Fandom Dragon Age TOTC: Non-Quest IC

[Sopranos]

"So what have you thought of the weather lately?"​

Because not everyday have to be a mess-up day where we have to do all the slaying, stabbing, slashing, throat-cutting and such, here we are.

This is our non-mission role-playing thread. Everything not from main plot will be played here. This is where we'll do some off-screen relationship building. Meeting in The Hanged Man, party banter, gossip, go to Hawke's house to pet his dog, private meeting between characters in their house,... They're all here.
​

 

[The Silent Z]

(Decided the break the posting barrier with Nello)
​

The afternoon seemed well enough with Gamlen away from the house for a bit this morning leaving little grumbling to be heard. A stroll around the city since his return to the house for reasons Nello didn't really possess, it was just good to be roaming in the fresh air and feeling the sun lighting the sky, as the wind cooled with a breeze every now and again. It gets rather dull here, depressing when you hear about the mages and the Knight commanders control over Kirkwall. Nello hadn't yet come to fully understand this power she has, Lothering wasn't controlled by Templars, not really anyway, just patrolled and guarded by them. The Ban for the most part governed the place, though it was a small town. Which makes the question stand even more..... does it not? Ah well.... that was for another time.

Instead of dwelling on it Nello wales about lowtown for a time before drifting toward the hanged man, where he decided some good ol' fashion drinking was in order. It gave the young Hawke something to do atleast, couldn't do too much magic wise or else his luck would run out and Templars be had, leading to a burden on his family. Couldn't have that. Nope. So drinking seemed like a good choice. Though he'd love to stick to those slavers again, rotten bastards they are. Nello couldn't help but wonder who was worse..... being caught and mistreated by the Templars like he'd heard and being trapped in a tower or the gallows.... Or being abused, enslaved and sold like cattle by some arrogant superiority complex fools with big swords and waving hands. It was tough to say, though he's heard from Gwyn that not all Templars in Kirkwall were bad. Something good atleast amongst the local order.

Stepping inside the hanged man, walking across the old wooden floor, gazing at the fire place and looking about the room and walls, Nello headed for the bar and gave a nod to Corf, the local bartender and trouble avoider, giving a signal for a tankard of ale and handing over some coin enough to buy a few for starters, atleast.

Before eventually finding a corner table and beginning his break from the day and drinking until his mood pleased him or the company of some kind made things interesting for him. Whichever came first and he was willing to drink for some time if necessary, still might either way. He hadn't decided yet.

 

[Epiphany]

"The Hanged Man," Moire mused from outside the establishment. "I wonder why it's called that."

"Because of the sign," muttered a passerby.

"What? No, can't be. I mean, they put the sign up because it's the Hanged Man, didn't they? You wouldn't just put up a sign of a man hanging by his heel and then say to yourself 'self, I think I'll name this ruddy tavern after this sign' now would you?"

Moire waited for an answer and was mildly disappointed that the bystander hadn't actually stood around long enough to hear anything she said. She sighed heavily, then pushed the heavy wooden door open and stepped inside.

Old wooden boards creaked under foot. Other things were also underfoot and the Dalish elf padded gingerly around blood and more dubious stains that marred the walking surface, wishing for once she'd bothered with shoes. The wooden tables were rough, unfinished wood that still managed to look in remarkably good repair. Though if experience taught her anything, it's only because of how often said furniture was smashed in one brawl or another.

Moire also stopped off at the counter, exchanged looks with Corff the Bartender and grinned hopefully, producing a coin fished from a belt pouch.

"That's a copper."

"It is? It is. ...Is it?"

"It's three copper, Kitty."

"Ah. Right. Here you go then."

"...that's a silver. Do did you want change?"

"...Do I?"

Sighing with some exasperation, Corff leaned over and Moire helpfully opened her coin purse for him to pick what he wanted out of it. "Someday someone's going to rob you blind, Kitty" the bartender said, pouring her an ale.

"Oh my. Shemlen need money to see? If someone takes enough of it from you, you can't any longer? That's strange. I would have thought the opposite. Make enough money and all you do is look at it, leaving you blind to what's around you, I would think."

