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[PapaCharlie9]

"She... didn't make it." Was all Mara could choke out, looking into her friend's face as she watched it fall in sadness.

I don't know what is sadder, Varric's reaction, or that armor that covers up his pride and joy. Varric without chest hair is like Sera without arrows or Dorian without snark.

[phoray]

My character? No particular reason, though she's not happy with the discovery of Briala sabotaging the talks, nor is she impressed by Gaspard's admission that he'll basically rule through death-threats and making examples of those who disagree with him.
Me personally? I hate all three of them, and last game I made them all work together so I wanted a different option this time. Sometimes I reunite Celene and Briala, but it rankles that I have to basically give Briala all the credit for stopping the assassination in order to do so.

So, essentially, keep the status quo since all the options kinda suck.

I'm a Briala/Celene combo preference, personally, although I wish it didn't require the two to get reattached romantically.

I can't see myself ever picking a Gaspard Alone option but the characters sometimes drag me places I'm not pleased with. :/

[Rascoth]

I hate all three of them, and last game I made them all work together so I wanted a different option this time.

I'm not really "fond" of them either, so I think this outcome is the best. Basically you're getting them stuck in the worst possible (for them) scenario. I doubt troubles in Orlais will disappear, no matter who rules. In that case... I might as well get some satisfaction out of this 

[phoray]

I don't know what is sadder, Varric's reaction, or that armor that covers up his pride and joy. Varric without chest hair is like Sera without arrows or Dorian without snark.

Sorry. Maybe it's because I don't have all the schematics but I try for best gear while looking as least stupid as possible.

Where is the schematic where everyone is like. Wearing tunics and a bikini top?

[phoray]

I just got the banter of Dorian and Iron Bull talking about the Winter Palace. 

 

"The Winter court would adore you!"

 

"I know, I spent some time there. But after a while, the saddle just got too heavy."

 

*I think about how that doesn't make sense*

....

*it dawns on me that he's talking about "riding the bull."* 

 

But seriously guys. I want to hear about Dorian riding the bull. Hurry up.

 

I'm just walking around the edges of the Frostback Basin, killing spiders and closing Rifts. I want to come back later after I save the world from Cory before I solve Ameridan's past/content/puzzle. I've never played the content but I think it makes no sense in the middle of saving the world to go on a Historical dig.

[Fredward]

Conquered the Hinterlands. For only the 153rd time.

[Melbella]

Finished up at the Winter Palace and now I feel like I can play the game in the order I want instead how I have to in order to get a certain set up. I just hope it pays off. Andreia finally made it to Crestwood and kicked a bunch of no-gooders out of a keep. Only because she needs access to the local lake's dam controls, of course.  That dam is pretty impressive construction....dwarven-made, perhaps? It certainly doesn't appear to be anything a backwater like Ferelden could build on its own.

 

Anywho, back at the ball, a couple things I didn't do before: Andreia "detained" the duchess rather than expose her to the court. That was an interesting fight but not too hard. Her (the duchess') outfit was....er, unique?   I didn't switch back to the formal attire (I thought the game would do so automatically like it does every other time) so the dance scene has Andreia in her armor instead. Oops. Blackwall somehow had time to change, though.  I also officially ratted out Briala after Celene sentenced Gaspard to death. Oh, her reaction when Andreia told her the elves wouldn't defend her . Totally worth it. I might have to do that all the time now.

 

Taking a break for dinner and GoT. Then it will be back to soggy Crestwood. I'm gonna see if I can find the sleeping dragon before draining the lake.

[phoray]

In last episode, Adamant was taken with as little loss of life as possible, Mara escaped the Fade with the help of Aria Hawke's sacrifice, the Wardens were given new purpose, and there was a day of grieving and quiet moments with friends.

 

In this episode, it's time for more official Inquisitor duties in the form of doling out judgements on those who have performed evil in the land of Thedas. 

 

Spoiler

Two days after Adamant and the Fade, Mara left her quarters to find sentries posted on either side of the judgement seat. Uh oh. She hadn't seen that since the day Skyhold had been "attacked" with a goat by the head of the Avvar Tribe. It had slipped her mind that she'd sent Cullen after the Mayor of Crestwood. This must be what this was about. Looking around, Mara saw Josephine giving instructions to the female dwarven assistant Mara saw frequently in her office. Jose noticed Mara, finished her instructions, then hurried over.

 

"Good morning, Inquisitor. I know you have been tired from the events of this week but this really can't wait much longer. Skyhold's dungeon is impressive but I'm not sure how long we can keep an aggressive mage there."

 

Mara was confused, "What do you mean?"

 

"Why, Lord Erimund was captured."

 

Mara's jaw clenched as she gritted her teeth. How completely indignant she was; the Warden Order's intent to do good, twisted. The way Erimund's eyes gleamed in amusement as he tricked Wardens into murdering their friends. The great loss of life at Adamant Fortress on both sides. If anyone deserved judgement...

 

"Bring him in. I will judge this monster." Mara said, her body taught with anger. She took her place on the seat. 

 

Jose waved to a pair of guards, who nodded and left the main hall for the Dungeons. Mara was focused on keeping her anger in check, but she couldn't help but notice all of the Orlesians pressing in for a better view of the upcoming "show". Disgusting. Finally, Erimond was practically dragged in by the two guards of earlier.

 

Jose held her clipboard and candle and began, "I submit Lord Livius Erimond of Vyrantium who remains loyal to Corypheus. We found him alive, offering extreme resistance, likely because the Order will ask for his head." She pursed her lips. "In more colorful terms.." She then continued. "To say nothing of justice you might personally require for what was suffered in the Fade." Jose stopped, having presented the charges.

 

Mara leaned in, glaring at the man. "Countless better men and women than you are dead. Why shouldn't this be quick?"

 

Erimond looked up from his shackles long enough to sneer at her. "I recognize none of these proceedings. You have no authority to judge me."

 

Mara raised her brows at Jose in question. "On the contrary, many officials have communicated that they will defer to the Inquisitor on this matter." Jose replied.

 

Erimond scowled. "Because they fear. Not just Corypheus, but Tevinter, rightful ruler of every piece of land you've trod in your pathetic life." He went on. "Bring down your blades and free me from the physical." He proclaimed, proud. "Glory awaits me."

 

Out of pure spite, Mara nearly delayed the ending he so clearly wanted. But no, her rage was greater than her spite. She leaned back, placing her hands together, her decision made. "Lord Erimond. Any protection you thought you had has apparently been withdrawn. You will get your wish. You will die. By my hand."

 

He irritated her further by shrugging off her decision. "Petty actions. Truth lies in the next world."

 

Mara stood and followed as the guards brought him outside.  She grimly realized that someone had built an upraised platform that was to be used for the execution. How had they known? Had it been obvious? No, don't think about it, she chided herself and focused her eyes on the back of Erimond's greasy black head. The guards dragged him up the steps, forced him to kneel, and carefully redid his chains so that his hands were now behind his back. A mage just needed only one hand free, that was all it would take. The guards stepped back and off the platform. 

 

Someone, Leliana maybe? Pushed the handle of something heavy into her hand. She looked down. A sword. The sword they'd presented her the day she accepted being the leader of the Inquisition, even. Heh... Of course.

