha rolls a 17 for stealth check: 3d6+3+2 → [3,3,6,3,2] = (17)

Link

3D6 + dex + focus (stealth) 

 

Edited for inconsistent use of 'past' and 'present' words when describing what is happening}

[berelinde]

Bartha's Adventure:

 

{Your target number was 11 (it's a challenging task, TN13, but the ambient noise from the creaking gears, flapping sails, and howling wind give you a +2 you didn't know about), and the doubles in your roll give you 3 exploration stunt points, enough to glean additional information during the execution of your task.}

 

As Bartha silently fits the crossbeam into its seat, she is able to peek through a crack in the door, where she observes eight people standing around while a ninth one digs. They all wear dark clothes and their faces and hands are blackened with soot so they blend into the darkness to some extent, but you are able to make out that there are six humans and three elves, some female, and the leader and two of the humans wear dark leather armor. All of the elves have bows slung to their backs (Bartha can't see daggers, but it's a safe assumption), as does one of the humans. The leader has a longsword at her side, as does at least one of the humans. One of the humans is armed with a two-handed battleaxe and one carries a staff, but the angle is wrong to see how the last human is armed.

 

{Edit: You will need to roll to climb the ladder, but the only way you would fail is if you literally fell off the ladder. It's a Strength(Climbing) test, but you only need to notify me if you roll a natural 3. There is way too much ambient noise going on for a few more thumps to make a difference. The only reason the door was different is that it was right there and they would be able to detect that the noise was nearby.}

[Mahumia]

Bartha looked worried at the large group outside. ‘They’re definitely not here to bury their deceased dog… Bows, swords, a staff… they’ve got a mage?’ She took a few moments to weigh her options: she could stay where she was, and hope they wouldn’t come up with the idea of taking a look inside the mill… But with a mage, the door wasn’t going to hold them outside. The beam would be a strong hint that the mill wasn’t as empty as they presumed… but she’d be dead if they found her. She looked over her shoulder to the ladder leading to the upper floor, then turned her head towards her bedroll and backpack. ‘The only way to survive this is by pretending I’ve never been here, hiding and praying that they won’t look until they’ve found the one who locked the door…’

 

As quietly as she could, she stepped away from the door and stuffed the book and bedroll in her backpack. In the meantime she listened carefully to what happened outside. She looked around to ensure she had everything packed, except for the light.

After that she tiptoed towards the ladder and placed her backpack on the upper floor.

It was probably a lot safer if she turned off the light: a dark room is less suspicious than one that shows a moving light… She stood still for some time, with the now unlit lantern in her hands, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. When she was confident that she could move up safely, she went halfway up the stairs. This allowed her to see the floor without getting too close to the moving parts. She grabbed the backpack and stuffed the lantern in it.  

 

She looked around: the gears were turning as the grains were getting milled. ‘Better stay away from those… ‘ She scanned her surroundings to see if there was a place where she could safely hide, without getting turned into dwarf flour.

 

 

{Stealth checks:

Spoiler

Moving from door and pack stuff:

 3d6+3+2 → [3,3,6,3,2] = (17) (I appear to be good at rolling double 3 today) -> pass

link

 

Moving towards the ladder and place bag upstairs:

3d6+3+2 → [2,1,5,3,2] = (13) -> pass

link

 

Turn off the light and climb up:

3d6+3+2 → [6,4,5,3,2] = (20) -> pass (unless turning off the light would increase the difficulty by a lot: sound check + spot check?)

link}

[Lorien19]

"Just keep in mind that it isn't any safer for you to be out there than it is for Bartha, Sarel, or Tessa," he said. "But if you've got something in mind, this would probably be a good time. I've got to armor up, and Pel isn't back yet."

 

"I'll scout ahead, while the rest of your prepare"she said "If they're in any danger,and require our assistance,I'll come back to inform you as soon as possible.Otherwise I'll just give them the message to come back."She shrugged.

"I'm assuming you are going to use magic, then?" She heard Mercuriel asking "I am sure Beldin knows the way well enough and Dog could help us if need be."Laurelin was surprised that Mercuriel of all people,a Dalish was distrustful of magic.
The people revered magic as they considered it a gift from the creators,maybe he was distrustful of her,a thought that pained her greatly, but she could easily justify.