"...Sometimes I almost think there's a bit of genius about you."

"Well, that's sweet of you, isn't it."

"The rest of the time I've basically no hope for you at all."

"Right. Thanks for the drink!"

Moire took her tankard and made her way to Nello's corner before flopping into one of the wooden chairs surrounding the red-varnished octogonal table that was a favorite of their little group. In part because it had room. In part because most brawls started by the door and they'd been known to still have their drinks over here when all was said and done.

"Hello, Hawke," Moire said as she knocked back a swallow. "You look glum. What's on your mind, dear?"

The Silent Z

 

[The Silent Z]

Drinking was the result of either desire or problems unsolved and seeming too far out of sight. That tunnel of darkness before the light or something? Nello never could remember what that chantry mother back home meant, while problems back home seemed minor and rare for him outside of the whole blight and avoiding being caught by Templars. Noticed by them, lingering too long around their presence when a simple thing could alert them. But it was home, the chantrys revered mother was kind and fair, he knew every man and woman dressed in that plate and got along fine. But here? It just didn't feel like home, it felt like a prison, only time standing between him and the inevitable capture by the Templars. What truly bothered him was the effect on his family, his sister was a Templar now, surely she would suffer or be punished in some way should the day come, Amelie was mage too, what would happen to her? Then there was Mum, even that grumpy old uncle Gamlen, never can please him, get caught and bring trouble to his door, Nello could only imagine.

Meanwhile he wasn't quite himself, felt trapped in another's body or mind or something. So many Templars and issues about Kirkwall, limited of hand was he, it just was bothersome to live free but live free within a cage before the cell of Templars make.

The third sibling of Hawke had drank a few by now, it wasn't until he noticed Corff and Moire that a small smile turned up his glum for a time. Rather curious the scene was, a bit funny too. Though Moire's curiosity and fresh eyes within human cities and customs usually were in his opinion.

Before too long Moire approached the table and took a seat at the corner spot where they often chose to enjoy a ale or two or whatever you drinking. He turned his eyes toward Moire as she spoke "Hello, Hawke" and knocked back a swallow. "Moire, nice to see you." Nello offered a short smile and nod, though it seemed her following statement meant he wasn't hiding his glum too well. He would need to work on that one. "Poor poker face, huh?" He responded with a soft sigh. Sometimes he was glad he didn't play poker, if his face could be read and expressions telling, he'd lose a fortune. "Bu..... well.... umm.. it's all good, Moire, thanks for asking though! Wouldn't want to burden you with my troubles." Nello spoke with a attempt of reassurance. "You... I... are you good? Not having trouble with humans here in Kirkwall are you?"

Epiphany

 

[Sopranos]

Icarus Avilius
Place: The Hanged Man
Tag: The Silent Z Epiphany
​

So far It hadn't been a great day so far for Icarus since the templar had been sticking their nose into everything these days. Every leads he found that can bring him closer to find Justice, there're always already templars there to ask question. Rumors about apostate ? Templar. Kids discovered his magic for 5 minutes ? Templar. Lady next door's pregnant ? Fucking Templar! There're literally templars every single corners of Kirkwall. They must be desperate to catch some apostate and parade them to the Gallow.

"- Heard any news Puff ?"

Walked to the bartender of the Hanged Man with tired eyes, Icarus asked.

"- Nothing much, your friends are over there. And It's Corff, you ass. Might ask well remember my name right.

Icarus stopped for a moment of thought, seem like things couldn't be any worse for now. He paid for his drink before finding someone familiar in the table in the corner.

"- Thanks for the drink Morff..."

Icarus walked away from the bar counter before he could heard "For Andraste's sake..." something something from the bartender. There were Nello and Moire sitting together. He personally like Nell, Hawke's kid brother, he's fun to hang around and but then also very resourceful in a fight. While Moire was a Dalish elf that hadn't joined human society for long, despite so she's always so cheerful and eager to help. Seeing two young, cheering, innocent persons here made me wonder what had he missed before. He reached to his friends from behind.