 

It was time. Mara stepped up to the platform. The sound of the Inquistion's flag flapping in the wind from the mountains, a hawk crying in the sky, and the murmurs of the crowd of the Orlesians became the foremost sounds in her ears. 

 

 

The same wind seemed to chill her. Mara shook herself and stepped across the platform and looked down at Erimond, gripping the sword in her hand, an unfamiliar weight for a dagger wielder such as herself. For all his snide remarks and proclamations, Erimond seemed to be trembling, shaking his head, throwing glances her way before just as quickly throwing his eyes to the boards beneath his knees.

 

 

Out of the corner of her eye, she Iron Bull's large form...Cole's hat.. yes, even Solas, and Varric were also in the crowd of Orlesians. Blackwall was probably back at his barn, busying his hands.  Mara swallowed the bitterness that thought gave her.

 

She took the blade in both hands; to steady herself or the blade, she didn't know. Erimond deserved to die. He even wanted it. She focused on that feeling she'd had when she'd seen him twisting the warden's need to do good in a grand speech at Adamant. How badly she'd wanted to sink her dagger into his lying throat. Her nostrils flared, and she raised the blade.

 

 

She brought it down, swift and true--the crowd’s murmur raised to a pitch--The blade had been sharpened, she knew what sharp blades felt like going through an opponent's flesh, so it was not unfamiliar. As Erimond’s head rolled off the platform, the arm holding the sword went limp, the tip digging into the wood, blood running down the blade.

 

She turned around, stepping off the platform. The crowd’s eyes were no longer on her, the show was over. She walked around the rounded corner of the tower. Finally alone, she leaned against the cold stone, resting her cheek against it. If she wasn’t careful, she would throw up.

 

“Erimond convinced her to hurt people. He made it look like bravery.” Mara jumped, startled, and turned around to see Cole beside her.

 

“Oh. It’s you, Cole. I’m not feeling too well…” Mara trailed off. He was a spirit who helped people who hurt, could hear or see that hurt. There was no point in hiding what could not be hidden.

 

His eyes were on her, his face calm. “I know. When The Iron Bull fights he makes them not people. So their death doesn't stick to him. You do the same.”

 

Mara sighed, and leaned back. “Yeah.” She said quietly.

 

“But you weren’t fighting. You are in Skyhold. Home.”

 

She looked up at the sky. “Yeah.” Tears welled in her eyes. She hadn’t hugged Varric when talking about all that had happened, because it would have made her feel better, not him. He’d just lost his best friend. Everyone else was too caught up in being angry or confused at what happened at Adamant and in the Fade to talk to, even Blackwall.

 

Her voice sounded watery, even to her own ears. “Cole, can I…?”

 

“Yes.” He replied. Simple. Untroubled by her visible sign of weakness.

 

Mara closed the gap between her and her spirit friend, leaned her face into his shoulder and... cried. He simply stood there, letting her do so.

 

Leading people when she’d never been raised to lead. All the loss of life in the Mage Templar War-ended to merely be replaced by a Magister Darkspawn bent on destroying the world.  Good people, doing bad things. Demons everywhere, the battle was never ending. And in it all, she got to play at being judge, jury, and executioner. Ending Erimond’s life had really made her part in the countless death toll real to her, as much as one could rationalize it all.. It was all too raw. She needed this, needed Cole to be a spirit with no desires of his own except for her to be better. Finally, her tears were spent.

 

She stepped back from Cole. Vivienne would probably tell her she looked like an Arcane Horror and send her to bathe, but luckily, she wasn’t around to cluck at her.

 

“Thank you, Cole. I’ll...talk to you later.”

 

He cocked his head at her. “Probably.”

 

Mara headed back to the main hall, hiding her face as much as possible as she made a beeline for her quarters. Jose found executions distasteful, and so had remained in the main hall.

 

“Inquisitor, there are more--”

 

“Just give me a minute, Jose" Mara interrupted, practically running away. Her hand was on the handle to her room.

 

“But inquistior-”

“Not Now!” Mara said loudly, pulling and then slamming her door behind her. Jose, thankfully, did not so much as knock. Mara went to wash her face in the basin on her dresser, splashing the cold water at her face multiple times. After drying her face, she took a deep breath, let it out. Squared her shoulders, and marched back to Jose.

 

She seemed surprised to see her. "Inquisitor."

 

"I'm sorry, Jose. There was more?"

 

"Er.. yes. Two more judgements are needed. But these two prisoners could wait until a better day for you--"

 

"No no, Jose, really. Bring them forth."

 

Mara took her seat. However, she was honestly surprised to see a woman with Warden armor being led before her. She had never seen the woman before in her life.

“Another of the lingering pains of Adamant, your worship. Ser Ruth is a Senior Warden of the Order. She was one of the many who slit the throat of another to bind a demon. She does not contest this. In fact, she surrendered to us. She requests no mercy. She requests the public justice of the Headman’s axe.”

Mara’s eyes widened. What was up with people wanting to be executed today?

She cleared her throat. “Many actions of the Wardens have been excused in the past, and the recent acts have not escaped that tradition. You were free to rejoin your comrades, and yet you present yourself here?” Mara raised her tone in obvious question of the woman’s odd choice.

The whole time, the woman’s head had been bowed, but now she raised it.

 

"There is no excuse for my actions. I murdered another of the order. That blood marks me more than the Blight ever could." Her voice was deep and sincere.  

 

This was no Erimond. Mara caught Josephine's eyes and saw the same thought there.

 

Josephine delicately spoke into the silence, "Excepting their actions while thralls of Corypheus, many treaties allow Wardens any extreme, if it opposes the blight." But Ser Ruth interrupted.

 

 

Mara was at a loss. It was obvious that this woman was wracked with guilt, and perhaps rightly so. She was also using the Inquisition's power as some form of suicide. What was Mara to do with her? She couldn't send her back to the Wardens for judgement, for if they judged her, they must judge possibly half of what remained of the Order in Orlais. They just wouldn't do it, leaving this woman free to find someone else to throw herself at. Execution was out of the question. Mara refused to perform that act again, no matter how deserving. Ser Ruth sought forgiveness for her sin, but she was no Sister of the Chantry, she was a Warden.

 

"You feel that your life is over? There is a place for such wardens. Ser Ruth, you will go to the Deep Roads. Your death may be as quick as you choose."

 

Ser Ruth looked disappointed and objected,  "This sends no message! This...this is just...an end."

 

Mara frowned, but was sympathetic anyhow. Ser Ruth had put her in a difficult place, submitted herself to the Inquisition and, by association, Mara's will, and Mara had made the best of it with what few options she had. Ser Ruth was led away and two other soldiers brought a man before her once again.

 

Josephine introduced a familiar face. "Mayor Gregory Dedrick Crestwood is present for betraying his own constituents. He confessed that ten years ago, he flooded Old Crestwood to kill refugees and villages touched by the Blight. The Mayor claims it was to spare the rest of Crestwood, but we only have his word."

 

Josephine was usually pretty good at hiding her inner thoughts, but her tone said she was more than a tad disgusted with the Mayor's actions. Mara agreed with that sentiment.

 

"He admits to the actions charged against him  but is claiming he is not guilty. Which is it?" Mara said.