"You assume right,it's the fastest way to find Bartha and the others."She explained and moved towards the closest door and opened it abruptly."Just...Just Remember to fetch me my gear...I'll probably need it afterwards."
 

She hastily moved backwards,shapeshifting would often require more concentration that a normal spell,and of course more energy and mana as well.
3d6+3 → [6,5,1,3] = (15)(success)

Laurelin felt a sudden burst of energy forming in her chest,a tingling sensation spreading from there to her limbs,as bright light started forming on her fingertips.

She could hear her own heartbeat intensifying, as she went through each transitional stage of her transformation.Her body would always respond in the most amazing ways when she decided to shapeshift,her vision would blur for a moment only to become sharper or sometimes she'll lose it entirely. 
The same applied for all five senses,but it would always depend on the form she chose,she enjoyed experiencing the world from a different aspect,like no one else but the wild beasts could.

The light became brighter now covering all her entire body,as she was slowly shrinking. Her hands were soon dark feathered wings shimmering under the light in the room.Her legs were no longer there either as they were now replaced by claws, and instead of an elvhen girl,there was now a raven in Laurelin's place.

She tilted her head,scanning the area in her new form,so many things were there that she didn't notice before.


She spread her wings,ready to take flight and lifted herself from the ground,disappearing into the corridor and finally into the night,in search of the rest of her travelling companions.

(Laurelin shapeshifts into a raven,for 5 mana points)
. 

 

[berelinde]

Bartha's Adventure: The digging (and the bickering) continue. They seem to have stopped digging in that spot and are now digging in a slightly different spot, having ascertained that paces are a wildly imprecise unit of measure.

 

Laurelin's Adventure: {Why does no one *ever* look at the map? (grumble, grumble)} As the courtroom is an interior room completely surrounded by corridor, the closest exterior room is actually Sarel's. It does not have windows either, exactly, but it does have narrow, horizontal ventilation panels close to the ceiling. The slot is far too narrow for a human to more than stick his hand through and wiggle his fingers, but a raven can squeeze through with minimal feather squashing. They're covered with wooden shutters, but they open with the pull of a rope in the corner of the room. They close again as soon as the rope is released, but you can tie the rope off to a cleat in the wall, so problem solved.

 

The servants in the courtroom gasp at the transformation, but no one starts screaming for the templars. They seem more startled than afraid, as if they have seen magic performed in their presence before. Tarl Dale barely looks up from the letter he is writing to King Cailan's seneschal.

 

Once outside the warden's house, you find that the night has indeed turned cold. Accustomed as ravens are to colder climates, you are quite comfortable with the drop in air temperature, but the increase in your metabolism will probably leave you quite hungry when you change back into elven form once more.

 

Intuition tells you that Redcliffe, a human town, would not lie further into the forest, so you follow the west road out of town and up a sharp rise. The wind presents a slight challenge to navigation, but your slick, rigid feathers ensure that you aren't blown too far off course. You're flying over vineyards and wheat fields until you reach a steep hill with a windmill on the top. Dark figures are clustered at its base, and one of them seems to be digging for something. You count six humans and three elves, all armed and many armored. Light shines dimly through the lower windows, and then goes out, but a raven's eyes are keener than a human's or an elf's, and you can see inside the windmill well enough even without the light.

 

"The light in the window went out," you hear one of the men say.

 

"I told you it was moonlight," a woman replies. "The moon's gone behind a cloud."

 

"Oh, right," the man says. "Can't somebody else dig for a while?"

 

"Shut it."

 

As you circle, you see a small figure climb a ladder inside the windmill. She seems to be a dwarf with many braids in her pale hair.

 

Both:

 

You hear a thud as the digger's shovel strikes wood, then more digging as the chest is unearthed the rest of the way. Grunting and groaning follows as they lift the chest onto the grass.

 

"Who remembered to bring the pry bar?" the leader asks.

 

Squabbling ensues.

 

"Maybe there's a pry bar in the mill," the digger suggests.

 

"Maybe I'll box your ears instead," the leader snaps. "Digging holes is one thing, but let's save the mill as a last resort. It's too easy to get trapped in there if somebody wanders up the road."

 

"You never let me have any fun," the man with the axe complains. "I haven't split anybody's head open in days."

 

"If we stand here long enough, you may get your chance. Jimlen, get working on that lock."

[Mahumia]

"The light in the window went out," you hear one of the men say.