"- Hey Moire, listen. What's the problem when you're in a relationship with a desire demon ?!" - He stopped as he wait for a minute for her to guess - "They will get really... Possessive!!"

Icarus told the joke with huge excitement in his face, expecting they would burst out a laugh... though the result wasn't as he thought... Icarus was eye-balling them for 2 seconds before realizing he shouldn't tell joke at that moment. It was a joke he heard long time ago and he thought that would impressed the innocent dalish elf as well as Nell.

"- Okay I'm sorry if I'm interrupting... Corff told me you two are here."

 

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

"Lacy. Laaacy. For fu- Lacy! What do you have against the Hanged Man?" This was ridiculous. He was trying to convince a grown woman that going to a tavern wasn't a bad thing. Obviously she had a thing for law and order, but to the point of not wanting to go to a tavern with the rest of the band? Ludicrous. Especially when he knew Gwyn either would be here soon or was already inside, and he made sure that Lacy knew, too.

It was a simple plan, in theory. Get Gwyn to the Hanged Man, no problem, and get Lacy to the Hanged Man. Then, get the two of them drunk, let them sit next to each other, lean back, and hope that alcohol would prove the nickname of 'liquid courage'. It was fairly obvious to anyone with a brain whose names weren't Lacy McKay, Gwyndolyn Hawke, or dear old Moire that the two had it bad for each other. Worse than he'd had it with that redhead whose face and name he'd really rather forget. It was also clear that neither one was going to be making a move on the other until something changed, so he intended to try and change enough things until he figured out what the 'something' was. It was almost painful to watch the two of them keep dancing around each other, and soon enough it'd be actually painful.

Vincente took a cautious step towards Lacy, who was apparently having second thoughts near the doors of the Hanged Man. "Look, the man over the door doesn't come alive to offer you drinks, drugs, and drubbings," he joked. 'Although that would be a major crowd-pleaser.' "If you're worried about the patrons, just think of it as getting to know your enemy so you can be a better guard. That can't be a bad thing, can it?" he reasoned.

theunderwolf

 

[redroseknight]

Days free of responsibilities were rather rare for Templars, especially young ones who were given the menial, grunt tasks by their surperiors. Some how, however, Gwyndolyn Hawke had managed to secure such a day. She had went so far as to even leave her armor at the chantry, opting for leggings and a doublet dyed a nice shade of blue layered over a white shirt. Just in case she ran into trouble, the second Hawke did carry her sword. Without her Templar armor, she thought she might attract less attention as she made her way to the Hanged Man. Avoiding attention wasn't a problem for her personally, but rather the attention was to her station its self. Without the marker of her place among the holy order, Gwyn disappeared among the throngs of people gathered for a friendly pint.

Stepping into the tavern, she cast her gaze over the patrons gathered. Silently searching, she found Nello, Icarus, and Moire gathered at a corner table. "I came to see Nello's, but it looks like I killed three birds with one stone." Gwyn smiled at her brother. "The order had no pressing need of me today, so I asked Uncle Gamlen where you might be. We haven't exactly seen much of each other recently. How have you been, Nello?" While she had resented how easy it was for her to be overlooked in favor of her siblings, she still loved them dearly. And there was something to be said of the special bond between twins.

 

[Epiphany]

The Silent Z
Moire tucked her legs beneath her and sat up a little as her head swiveled about. "Poor poker face? Did someone get poked in the face and I missed it?" Then she grinned at Nello and gently patted the man on the arm. "No, no, it's not a burden to share your troubles. Would you mind a story? A brief one?" Naturally she didn't pause to let Nello answer the question.

"Once, there was an elf in my old Clan, Variela. Before she married her husband, Coran, she used to come to his aravel and tidy up the place. She kept it neat like. He asked her, he said 'Variela, why do you come to my aravel and clean my share when I've been to your aravel and know yours is just as messy?' Variela, she just smiled at him and said 'Coran, dear, when I clean my aravel, I'm cleaning my aravel. But when I help you with yours, I'm helping you'." Moire smiled then and titled her head slightly. "Let a girl help, won't you?"