 

"There is no cure for the Blight. But I couldn't convince anyone to leave a sick child or husband behind." He replied.

 

Jose jumped in, disgust not hidden at all. "So you herded the infected into one place and flooded old Crestwood? Were no innocents caught in the waters? 

 

"Nearly everyone in the village had the Blight, I swear it!" However, his wording betrayed him. He seemed to realize this as well. "Have mercy. I couldn't tell the survivors I'd drowned their own families to save them. I- I couldn't."

 

Mara didn't know what to be more disgusted with. The act, or the fact that he'd directly benefited from being the leader of a village under the umbrella of a lie for ten years after having murdered half of the inhabitants family and friends.

 

"The Blight was your undoing. Let it also be your means of redemption. I give you to our allies in the Grey Wardens, to fight Darkspawn until the calling takes you."  

 

Dedrick didn't look her in the eyes. "I don't deserve the honor, your worship. But I'll do my best."

 

Considering his age and lack of fighting ability? Mara didn't suspect he'd be doing his best for very long.

 

Mara withdrew from the Judgement Seat and back to her room. Toll of the day and all that.

 

And she had a Ball of Intrigue to look forward to. Oh joy.

 

 

That took longer than expected. @_@ Still, I'm enjoying mysellf. ^^

[Gilli]

I haven't played DA in some days, too busy writing on my fanfic. 

But I started playing Jade Empire today and really like it.

 

Some highlights.

 

Spoiler

Saved a woman from bandits. Her husband had asked me to rescue "Fen" his "Flower". Turns out, his wife's name isn't Fen, he was talking about his cow.   his wife was not happy 

 

 

Then the village got attacked! Master Li got kidnapped and Ling *cough*  Morgenstern (idk her english name, Morningstar?) and Zu followed the kidnappers on a flying machine.

 

 

Oh and there's this pretty Spirit Lady, that keeps giving Ling advice.

[phoray]

The problem with the Rivalry system in DA2 was there was no hook for Rivaled party members to stay. With Origins and Inquisition, I could kinda see it working: a companion may not like you, but they're willing to tolerate working with you in order to help save the world. With DA2, there is no grand goal you're working towards together, and as such, it comes across like "I hate your guts and all you stand for, now would you please come and help me achieve goals you stand in opposition too." Why would Anders, for example, risk himself and his fellow apostates by hanging out with a Templar-friendly Hawke? Why would Aveline continue bending the law for a Hawke she's willing to physically attack? It just didn't come across as particularly realistic.

 

 

1) Absolutely no clue, other than perhaps the compulsion to over-inflate Sera's importance. Seriously, I've yet to see the slightest argument on the subject that's the least bit convincing.

 

2) Cassandra was present during the game's framing sequence; she's the one Varric's telling the story to.

 

3) I don't think we ever get a full, top-to-bottom explanation, but from what I understand from her cameo appearance, it has to do with her being married off to someone in the Dwarven Merchant's Guild by her parents (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).

 

4) Not really, no, but I'm not a big MP kinda guy in most games (ME3, Titanfall and Overwatch are the only games that I've done any notable amount of multiplayer in).

 

Yes, it lacked a hook, I totally agree with that flaw. But what I really value from it is I can explore them as a character more thoroughly, or, at least, twice. Thrice if you count Friend, Rival, and Romantic as separate angles. I don't only get to explore them as their "friend." We will not always be everyone's friends and I like that I could get that realism.

 

1. I laughed when I read "Over conflate Sera's importance."  I don't wish her gone, but her spy angle is already covered by Leliana, although the flavor of it in both of them are definitely different. Leliana definitely has a puppet master and pawns mentality.
2. Yes, I know. I should have copied what I saw down, but someone implied it wasn't just the sotry sequences. Never mind, not a big deal.
3. I think that was happening, she left the guy at the alter to elope with Varric. But then something happened; the two changed their mind, and Bianca returned to marry dufus. I just don't understand what that something was. Certainly not Varric's respect of Dwarven culture.

[phoray]

I haven't played DA in some days, too busy writing on my fanfic. 

But I started playing Jade Empire today and really like it.

 

Some highlights.

 

Spoiler

Saved a woman from bandits. Her husband had asked me to rescue "Fen" his "Flower". Turns out, his wife's name isn't Fen, he was talking about his cow.   his wife was not happy 

 

 

Then the village got attacked! Master Li got kidnapped and Ling *cough*  Morgenstern (idk her english name, Morningstar?) and Zu followed the kidnappers on a flying machine.

 

 

 

Oh and there's this pretty Spirit Lady, that keeps giving Ling advice.

 

 

I have no idea what goes on in Jade Empire. But I am amused by the cow. 

[Krypplingz]

Played Katashi on Saturday.

Spoiler

He finished the Kirkwall killer subplot, helped Hubert with the mines and won the Arishok in a fistfight. With Arrows. And Dog helped as well.

All that remains had an interesting twist on it, since the combat music kept playing over the final cutscene where he said his goodbyes. Which was fitting, he was pumped up from the fight and he already had to put down his sister with a knife three years prior. Wouldn't surprise him if the Fates forced him to murder his mother as well.

His romance dilemma ended in him being a confirmed bachelor. Apparently he had told Anders to take a hike and he was to gentle to be in a rival-mance with Fenris. Now he just has act 3 left and the DLC.  

 

And played some Gurner today. 

Spoiler

He wanted to do some light hearted stuff before donning his detective hat. This included taking his demonology expert to appraise an Unruly Holm for her collection of magical, elven artifacts. He also bought her one of those Dalish Goat figurines. And together they murdered anything that moved and was remotely hostile in the Sundermounts and Wounded Coast. 

He also gave Aveline a shield and had a nice chat with her. She also recruited Brother Burkel to preach to the Guards the teachings of Mabari. 

Woke up Feynriel and sent him packing to Tevinter. Visited the man in Darktown and helped him kill some Templars. He also saved a young girl, twice. Which was a nice, heroic footnote in his tale. Sadly, the man in Darktown has managed to take a peek at Gurners old character sheet "Male, Mage, Aggressive, Anders", so Gurner will have to invest in an elven chastity belt before talking to him again, since he doesn't want the best healer in Kirkwall angry at him. Leeches do not help with the kinds of diseases Gurner is catching on a semi regular basis. 

Scolded Isabela for her bad pop culture reference. Tested out Merrills theory that pastries drew Varric like Feynriel's suffering drew demons. And also gave him back his father signet ring. No drunken attempts at proposals, because it wasn't Tuesday.

Gurner also wished he knew some orientation changing magic, because that Sebastian is something else. Sadly, none of Gurners flirts registered as he helped Sebastian learn the truth behind Harrimans attacks. But that's life for Gurner. 

He's just about ready to start the detective storyline, but he might do MoTA first, since he's missing Carvers snarky snark. 

[Melbella]

I haven't played DA in some days, too busy writing on my fanfic. 
But I started playing Jade Empire today and really like it.
 
Some highlights.
 

Spoiler

Saved a woman from bandits. Her husband had asked me to rescue "Fen" his "Flower". Turns out, his wife's name isn't Fen, he was talking about his cow.   his wife was not happy 

The farmer is voiced by Mark Meer, who also does Jethann in DA2. The farmer totally sounded like Jethann to me, especially when he was going on with his "yes, dear"s.