 "I told you it was moonlight," a woman replies. "The moon's gone behind a cloud."

 "Oh, right," the man says. "Can't somebody else dig for a while?"

 "Shut it."

 

Bartha blew out the breath she was holding. This was getting more uncomfortable by the minute…

 

"Maybe there's a pry bar in the mill," the digger suggests.

 "Maybe I'll box your ears instead," the leader snaps. "Digging holes is one thing, but let's save the mill as a last resort. It's too easy to get trapped in there if somebody wanders up the road."

 

She shot up her eyes to the ceiling, mouthing a ‘Thank you’, to whoever god it was that kept those people out of her hiding spot, for now… And if that women knew how close her comment was to the truth she would have to pray even harder.  She might even become religious, after all…

 

Much to her dismay she noticed that there weren’t many hiding spots. She decided that her best bet was to hide behind one of the wooden beams, preferably in one of the darker corners. Softly, she walked over to one of them and hunched behind them. ‘Please, let them go somewhere else…’

 

{stealth test:  3d6+3+2 → [3,1,4,3,2] = (13) -> pass

link  }

[mysteriouspast]

Rael was heading to her room to pick up her gear, when her attention was drawn by bursts of light from the back of the room. She turned to see Laurelin slowly transform from a woman to a... Maker, was it even possible? A large black bird stood where the Dalish once did, then flew past her into the hallway.

 

She covered her mouth in shock. Healing spells and magic swords were one thing... but to transform her entire form into something of an entirely different size? It was incomprehensible. She looked over at Mercuriel and saw that he appeared as stunned as she. Perhaps this sort of ability was uncommon, even within the Dalish.

 

She shook her head, trying to get a hold of herself and continued her task of retrieving her weapons. They were in her room next to the kitchen, where she'd left them. She strapped the crossbow on her back and made her way back to the hallway. One of the servants was running with a kettle of water. She stopped him and asked quietly, trying to keep the self-reproach out of her voice, "Would you mind setting up a tub of water for me in one of the empty rooms, please? Mine is a bit too small, I think." She turned away quickly, and rushed back to the courtroom.

 

"I am ready to set out," she said to the group.

[obsessedwjpn]

Laurelin's transformation into a raven caused Mercuriel to fall silent. He knew she was a mage and he knew that among the Dalish there were shapeshifters. He wasn't shocked to see that Laurelin could utilize such magic. However, he was shocked that she did it so openly in front of all these humans. He had to wonder if perhaps the emotion from the trial wasn't overriding her senses. 

 

As much as he did not like to rely on magic, his need to protect his own was stronger and he began to worry, for Laurelin's sake, that her display of magic may very well bring her trouble. The Dalish kept to themselves for a reason. One major reason being their usage of magic outside of the Circle and Chantry laws.

 

As he watched Laurelin's raven form disappear into the night he wondered if the group splitting up like this was such a good thing. He didn't like it. Laurelin's departure urged him into action. "Are we all ready to get going? I don't like us splitting up from one another. If we are to find our other party members than it is best to be done as one group rather than in such a disorganized fashion." His voice was laced with frustration over the present situation. 

 

Mercuriel didn't even know who it was the party was going after and now he had to worry about Laurelin exposing herself to the wrong sorts of people. Tessa and Sarel were also venturing out on their own. How smart were these people to split up so easily? Mercuriel sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. "I am ready and willing to depart if everyone else is." Dog chimed in with his own bark to prove his readiness.

[berelinde]

{Dammit, forgot to mention it before!}

 

As Laurelin flies, she notices Sarel and Tessa waiting about halfway toward the town's exit.

[ChachiBobinks]

(Quick private conversation between Etienne & Tempest)

Spoiler

Etienne called out to Tempest and jogged up to reach her. "Serah Tempest," he said breathlessly, brow furrowed and cheeks reddened. "I must speak with you before we depart. It is about.." He paused, glancing up and down the hall, making sure they'd have privacy. "...your previous admission."

Tempest gave a little self-derisive snort. She glanced around to make sure there were no servants nearby, then said in a low voice, "My previous admission? You mean when I all but said I was a mage in the court? I went back and forth about doing that, but ultimately it seemed necessary."