To his last question, though, Moire chuckled and shook her head. "No, the Shemlen of Kirkwall don't seem to mind me much, or notice me at all. Perhaps its best that way. Did you know I saw the guardsmen chasing a nice man and woman out of the Viscount's garden? Just as well they don't notice me or they might chase me too."

Sopranos
The arrival of Icarus brought a bemused look the Dalish elf's face. "...What's the problem when you're in a relationship with a desire demon? Well, I'd say the problem is that you're in a relationship with a desire demon! They're demons, aren't they. Terribly unfriendly and liable to take your knickers if you're not careful." Then the punchline dropped. Moire blinked several times. "Well, only if you let them I suppose. You have to know which spirits to avoid in the Fade, dear. Whatever you learned in your Circle, don't let pride get in the way."

It's nigh impossible to tell if Moire is aware of the pun she'd made in connection with the joke. Knowing the elf, probably not.

redroseknight
Making room, Moire was the middle of three Mages when the Templar in training walked over to join them at their table. Peering up over her tankard, the elf brightened. "Ah, hello there Hawke. Let me move so you can sit next to your brother." This led to the Dalish climbing over Icarus' lap and into another chair which she promptly perched in. "You're not wearing armor. Are you allowed not to wear armor? That's quite the outfit you're wearing. Why don't you wear it all the time?"

 

[theunderwolf]

Lacy had just gotten off a long shift and frankly she had better things to do then slip into debauchery. She was a guard! She couldn't show up to work hung over! Or worse, drunk! She was supposed to set an example to those around her, not some drunkard buffoon like... well Vincente. Maker if Hawke didn't vouch for him she'd have him in in a half second for a dozen different things. STARTING with piracy. As it was, she tolerated him begrudgingly, but her patience was growing thin. "Why... would your first assumption be that I'm afraid of the sign?" She asked leerily, "Its just a 'hanged man.' Maker if you think I find that intimidating you have another thing coming. Besides the criminals I can deal with, I just don't want to see any of my fellow guards! What would they think of me if I was in some low-town dive?! I'm supposed to be an example to them!" But Vincente was shoving her along and she was moving. She knew it was inevitable after all. She'd need to go to the Hawke's favorite watering hole inevitably. Of course that changed when she saw Gwynn walk in the door.
"Oh no. No. Absolutely not. I am going home Vincente!" She said as she started to backpedal, realizing that she was still in her sweat covered training clothes. The leather skirt and boots were functional and decent looking but after a long day in the sun, training new guards, she was not going to look like that in front of the most perfect person in thedas, "You know what!"She said still trying to creep away from Vincente , "L-l-let's go some where else! Yes! Another bar! Or my house! I have good brandy there. Please."

 

[The Silent Z]

It wasn't long into the arrival and greetings with Moire that Icarus arrived. Nello couldn't help but notice he still gets Corffs name wrong.... Was it on purpose? Had to be. Right? He kept a listening ear to Moire and turned to greet Icarus with a nod, raising his tankard a bit before tossing down another one. A small corner smile turned up as he joked about desire demons, it was a old joke but still a joke. "Least they are more appealing and humanoid to look at compared to those others. They get worse by the title." Nello spoke in reply listening to Moire respond leading to a larger smile with her miss of the meaning for poker face. A slight chuckle escaping him intial reaction to her question. "No, everyone's face has been safe of that trauma. Just meant the face of a unreadable expression for when one plays a certain game of cards called poker. Or when they have cause to be a mystery to another." Nello replied attempting to explain what the term meant without sounding confusing. Then he got comfortable in his chair and drank another ale whilst listening to Moires story. Though he wondered how marriage came to relate, he started to see it now.

Maybe she was right, it wasn't really his comfort or norm to share his troubles unless he must. But he's unlikely to hide it forever, maybe even by sharing he could atleast move forward instead of back or stuck in place. "I.... I... Alright. It's maybe nothing, maybe something, I don't know. But ok." He shook his head with his eyes looking toward his tankard. Aiming to find the words and not sound like a burden often feels or seems. "It's... a, how do I say.... I don't have a place here. I feel caged. Not myself, back home I knew the how live. Troubles were less frustrating til the blight atleast. Here I'm just.... lost. Im happy for Gwyn now she seems to found a role, something for her and not us siblings to take away though we don't mean to.. anyways Amelie is moving up in the world with her reputation. Me, I'm just trying not be a burden and wind up caught because I slipped up. Those damn slavers! They take people like cargo and things to sell, now some take residence in the Amell estate, using it for.... ah..... I'm just feeling not myself. Lost and missing home." Nello admitted clear signs of anger and frustration mixing his host of other emotions running through.