[phoray]

Played Katashi on Saturday.

Spoiler

He finished the Kirkwall killer subplot, helped Hubert with the mines and won the Arishok in a fistfight. With Arrows. And Dog helped as well.

All that remains had an interesting twist on it, since the combat music kept playing over the final cutscene where he said his goodbyes. Which was fitting, he was pumped up from the fight and he already had to put down his sister with a knife three years prior. Wouldn't surprise him if the Fates forced him to murder his mother as well.

His romance dilemma ended in him being a confirmed bachelor. Apparently he had told Anders to take a hike and he was to gentle to be in a rival-mance with Fenris. Now he just has act 3 left and the DLC.  

 

And played some Gurner today. 

Spoiler

He wanted to do some light hearted stuff before donning his detective hat. This included taking his demonology expert to appraise an Unruly Holm for her collection of magical, elven artifacts. He also bought her one of those Dalish Goat figurines. And together they murdered anything that moved and was remotely hostile in the Sundermounts and Wounded Coast. 

He also gave Aveline a shield and had a nice chat with her. She also recruited Brother Burkel to preach to the Guards the teachings of Mabari. 

Woke up Feynriel and sent him packing to Tevinter. Visited the man in Darktown and helped him kill some Templars. He also saved a young girl, twice. Which was a nice, heroic footnote in his tale. Sadly, the man in Darktown has managed to take a peek at Gurners old character sheet "Male, Mage, Aggressive, Anders", so Gurner will have to invest in an elven chastity belt before talking to him again, since he doesn't want the best healer in Kirkwall angry at him. Leeches do not help with the kinds of diseases Gurner is catching on a semi regular basis. 

Scolded Isabela for her bad pop culture reference. Tested out Merrills theory that pastries drew Varric like Feynriel's suffering drew demons. And also gave him back his father signet ring. No drunken attempts at proposals, because it wasn't Tuesday.

Gurner also wished he knew some orientation changing magic, because that Sebastian is something else. Sadly, none of Gurners flirts registered as he helped Sebastian learn the truth behind Harrimans attacks. But that's life for Gurner. 

He's just about ready to start the detective storyline, but he might do MoTA first, since he's missing Carvers snarky snark. 

 

To Katashi: Dog can be there?!! Geez. It never even occurred to me! 

 

"Tested out Merrills theory that pastries drew Varric like Feynriel's suffering drew demons" <- hahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahha

[phoray]

Finished up at the Winter Palace and now I feel like I can play the game in the order I want instead how I have to in order to get a certain set up. I just hope it pays off. Andreia finally made it to Crestwood and kicked a bunch of no-gooders out of a keep. Only because she needs access to the local lake's dam controls, of course.  That dam is pretty impressive construction....dwarven-made, perhaps? It certainly doesn't appear to be anything a backwater like Ferelden could build on its own.

 

Anywho, back at the ball, a couple things I didn't do before: Andreia "detained" the duchess rather than expose her to the court. That was an interesting fight but not too hard. Her outfit was....er, unique?   I didn't switch back to the formal attire (I thought the game would do so automatically like it does every other time) so the dance scene has Andreia in her armor instead. Oops. Blackwall somehow had time to change, though.  I also officially ratted out Briala after Celene sentenced Gaspard to death. Oh, her reaction when Andreia told her the elves wouldn't defend her . Totally worth it. I might have to do that all the time now.

 

Taking a break for dinner and GoT. Then it will be back to soggy Crestwood. I'm gonna see if I can find the sleeping dragon before draining the lake.

 

I liked starting the conversation with Gaspard's sins. Then Briala is all like-snaaaap... and then I'm like, "You ain't no Chantry sister either, Briala."

 

I've never detained her either. However, I just love that line "Smile, Floriana. They're watching." or some such. It's so righteous, turning the Game like a blade in her heart and watching that smile crack...

[Gilli]

I have no idea what goes on in Jade Empire. But I am amused by the cow. 

 

That scene was so funny

The merchant had told me that "I needed to save Fen, cause she was so fragile." Met his woman being threatened by bandits, so ofc Ling (Yao) saved her and asked her if she was Fen.

Omg she got so angry and called "Fen".

Then the cow came down the street.

 

The farmer is voiced by Mark Meer, who also does Jethann in DA2. The farmer totally sounded like Jethann to me, especially when he was going on with his "yes, dear"s.

 

How awesome. sadly I play in german

BUT, the village guard Yung (idk yet if he survived) is voiced by Hubertus von Lerchenfeld, the german voice of Sanji from One Piece.

[Krypplingz]

To Katashi: Dog can be there?!! Geez. It never even occurred to me! 

 

"Tested out Merrills theory that pastries drew Varric like Feynriel's suffering drew demons" <- hahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahha

Dog is integral to the "Butt biting" tactic.

Spoiler

Varric might say that Hawke killed the Arishok, but Dog made the killing blow. 

 

And Merrill can be quite insightful when she's in the mood. And sarcastic to boot.  

Spoiler

...

[phoray]

Dog is integral to the "Butt biting" tactic.

Spoiler

Varric might say that Hawke killed the Arishok, but Dog made the killing blow. 

 

And Merrill can be quite insightful when she's in the mood. And sarcastic to boot.  

Spoiler

...

 

First: The "Resisted resisted resisted" Just adds even more to that shot. Hilarious!

 

Second: Oh my gosh, Merril says that! Color me shocked!

[Melbella]

I liked starting the conversation with Gaspard's sins. Then Briala is all like-snaaaap... and then I'm like, "You ain't no Chantry sister either, Briala."

Yeah, she thought she was home free but....nope!
 
 

Dog is integral to the "Butt biting" tactic.

Spoiler

Varric might say that Hawke killed the Arishok, but Dog made the killing blow. 

Love it!

[TagiDoll]

Quick Kelebek update:

 

The Par Vollen decor is FANTASTIC. I cant decide if I like the Par Vollen throne better or the Kirkwall Legacy one. I didn't look at the Avvar one yet, thought I might save that for my next playthrough (Cass and Blackwall still have gone unromanced!).

 

Once I had Cullen send his troops on that march I got scene after scene with Sera, and the rest of my time was spent with her. I usually let Sera make wine of Harmond's face but this time Kelebek used her newly learned nobility knowledge and forced him to work for her. Sera approved and Kelebek had enough approval to get her pranks scene. The approval from that was enough to get the roof top scene and with all the constant flirting was enough to get Sera calling Kelebek pet names.

 

And then it was time for *that* quest for the romance and the disapproval hits from Solas and Vivvienne were so, so, so worth it. 

 

I'm also expecting the approval crisis scene from Vivienne very, very soon. I've never gotten it before so that will be something else to tick off the list.

[phoray]

Last time, Mara struggled with the concept of dehumanization hiding within her Inquisitor duties and swore off all future potential executions.

 

This time, Mara heads to the Winter Palace. This is going to be a long one, guys. With loooots of my favorite screen shots.

 

Prior to Entry

Spoiler

She couldn't put off the trip to the Winter Palace even if she wanted to; it had a pretty fixed date. And that date was today.