"You are most kind, Etienne," Tempest said. "But in this case there was a purpose. It was not merely... vanity, seeking to take credit, nor a misplaced sense that honesty means sharing every incriminating detail. I needed the warden to understand the degree to which I had believed Beldin, and why. I could think of no way to express that without telling him of both my own background, and what I was willing to do anyway. It was a calculated risk, certainly... but it was calculated. It was a danger I thought through, and in this case considered worth it in the hopes that it would help save a friend."

"I did not think it to be vanity," he replied weakly.

She smiled. "Please do not think me ungrateful, Etienne. Your concern speaks well of you. I would only ask that you consider trusting my judgment. In return, I promise that I will think on your words, and do as you suggest when possible."

His shoulders fell, along with his expression, and he clasped his hands behind his back. The disappointed look on his face was enough to speak for him, so he merely nodded. "Thank you, Serah Tempest. I do trust your judgment, but I do worry about your safety here, in the open. And I also think of those beautiful childre-" He cut himself off, and looked back to the front door. "Please just.. yes, do as I suggest when possible. I thank you for your time, serah."

Tempest could see she had disappointed Etienne, and she felt his disapproval like a weight falling on her shoulders.

He was right, she told herself. She had been foolish. The whole thing had been pointless. Beldin would have been perfectly fine without her naive attempt at helping him. Did she fancy herself some sort of hero? Far from it, it had been mere recklessness.

"I am grateful for your concern for my children, serah. I assure you they are entirely safe, and will continue to be so no matter what happens to me."

Which was entirely true. Although the children faced the dangers inherent in living in a Circle of unsanctioned mages, they also had those mages for extremely devoted protection. Tempest knew that her children would always have a place in the Circle, even if she died. Not that she planned on dying any time soon if she could help it.

"We should go; the others are waiting and Bartha may need our help."

If there was one thing Tempest had learned in Kirkwall, it was how to melt into the background. Not literal hiding, but how to stand in a crowd and avoid being worthy of notice. She put this skill into practice now, sliding into the group of companions and doing her best not to attract anyone's attention. Attention was the last thing she wanted right now.

Etienne gave her a final glance, large blue eyes filled with worry and doubt. He was beginning to believe that, perhaps, no child was better off or safer without being at their parent's side. But to say as much, he could not. Instead, he nodded, clasped his hands behind his back, and headed for the door.

[berelinde]

Etienne, Rael, Tempest, Mercuriel, and Beldin: No one challenges you as you leave the house, but you hear the lock click behind you as you pass through the first door between the corridor and the asylum. Tarl did warn you that anyone may enter the room, but you must ring the bell before being allowed back into the rest of the house.

 

You turn right as you leave the house and see Sarel and Tessa a short distance up the road, near where it turns toward the western gate. They seem to be waiting for you, albeit not happily.

 

Sarel and Tessa: After waiting perhaps a quarter hour, you see most of the party approaching. Beldin is with them, but Laurelin is not.

 

Laurelin: As you fly toward Sarel and Tessa, you see the remainder of the party approach from the direction of Tarl Dale's house. How good are you at shapeshifting under a cloak?

 

Bartha: The incessant bickering seems to have increased in frequency, volume, and intensity.

 

"Fine, fine," Marl snaps, "we'll look for a pry bar in the mill, but I'll go to the Void before I give you a full share of the loot, Jimlen. 'I can pick locks' indeed! I think what you meant was 'I can't actually pick this lock, but I wear tight hose and short doublets and I look good in black.' Bah!"

 

The latch rattles, but the door completely fails to open.

 

"Door's stuck," Dace the digger says.

 

"Give it some elbow grease," Marl says.

 

The latch rattles again, and the door shakes in its frame, but the bar holds.

 

"What's this?" Marl says. "Locked door? There's no keyhole, so it must be barred from the inside."

 

"I told you there was someone in the mill!" Dace says smugly.

 

"Save your breath for your porridge," Marl snaps. "Bors, Tom, give him a hand with that. The frame's half-rotted. It shouldn't be hard to force."

 

Three ill-timed thuds sound against the door as each bandit strikes the door when it suits him.

 

"On the count of three, you dolts! One, two... three!"

 

With a gut-wrenching clash and the sound of splintering wood, both door and frame fall inward and jam against the axle. Timber creaks and wails before it shatters, reduced to kindling by the torque of the axle.

 

"Bors, Dace, search this floor," Marl says. "Pavel, Tom, check the gear house. Now!"