"I guess I just hate having my hands tied and uncertain how progress myself, like others have. Try and make this feel like a home to me and not just a blight untouched city we fled to after Lothering." He added offering a appreciative look and thankful nod for her listening to him ramble and share.

"Good! I mean it's great you've been treated well, or well enough so far. Better then trouble heading your way. I'm glad to hear it." He spoke genuine of tone. "Really? If I may ask what were you doing there?"

Nello began to respond in curiosity of her trip to the viscounts garden when he saw Gwyn step over and without her Templar plate. It seemed odd for a second to see her not wearing the armor since becoming a Templar. But it was nice to see, seemed like she had free time after all. He offered a smile and nod in intial greeting of his sister hearing her out, though taking a moment to keep a smile and answer briefly but without adding to her load. "I'm almost surprised he was home, less you found him at the rose? *small laugh* But umm..... I, I suppose I'm finding my way.... or trying atleast." Nello spoke ending with broken words spread out through pauses. Before adjusting to the positive side and that he was able to see his sister again, it had been awhile after all. "But more so important, how about you, How's life in the Templars treating you?" He continued offering in sincerity but moving the topic back toward her and seeing if all was well. At first he was a little put off by the idea, his own sister joining the Templars especially in a city like Kirkwall. But he had since accepted it and saw it was a chance for a Gwyn to forge her own path, her own identity. Who was he tomstsnd in her way? She was his sister, his twin.... That's too great a bond to throw away or risk for something like small in comparison such as that.

Epiphany Sopranos redroseknight

 

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Vincente cheerfully ignored Lacy's missing of the sign being a joke, and the protest about setting examples, only to be caught off-guard by the sudden change in attitude. It was still a no, but it seemed a more panicked no. Curious. What had happened? He restrained a sigh, instead adopting an amused expression. Maybe an alternate tack? "Inviting me for drinks at your home? Hmph. Well, it is hard to say no to some good brandy and... good company may be stretching it." A somewhat half-hearted attempt to shame or fluster Lacy into going to the Hanged Man. The offer of good brandy had proved more tempting than at first glance, especially when the alternative was the swill at the Hanged Man; that stuff was definitely an acquired taste.

In the end, Vincente's desire for a good drink won out over his desire to hook up two of his colleagues. Friends? Not really. Lacy was his opposite number, the law-abiding guardswoman to his vicious, amoral mercenary. And Gwyn had not really managed to make much of an impression on him. "And so I won't," he concluded happily, though his expression did not quite reflect this joy. "I suppose you know where your own house is. Or is it too full of guard routes and thoughts of G- criminals?" he teased, deciding at the last minute to let Lacy preserve what dignity she had left by not confronting her about Gwyn. At least, he thought as he smirked internally, not in public. The switch was nearly imperceptible with its speed. At least, he reckoned it was, unless Lacy was paying close attention. Unlikely, given her recent flustering.

Vincente's mind made the connection. Ah. That's what that attitude swap was about, probably. Gwyn. 'Lacy, you poor girl.'

theunderwolf

 

[theunderwolf]