 

As Mara readied herself that morning, she thought back to the tidbits of The Game Aunt Lucille had clued her in on during the 6 years she'd stayed with her Aunt before she'd passed away. Mara had thought she'd wanted to be bard when she grew up, heh. Complex woman, Aunt Lucille; even got her professional lessons for her dagger and that had certainly been more important to Mara's safety lately than it used to. Thinking of family reminded Mara that she'd still had no response to the letter she'd sent her mother. Still... no matter. Mara headed to the War Room.

 

Cullen jumped right in.

 

 

Jose answered, "We know how. I have our way in. A better question is, where is our enemy hiding? At the urging of the Grand Duchess, the Empress is holding a ball. Everyone will be there. During the festivities, will be meeting for peace talks regarding the end of the Orlais Civil War with the usurper Duke Gaspard and Ambassador Briala."

 

Leliana added her two cents,  "The assassin must be hiding within one of these two factions."

 

Mara had heard of Empress Celene and a bit of Gaspard, but Briala was totally unknown to her. "Can you tell me more about each of these people so I don't go and make a faux pass without knowing it? I hardly want to get kicked out of the party when you have tried so hard to get me there."

 

Cullen began her education. "Celene is, of course, the empress. Gaspard, a general in the Imperial Army. He is well loved by his troops. The empress has tried to improve relations with both Fereldan and Nevarra. The chevaliers see her as anti military."

 

"And Ambassador Briala?" Mara queried. This time, Leliana replied.

 

"An ambassador in name only. She has organized the elves of Halamshiral into an underground army. The empress invited her to the peace talks in a bid to gain the elves' alliance in the war. Seeking help from elves would be scandal enough if it there wasn't also a strong rumor that the two are jilted lovers."

 

"Wait." Mara hadn't been prepared for gossip over the War Table. "The elven rebel leader is the jilted lover of the Empress?"

 

"I said rumor," But Leliana smiled. "If it were true, and it were to get out- the empress and an elf-- the scandal could destroy Celene's court and she would lose all of her noble support. Even if it were a lie, Briala could build on it and use it as blackmail."

 

Mara looked to Jose next. "Empress Celene is a renowned diplomat and reformer. She works tirelessly to secure peace for the empire."

 

Was it just Mara, or did Jose have a hero crush on the empress?

 

"Unfortunately, many Orlesians see peace as complacency. She also hasn't named an heir, leaving the future in doubt if anything were to happen to her. The next in line is Duke Gaspard, who has made few friends in the Council of Heralds. A few threats have been made on his part towards them..."

 

"In conclusion," Leliana prompted,"What better place for an assassin than within Celene's own household? My agents will be slipping in a few at a time to avoid attention and give you support. "

 

Mara took the information in stride, however. There were really only three players involved. "You've given me plenty to think about."

 

"Well then," Jose smiled. "Let's get you ready for a ball, shall we?"

 

After getting Sera, Blackwall, and Dorian prepared, they headed down the mountain from Skyhold to the carriage waiting below on more flat ground. All three advisers would also be coming, but all but Josephine made other arrangements for transportation. Josephine filled her in further on the ride, anxiously wanting her to step carefully and correctly. Although she eyed Sera from time to time, obviously worried that my choice in companion for the ball was a poor one.

 

"The political situation in Halamshiral hangs by a thread. The Empress fears our presence could sever it. The grand Duke is only too happy to have us at the ball as his guests, so our invitation comes from him. Whether we act as his allies, or upset the balance of power, he gains an opportunity, if not a clear advantage."

 

Being so focused on keeping all the details straight, Mara still could not help be awestruck at the beauty of the palace as she walked up to it.

 

 

However, Duke Gaspard soon ruined her view. He greeted her with flowery words, and looking kind of ridiculous in that mask of his.

 

"Rumor has it that you just vanquished an army of demons. Imagine how much more the Inquisition could accomplish with the full support of the rightful Emperor of Orlais?" 

 

Wow. Despite all this "Game" business, this man seemed to get right to the point. Fine. She would to.

 

"And which one was the rightful one again? I keep getting them confused." He only laughed in response. Okay. Being direct with him would only get her so far, apparently. 

 

"I am not a man who forgets his friends, Inquisitor. You help me, I'll help you." HE guided them a bit deeper into the courtyard  "But there is something I must bring to your attention. Perhaps you will look into something for me. This eleven woman, Briala. I suspect she intends to disrupt the negotiations. We've found her people all over the palace."

 

Mara waited for more, but he gave nothing further. Really? "Please tell me there is more to your suspicion than merely, "The elves are acting dodgy," Duke."

 

He leaned in to speak more quietly. Lovely, more gossip. "Briala used to be a servant of Celene's. That is, until she was arrested for crimes against the empire to cover up a political mistake. If anyone wishes harm to Celene, Inquisitor, it would be that elf. She certainly has reason."

 

Mara raised one brow."Very well, Duke. I'll look into it." The Duke sighed.

 

"Be as discrete as possible." He cautioned. "We're keeping the court waiting. Shall we?" He said, with an inviting smile, before walking in a relaxed gait ahead, leaving her behind.

 

Which gave her time to admire the scenery, help an Orlesian find a ring, overhear political gossip, and ponder the significance of stone horses. Gosh, the moon was beautiful tonight. But no more delay. Mara headed to go in. Jose caught her in the entryway to give her one more pep talk.

 

"Inquisitor, a moment? I must warn you before you go inside. I know you know how to handle most nobility, but Teh Game is nothing like the Free Marchs' intrigues. How you speak to the court is a matter of life and death. It is no simple matter. Every word, every gesture, is measured and evaluated for weakness. "

 

She hadn't thought this would be fun, but this didn't make it better. "Don't  they sound delightful. I'm surprised we haven't invited the Court to Skyhold for dinner."

 

Jose ignored her sarcasm. "The game is like Wicked Grace played to the death. You must never reveal your cards. When you meet the Empress, the eyes of the entire court will be on you. You were safer in the Fade with the Fear Demon."

 

That's a cheery thought. "You are just full of joy and light this evening, Josephine." Jose moved to the side, urging her on. Mara heard her mutter behind her. 

 

"Andraste watch over us all."

 

Ooo, pretty

Spoiler

Mara walked into a glimmering room of lights, beautiful dresses, and dare she say it, a few more attractive masks than the one the Duke had been wearing. She hadn't been to a ball in years, not since Aunt Lucille took her to one before she became so ill. Mara was directed to the side flight of stairs, where she would walk the length of the room towards the Empress herself after a formal announcement. Her companions would be announced, but not walk, but her advisers would.

 

People may find this funny, considering she'd been involved in a lot of crazy powerful things lately but... it was rather intimidating to think she'd be walking alone across a room, alone, all eyes on her, towards an Empress she knew was key to the world's future survival.  Intimidating but also...surreal.

 

She'd zoned out. "Lady Trevelyan, daughter of Bann Trevelyan of Ostwick." Oop, time to go!

 

The presenter then proceeded to share all the Inquistion's exploits as if she'd done them single handedly. He embellished it in a few places as well. Mara couldn't help but smirk when she heard Sera's harsh whisper above, "He is so full of it! That's not how it went!"

 

"Lord Dorian Pavus, member of the Circle of Vyrantium, son of Lord Magister Halward Pavus of Asariel."