Lacy mentally slapped herself in the face as she turned and led the rogue to her home. Why did she do that? Was her best brandy really worth... no of course it was worth it. As a bonus, she could at least finally drink the drink she'd had stashed. Lacy horded good liquor, a habit she learned from her parents, but hated hording things otherwise. If it was there it was there to be used. Her house wasn't that large after all. She had bought it for cheap after the owners were brutally murdered. It was small, cozy and had a lot of locks. Perfect for someone like her. It was actually reliably close to the hanged man, if you knew the right shortcuts. While her mind wasn't completely occupied by patrol routes, she knew the streets almost as well as a born and bred citizen. They reached the house quickly, and Lacy unlocked the door with a sturdy key. The home was bare and a mess at the same time. She had left her knitting out on her only chair and a open sheaf of paperwork was on her table. Plus she had left one of her knives on the mantle instead of on its proper peg on the display board. Of course everything else was austere but that was a non-issue.
"Sorry it's such a mess," She said politely as she went to her liquor cabinet, searching for the good brandy, "I'm not here enough to keep it as clean as it should be Just take the chair or table I only have one of each." She said as she grabbed two porcelain mugs from one of her shelves and poured two generous helpings, "Anything else I can get you? Food? A blanket? A warrant for your arrest?"

 

[redroseknight]

"Thank you, Moire, I appreciate it," She sat down beside her brother and laughed at the comment regarding the fact that she wasn't wearing her armor. "Nay, I needn't wear it when I am not representing the Templars in an official capacity. And I severely doubt that drinking at the tavern is considered official business..but I could always be wrong."Gwyn looked down at her attire for a second, wondering if she had made a mistake when she had been coordinating the colors. "It doesn't look bad, does it?" she asked, feeling her doubts creeping up into her mind. "I thought I might blend in a little more if I wasn't wearing my regulation armor, and I would certainly not mind dressing casually more often if I didn't seem to have this knack for running into people who want to kill either me or one of my family members."

When Nello mentioned the Blooming Rose, Gwyn turned exceptionally pale and then a bright flushed pink in a matter of moments. It truly was a most swift color change."No! I w-wouldn't, not to say there is anything wrong with, but I just.." Just even thinking of the brothel brought on a whole host of anxiety for the dark haired young woman. She shifted uncomfortably as she tried to regain control of her ability to speak, something that tended to go out the window when she became flustered."U-uncle Gamlen did seem to have been getting prepared to leave the house, so I believe I caught him just in time. But I have something for you." In the young woman's hands were pieces of paper that had come from the Chantry, requests for assistance by those inside of the city. "These are some requests for assistance that I saw posted on the board that I thought might be of interest to you. These two are for help dealing with a few bandit attacks outside of the city walls as of late, and if it is under the cover of dark and away from the city..no one will know you used magic. I thought it might be something to help you pass the time."

At his question of how her life as a Templar was going, she tried to stick to the positives. "My training has been improving as of late, and I managed to get my primary duties arranged to have me posted near the younger mages. I can make life a little easier for them, and I have an appreciative audience for my music. Unlike you and Amelie when I was first learning to play," she teased, reminding him of the times their small home in Lothering had been filled with the sound of a poorly tuned instrument being played very much out of rhythm. It had seemed like years before those sounds were replaced by more palatable tones. Then again, the initial learning stages always seemed the longest due to the damage it did to listening ears.

Gwyndolyn had never told her family about the issue of Templars and lyrium, of how vital and dependant on the substance those of the order were. They would have been even more against her joining the order if they knew it would lead her to become addicted to a substance controlled entirely by the Chantry. And she couldn't take that risk, not when being a Templar meant that she could help many more people and keep her family safe from discovery.If something happened to her due to the addiction, well, at least it would happen to the least important Hawke.

"Speaking of Amelia, have you seen her as of late?"

 

[Epiphany]

The Silent Z
Moire nodded along to Nello's explanation of poker. Her own lack of a poker face suggested she had basically no idea what he was talking about but was gamely presenting a 'I get it!' expression so as not to be seen as an idiot.

When he turned to explaining his circumstance, though, Moire's face lit up. "You're homesick! I get homesick too, you know. Oh, my Clan's not far and I suppose I can see them. But then, they think I'm strange, or perhaps addled. They're also not my Clan. Not really. I had to leave my Clan to join theirs because they needed a First to their Keeper. And now they have one, and we're all better off for it, except I wish sometimes they missed me, that being a part of their Clan was ever about me and not me being their next Keeper."

"Right. Sorry." Moire let out a great big sigh and once more put on a good cheer. "I just know how you feel. When everyone around you seems to know what to do and you...don't." She reached out and patted Nello on the arm affectionately. "You may be missing home, dear, but you're not lost. You have friends. As long as you have friends, you're never lost."