"Warden Blackwall of Val Chevin, Constable of the Grey, Bearer of the Silverite Wings of Valor."

 

Then it was Sera's turn.

 

 

Mara turned her head to the side to cover her expression of mirth. She didn't hear anyone else snicker but Sera. Had no one noticed, in this world of lengthy titles?

 

The presenter continued, "Ser Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath. Commander of the Inquistion forces, and previous Knight Commander of Kirkwall. Lady Leliana, Nightengale to the Imperial Court. And Lady Josephine Montilyet of Antiva City, Ambassadress of the Inquisition." 

 

Finally, she reached the end of her walk, although it had been more pleasant due to Sera than she'd initially suspected. Pleasantries were being passed between the Duke, the Empress, and the woman beside her that was presented as the Grand Duchess of Lydes. Mara took her turn, trading veiled comments about the assasination attempt that the Empress may actually know about.... or, at least, she thought she did. Weather based innuendo wasn't her forte.

 

That formality finished, Mara headed to speak to her advisers. Met Jose's sister, Cullen hated the party, and Leliana was having a hoot. But what was more important was getting opinions of her companions and advisers opinions on the players tonight.

 

"Celene has held the throne successfully for years. I see no benefit in ousting her. Gaspard has run military campaigns, but never a kingdom. His transition would be, let us say, "Chaotic." ~Josephine

 

"Gaspard's claim to the throne is fair. Orlais needs someone capable of responding to the crisis at hand.A military minded leader seems the best option." ~Cullen

 

Leliana seemed to be totally pro Briala, but since an elf could never sit on the throne, Mara was just left wondering what she was implying with that suggestion.

 

"Say what you want about Celene's ascension. She stole the throne? Seduced her way to it? Who cares? In the years since, she has proved to be the perfect mix of cunning, strength, and grace that Orlais needs. Gaspard? You may as well crown a bull if he comes out on top of this." ~ Blackwall

 

"The empress is pretty. It'd be nice to get drunk and kill stuff with Gaspard. Briala is friggin funny. Elves-elves-elves but it's really a pissing match with an old lover. Don't know the rest, but that explains a lot.*sighs* They're all lying but Celene's nice to look at. Glad we're here to save her pretty neck."~Sera

 

There was something a bit odd with Blackwall though. He seemed pretty irritated after a noble man came up to him and said he looked familiar. Still, she braved a growl to ask him if he would save a dance for her.

 

"I'll save all my dances for you." Which Mara couldn't help but blush a bit and walk away a bit gleeful.

 

Leliana had gotten more intel, and told Mara that there was an apostate mage at the Empress's side that was now her favorite for "possible assassin" tonight. Possibly strong blood magic could be at work in the palace. sheesh. Mara wandered from room to room, picking up tidbits of gossip and dropping compliments to the right people as she went along. Ah, see? She wasn't too rusty playing noble after all.  Then she entered a small upper floor courtyard, and the handmaiden's of the Empress approached her. More subtle hints about what was going on tonight.

 

"So, the Empress wants me to be rid of Gaspard before she'll dock ships with the Inquisition, huh?" The three of them looked shocked at her lack of tact. 

 

One of the trio spoke, "The support of the Empress is not conditional. it will be yours once the end of the negotiations have been reached."

 

Well. Mara felt a little foot in mouth at that point. Seemed so far that Celene was a good sort. Still...

 

"Everyone is wearing masks-why do your three's match?"

 

"We three wear the masks of House Valmont. It marks us as belonging to the house of the Empress."

 

hahahahahahahahahahahhaha....okay then.

 

Here is where Dorian was, and he seemed to look out of place. She couldn't place why...ah. Because every noble around him seemed to be giving him a wide berth. The jerks. 

 

Mara peeked in a little at the negotiations. 

 

Okay. Mara had gotten everything she could out of the public places of the public. She threw a coin into the fountain for luck. Time to go private. Looking around to see if anyone was noticing, she then quickly climbed the trellis to the next floor. More horses for her collection but then...huh. They dissolved and opened locked doors. Who knew. She found letters and loot galore, however, time was ticking, and the first bell rang. Then the second. She sped her way back, grabbing one more bit of intriguing paperwork on the way; no harm in being fashionably late, right?

 

Letting herself back into the grand foyer from one of the previously locked doors, she nonchalantly rejoined the crowd making it's way into the main ballroom. However, a striking figure approached her; even more interesting, she did not wear a mask. 

 

"Well well well. What have we here. Leader of the Inquisition. Fabled herald of the Faith. Delivered from the Fade by the hand of blessed Andraste herself." The brunetter declared, a mysterious smile playing at her lips. "What could bring such an exalted creature here to the imperial court, I wonder? Do even you know?"

 

What could Mara do? The woman was both interesting and put you at ease. Still, had to be on her guard, and she suspected that she'd found Leliana's apostate... she smiled nonetheless. "We may never know. Courtly intrigues and all that."

 

"Such intrigues conceal much, but not all." She parried. "I am Morrigan. Some call me adviser on matters of the arcane to the Empress." Morrigan walked past her, but indicated she should walk with her. "You have been very busy this evening, hunting in ever dark corner of the palace." She paused before a railing.

 

 

Mara still couldn't let her into her confidence, there was simply just too much at stake... so she again answered with something ambiguous. "I don't know. Do we?"

 

Morrigan chuckled. "You are being coy. Fine then. I will trust you first." She resumed walking. "Recently I found, and killed an unwelcome guest within these very halls. An agent...of Tevinter. So, I offer you this. A key found on the Tevinter's body. Where it leads, I do not know. Yet, if Celene is in danger, I cannot leave her side long enough to search. You, however, can."

 

Mara felt compelled to give the same trust she'd just been shown. "I know where it leads. I overheard the servants saying something odd was going on in their quarters. People going missing."

 

"The Inquisition does know how to keep itself informed, apparently." Morrigan replied, pleased. They had finally reached the door to the main Ball room. 

 

 

"What comes next will be most exciting." She said, lastly, before they entered the room and parted ways. Mara dropped by Leliana, giving her the tidbits of gossip she'd overheard and an update on the events. She urged caution. Mara rolled her eyes as she made a beeline for the servants quarters. She was sneaking around a palace trying to stop an assassination attempt by Tevinter Agents, or elves, or nobles or who knows what else; caution would have kept her home.

 

The plot thickens

 

Spoiler

She waved her companions to her side to join her on the way. She put the key to the door, and thankfully, it clicked. This Palace had some seriously good locks that would have made it awkward to fiddle with in the middle of a party. Opening the door, she was immediately aware that they were in the right place. They all filed in, staring at the bloodied bodies of servants before them.

 

"Caught in the middle of this crap. What fully qualified arsehole stops to kill a cook?" Sera was angry, the question obviously rhetorical. Mara wasn't happy either. They moved on, searching room by room, until there was nothing left to do except jump down one level from an edge.

 

Where they found another body.

 

 

"That knife bears the Chalons family crest," Dorian shared. "Gaspard's crest." He clarified, for the benefit of Sera.

 

"I think it's time to have a word with the Duke." Mara said, just before a group of masked assassins jumped in for a dance. They dispatched them, and continued their search through the area. They even found a locket in the Empress's Room, elven in make, and Blackwall surmised it most be a love trinket from Briala to Celene. Aw. Who knew Blackwall could be this romantic?

 

They kept running into "guards" that they had to dispatch so as not to raise the alarm. Mara gritted her teeth. Rationalizations...

 

A man started running, and Mara was locked on whether they should follow when a dagger flew out of nowhere into his back.

 

 

Wow. What a shitty thing to say to a person when you first meet them.  "Nice shot, Ambassador." She snarked. She never was one good at insults.

 

"Welcome to the Imperial Court, Inquisitor! This is how our diplomacy works." She gestured at the bodies."You cleaned the place out. I came here to avenge my missing people, but you beat me to it." She walked to the balcony, and turned around. " I know you arrived with the Duke, but do not suspect you of doing his dirty work. You might be an ally worth having." 

 

The dusky elf cocked her head, a gleam in her eyes, "Tell me, Inquisitor. What could you do with a network of elven spies at your disposal? You should think about it."

 

Huh. Mara rocked back on her heels. Insult, followed by an offer of alliance. "You know how to make a sales pitch, Ambassador, I'll give you that." She meant it sarcastically, but it was either lost on Briala or ignored for espediency.

 

"I do, don't I?" Briala said cheekily. " I know which way the wind is blowing. I'd bet coin you'll be part of the peace talks before the night is over. And if you happen to lean a bit toward our way? It could be advantageous to us both. Just a thought." And then the slight elf jumped the railing and was gone.

 

"Is it just me, "Blackwall said as they all gazed at where the elf had just been standing, "Or is everyone at this party trying to broker an alliance with us?"

 

 

Well, when in Halamshiral, do as the elves do- and Mara took the same shortcut down. They made their way back to the Ballroom after Mara sicked some guards on Cullen wanting war stories from him. Her companions and Mara parted ways once more; they would know when they would be needed.  Pushing back into the room, the music grew louder and Mara was surprised to see the Duchess from earlier standing before her.

 

"WE met briefly earlier, Inquisitor. I am Grand Duchess Florianne De Chalons. Welcome to my party. There is something I wish to discuss with you but the court has ears everywhere. Care for a dance?"

 

Unexpected... but yes. "Shall we dance then, your grace?"

 

What followed was Mara stretching her dancing skills to her limits while trading ambiguous barbs on the dance floor. The Duchess believed her brother, Duke Gaspard, to be up to no good that night. This, Mara had already expected. The crowd seemed impressed on the dancing thus far.

why is Leliana way back there? Ha, funny, I didn't initially see her there at all.

 

The Duchess seemed frustrated with Mara's non answers.

 

"Do you even yet know who is friend and who is foe? Who in the court can be trusted?"

 

 

 

The music was reaching it's climax. Mara shot for a daring finale.

 

 

"I think you should talk to Gaspard's men, I think they will be most forthcoming." The Duchess advised, as the dancers began to leave the floor. As the music had ended, Mara merely bowed (she felt curtsying would be absurd in a suit), and left.

 

 

I'm going to post this as it is getting very long and I don't want to lose it.

[phoray]

Continued...

 

Spoiler

Mara summed up the blame game thus far to herself. Gaspard blamed Briala, Celene was keeping mum but would like Gaspard gone, Briala had agents everywhere but blamed Gaspard, and, most damning of all, even his own sister, the Duchess, thought Gaspard was up to shenanigans. So why did she feel like Gaspard wasn't the only guilty party tonight?

 

As Mara crested the stairs leading away from the ballroom floor, Jose rushed towards her. Mara tenses, expecting bad news.

 

"You'll be the talk of the court for months! We should take you dancing more often!"

 

Mara was non plussed. Seriously, Jose? Mara brought her down to reality as Leliana and Cullen joined them. "The Grand Duchess tried to convince me that Gaspard is the traitor, but I'm not so sure I buy it."

 

Leliana spoke. "The two are close, but Florianne would sell him out in a heartbeat to save herself."

 

Surprise registered on Cullen's face, "Then the attack on the Empress will happen tonight." Mara cut him some slack on the slow front, as she'd been keeping Leliana abreast of events but not the rest of them.

 

"Warning Celene would be pointless. She needs the peace talks to succeed- to flee would be to admit defeat." Josephine added, concerned.

 

"Then perhaps we should let the Empress die." Leliana's words were a bombshell on the group, judging from everyone's expressions. Mara certainly knew how she felt.

 

She could only describe her words as a mixture of confusion, anger, and shock as she glowered at Leliana. 

 

 

But Leliana remained stoic, planning her little plot. "What Corypheus wants is chaos. That could still happen with Celene on the throne. To foil his plan, the empire must remain strong. This evening someone must emerge victorious."

 

Cullen was joining the crazy train. "And it doesn't need to be Celene, she's right." Really Cullen, You too?

 

Josephine, thank goodness, remained a voice of reason. "Do you realize what you're suggesting, Leliana?" She sounded very upset. Good. They all looked to her for a response.

 

 

"More than that, whoever controls the Imperial throne will affect all of Thedas."

 

Exactly Cullen! This is exactly why changing the plan they came with, when they had calmer heads and Leliana didn't go all stabbity save the elves on us, was a bad idea!

 

"I refuse to make this decision." Mara stubbornly told them. But Leliana would have none of it. 

 

"You cannot stop Corypheus without a decision. You must support someone, or all is lost." Mara just pursed her lips at her.

 

Jose hopped in to make her case. "Then we should support Celene. She is the rightful ruler. Who are we to say otherwise?"

 

"Because she led Orlais to this very point," Cullen interjected. " I say Gaspard, assuming his sister is wrong about him."

 

"I would suggest Briala. She could bring true peace, not only for the empire, but for the elves."

 

Again, with the putting an Elf on a human throne. That's not how it works, Leliana!

 

"This is, however, your decision as to how we proceed, Inquisitor, not ours." Josephine gently reminded them all.

 

Mara sighed. "I can't decide this. Not yet." She held up a hand to silence Leliana's objections. "I heard you the first time, Leliana. I'm going to follow up on Florianne's information and talk to Gaspard's mercenary captain in the Royal Wing. Get me access, and meanwhile, put your soldiers into position, Cullen. We know something is going to happen, it's just the moment we aren't certain of."

 

In the end, however, they found much more than a mercenary captain. Mara found a witness who had dirt on Briala.

 

 

 

 

We found something decidely different in the Empress's chambers...

 

 

A naked man tied to a bed. huh. She had to scratch her head on that one.

 

They came to the final door and what they found was... The Sister was Corypheus's mole.

 

 

 

Ugh! Mara had wasted a dramatic dancing dip on this woman.

 

Florianne left, Mara beat the demons to a pulp and closed the rift quickly.  Just before she left, however, groaning from the side distracted her. She loosened his bindings.

 

"Were those demons? There aren't any more blasted demons coming, right?"

 

Ha! "Good eye. Those were definitely demons." But darn it if he didn't catch her snark either. She should snark harder.

 

" i can't believe Gaspard tried to feed me to demons over the bill!" He moaned.

 

 

"Well.. not if you say it like that.... This is a terrible job. Those chevaliers can find another mercenary company. I'll sing anything you want about Gaspard, especially if you're hiring."

 

Ding ding ding. Dirt on Gaspard.