"But if you're feeling unsorted, you could always learn to Shapechange! Never met another Shapechanger in Kirkwall. I wonder where they all are? In the Circle, do you think?" Moire mused briefly, then pushed the distracting thought away. "I can teach you, if you'd like, that's all."

Nello's last question seemed to surprise her. She opened her mouth to reply but saw instead the arrival of Gwyn and greeted the other woman with the offer of a seat and the observation of the woman's lack of armor.

redroseknight
Gwyn's question caught Moire by surprise. "What, look bad? No, not at all! It's gorgeous, it is. I think you should wear it more often. Might find yourself a suitor that way. Assuming you want a suitor. I suppose a suitor might not suit you, after all. Or maybe the suitor is supposed to find you? I can never remember how Shemlen do these things. How do you find someone in a city so vast, when you may never meet their parents and siblings and learn all about them?" Moire finally stopped, took a breath and noticed the expressions on everyone at the table. "...I'm rambling again. Sorry. You mentioned running into murderers. What's that like then? Any today?"

If Moire had any idea how inappropriate those kinds of questions are for casual conversation, the naive Dalish gave no sign of it.

"Oh my, bandits! Lovely!" The elf perked up at Gwyn's proffering Chantry notices to Nello. "Yes, we should go hunting together! It's such a nice way to pass the time and you get to enjoy the outdoors instead of the stuffy, hot city...let's, Nello!"

 

[The Silent Z]

"Nah, you look fine Gwyn. Besides it's nice to see Templars outside their element or role in the city. You should recommend it to the others, unless it causes trouble." Nello spoke up chiming in with a comment on his twins question concerning her appearance. Then looked toward his next drink and took another swallow, letting the ale hit the spot. It wasn't the best ale but it was cheap and tasted well enough for the purpose of it. "As for the people wanting to kill you or one of us.... well I think it's in our genes, we attract it." He jokes with a small laugh to end his opinion on the topic.

Seeing his sister turn pale and react his mention of the blooming rose was priceless. The transition from absolute pale to bright pink of blush was indeed a moment for him to remember though he certainly understood turning pale at the thought of a mention of Gamlen and how he spent his free time from the house. He turned his eye up toward Gwyn with a small grin "Relax Sis.... I think I get it. But it does sound like you caught him just in time, gave more time to catch up, right?" Nello spoke though he hadn't expected anything from Gwyn less it was bad news? Nah.... Couldn't be. Odds say it was a moment for good news to hit.

"Papers huh? Looks like chantry..... Oh?!" He paused after taking the papers for a look. Turning his head up toward Gwyn with a surprised but happy look. "This, this is..... its great. You sure about this? It sounds like a nice opportunity and I appreciate it. But it's a risk for you?" Nell paused to look up from the chantry requests and toward his twin. This seemed like a nice opportunity but with everything that came with him being useful, he couldn't help but notice the risk and his family's fall should things turn bad. A man without purpose wasn't a man right? Add a mages gift or curse pending your view and you had a dilemma that Nello often found himself.

He was a mage with his hands tied and use in life kept hidden or else. The knife to cut these ties was now before him now remained a question..... Should he take controlled risk like the one before him? Honestly it sounded easy and even seemed like the best option a mage like him who wanted to do something in a city like Kirkwall where a knight commander like Meredith ruled and Templars were an army of there own here. But even a controlled risk was a risk still, taking the time to think over the variables it came to him..

Nello would just have to make sure those risks, the worst outcomes were avoided. Giving a nod and appreciative smile combined with his looking eyes toward Gwyn. "Thanks Sis.... I'll handle it and accept these opportunities." Finally a shot to feel useful, a brief window to see what he can do and get his mind off the issues going around him, within him and about him while seeing some bandits curbed by a another's hand.