 

They rushed back to the ball room. As Mara barged through the doors, she did have a moment of ... well, she was a little embarrassed to be the only one covered in blood at a ball. She was sure that didn't happen every day. Oh well. There was Florianne across the way. Push on!

 

Cullen rushed to meet her. "Thank the Maker you're back! The empress will begin her speech soon. What should we do?"

 

Mara had a delicious idea; she might even have a gleam in her eye. "Wait here, Cullen. I'm going to have a word with the Grand Duchess." 

 

His brows raised, "What? There's no time, the empress will begin her speech any moment!" But Mara just hushed him and moved in on her target.

 

Whoa, that was a quick costume change...

 

 Florianne stiffened and slowly began to turn around.

 

 

Mara laid it all out before the cold eyes of the court. How Florianne had threatened her, had gotten all her enemies in one place to crush, and how she'd even tried to implicate her own brother, Duke Gaspard. She denied it of course.

 

Her tone was uncertain, however, "This is very entertaining, but you do not imagine anyone will believe your wild stories?"

 

Celene's regal tone cut across the scene, "That will be a matter for a judge to decide, cousin."

 

Florianne made one last effort towards her brother, "Gaspard, you wouldn't believe..?" But no, he turned from her in disgust.

 

 

Florianne began to cry as the guards took her and all her finery away. That was a terrible haircut anyway.

 

Enough of the show.

 

 

 

They all entered the balcony in Celene's office.

 

"Your sister attempted regicide in front of the entire court, Gaspard." Briala was quick to start laying blame, Mara saw.

 

" I knew nothing of her plans! But you! You probably knew everything and did nothing to try to stop it!" Gaspard claimed.

 

"I don't know which is better; that you think I'm all seeing or that you're trying so hard to play innocent and failing." Briala quipped.

 

"Enough!" Celene's voice cut in. "We will not bicker while Tevinter plots against our nation! For the safety of the empire, I will have answers!"

 

It was time for Mara to speak. "Every one of you is implicated. You all conspired to let this happen."

 

If possible, Celene grew even colder. "That's a bold claim, Inquisitor. Are you prepared to defend it?"

 

Ha! Why, yes she would. And she began.

 

"Gaspard brought hired mercenary into the palace to stage a coup. I have the word of his captain."

 

Briala practically crowed in triumph, "Oh, Gaspard, such brutality, your only talent. So predictable."

 

Mara scoffed inwardly at the hypocrisy. "You don't hold the moral high ground, Briala. You did murder Ambassadors and forge documents."

 

Briala glared at her, but her smile didn't waver. "So what if I did? Take me down, and the elves will riot in every city in the empire."

 

"They won't." Mara said confidently. "Not when they learn that you were sleeping with the woman who purge the Halamshiral Alienage."  Mara turned finally to Celene. "And you. You knew of Gaspard's coup and let it go far enough so you could hang him for treason." 

 

Was that a grimace crossing Celene's frozen face? She believed it was. "You've made your point." Celene said, "So what is you want with this information?"

 

The moment of truth. She calmed herself so she could speak clearly and with conviction. "You are three of the best minds in the empire.  You could do so much for Orlais and it's people if only you would stop fighting."

 

Celene, seemingly poised for something horrible, was instead pleasantly surprised. "It is remarkably...optimistic to believe that the three of us could forget our differences, Inquisitor. But we accept your decision." 

 

Celene swiftly turned on her heel and walked back into the Ballroom. It was time to tell the people. Which seemed a good start to this alliance until Mara had to listen to the bickering all the way there. Sigh. 

 

Mara followed along, her gaze hopefully encouraging them to play nice. Gaspard was made a member of the cabinet as Briala watched from the sidelines.  Celene made a very good speech, but then indicated she should say something. Mara kept herself from stuttering, that was about all she could say ffor her part.

 

Mara escaped back to the balcony. She was very much ready to leave this crazy place but she must accept that being alone as all she would manage for now. Except..no.

 

Morrigan came out.

 

 

"There will be plenty of that later, I'm sure." She was the Herald, congratulations were drowning her. "I needed some air."

 

"I have come to tell you that Celene has released me into the Inquisitions service." Mara hadn't seen this coming. Morrigan observed her shock. "The assignment had been given to me, regardless of my personal interest."

 

Mara felt a bit lame. "Well. Welcome to the Inquisition then, Morrigan." Morrigan nodded her acceptance, then left. 

 

But Mara was popular tonight.

 

The grumble of Blackwall's deep voice reached her. "All the lads and ladies want to congratulate you and yet" He leaned on the railing beside her, bending his head towards her. "Here you are, alone. Care to share your thoughts?"

 

"Why do I suspect the events of this evening will only bring us more trouble later?" Mara said. She'd just decided the fate of an empire; how could she not be worried about the consequences?

 

"You are probably right." Thanks Blackwall. Comforting. "But we can save that worry for another day." He backed up from the railing, and Mara turned to follow him. Suddenly, he half bowed forward, reaching out his hand.

 

Mara almost giggled but placed her hand in his instead. 

 

 

 

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

 

 

 

[ThePhoenixKing]

 

Yes, it lacked a hook, I totally agree with that flaw. But what I really value from it is I can explore them as a character more thoroughly, or, at least, twice. Thrice if you count Friend, Rival, and Romantic as separate angles. I don't only get to explore them as their "friend." We will not always be everyone's friends and I like that I could get that realism.

 

1. I laughed when I read "Over conflate Sera's importance."  I don't wish her gone, but her spy angle is already covered by Leliana, although the flavor of it in both of them are definitely different. Leliana definitely has a puppet master and pawns mentality.
2. Yes, I know. I should have copied what I saw down, but someone implied it wasn't just the sotry sequences. Never mind, not a big deal.
3. I think that was happening, she left the guy at the alter to elope with Varric. But then something happened; the two changed their mind, and Bianca returned to marry dufus. I just don't understand what that something was. Certainly not Varric's respect of Dwarven culture.

 

 

I get where you're coming from, and to DA2's credit, it certainly had some very nice character work (far better than Inquisition, at any rate.) I just don't think Rivalry made much sense in principle.

 

And Sera's a goat-licking earsling (yes, my contempt for her is such that only a reference to both Nextwave and The Last Kingdom can adequately convey it). Know I'm going to get a lot of hell for saying that, but the whole "Sera-as-Anduril" thing really just smacks of, "Our choice in romance options is so totally not flawed! She's not an emotionally abusive Tea Partier chav, she's a-- she's an elven goddess! Yeah, that's right, she's one of the elven deities!" It's a post ad-hoc justification for putting up with an immature wastrel.

 

And Merrill can be quite insightful when she's in the mood. And sarcastic to boot.  

Spoiler

...

 

Yeah, Merrill's great. I'd love to see her either as a companion/advisor/supporting NPC in the next game, if only so we get an elf who's actually proud of being one and isn't a complete jerk to boot.

[Magdalena11]

I finally found where Alistair's been hiding after his chat with Morrigan in the garden - on the battlements where you first meet Hawke.  He could have come inside and hung out in the hall...

[ThePhoenixKing]

I finally found where Alistair's been hiding after his chat with Morrigan in the garden - on the battlements where you first meet Hawke.  He could have come inside and hung out in the hall...

 

Aww, they do love each other