"Good to hear, sound sounds like you've done something to help those young mages get by, a bit easier then before id imagine, least from what I hear on the outside. Hey now, even you have to admit those early days of you playing your music was a bit rough. You didn't make it sound great and pretty until work was put into it." Nello teased back while recalling the early years back home. He knew Kirkwall was suppose to be home now, but to him home would always be Lothering and the memories that he lived and experienced back then would always remain special to him, make it home. But it was a nice bit of news to hear not only was Gwyn improving in her training and whatever that might entail, but she was helping younger mages by making life a bit easier for them.

"Amelie? Hmm.... I bet she's got a headache if she had to deal with Bran. I think I saw her head that way, towards the viscounts office. which likely means a passing through Bran." Nello responded with a answer that was as good as he can honestly offer. It wasn't certain, but it was a calculated guess from what he did know.

Nello then turned back toward Moire and smiled. She showed a expression like she got it, it was good to see though it still brought a smile to his face. Moire was a unique one that was for certain, but a sweet one.

When Nello saw moires face light up it almost shocked him, but hearing her speak it made sense now. She felt homesick too, times where she must of missed her clan or.... not her clan exactly? Experiences with the Dalish and himself were unfortunately rare if any, the two sides didn't have the greatest of welcoming for one another thanks to those ancestors and tevinters both. Leading to a limited chance to learn about the Dalish and how they do things. A sharing of culture and understanding one another was a key to life in his opinion.

"I guess I forget that sometimes. You left your clan not long ago, it makes sense you'd miss them, but least they're not far though, right? A visit might be nice even if they might see you as.... different, a good kind of different though, unique. I'm sure they miss you." Nello spoke genuinely in reply toward Moire. "Though I've meant to ask, how does your clan go about sending mages to clans in need of a first? If your always wandering, how do you know where to send letters or news to one another and how do you get selected for such a thing? It can't be easy and must be more diverse then simply magical talent, right?" Nello continued now sounding like the curious one. Truthfully other cultures interested him and he didn't get many opportunities to find out such things.

"No worries Moire... " He spoke aiming to assure she was fine and needn't apologize. "Yeah, its great for them, I'm happy for them. Just new city and remains tougher here then back home. Less use then usual for a free mage, guess it's a purpose thing." Nello added looking over toward Moire after a swallow from his tankard. "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the friends I've got around, but the lost is more then just missing home. I mean it plays too, but I'm a purpose free existence within a city full of Templars, then you add all these troubles around us and it's..... frustrating."

Nello followed with a sharing openly moment while responding to Moire. "Shapechanging huh? I never thought about it, but kinda seems nice. Being able to transform into animals like that, seeing whole cities and country sides from a aerial view.... quite the sight and opportunity." He pondered the thought of Moires muse before turning back to respond. "I don't think so Moire, it's a old magic right? I think it's forbidden within the circles of magi. Probably remains a thing within the avvar ways of magic and witches like flemeth who live in the wilds of Thedas. Oh..... and Dalish clans too." He quickly added knowing the Dalish must practice older forms of magic too as Moire was a shapechanger after all.

"But yeah, I'd love it Moire. Might be a nice to try such form of magic."

Nello then grinned at how Moire responded to the chantry requests Gwyn brought by the tavern. "You and me taking out bandits under the stars and shine of the moon and its glow, reflecting off some waters as bandits get what's coming to them..... I'd love it. Let's do it!" Nello smiled and agreed.

Epiphany redroseknight

 

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Vincente adopted a mock shocked expression and gasped dramatically. "You have food? You eat? And here I thought you were some kind of woman-shaped golem," he said, not once slipping into a smile. He slid over to the chair, idly picking up the rogue knife on the way and carefully shuffling the knitting onto the table. "You knit in your spare time? Do they give you spare time in the guard? This isn't some kind of scheme to bust a ring of old city elf grandmothers smuggling clothes to their children? Either way, it looks good, I like it," he lied, not really knowing how to judge knitting or even what it was going to be. There were other things Vincente knew than knitting, he just wanted to try and have the atmosphere be a little less tense. You can't enjoy a drink properly with that kind of mood. He sat back in the chair, looking remarkably at-ease for someone who was in the unfamiliar house of someone who obviously had trouble tolerating his continued unarrested state. He'd spent a lot of time in other people's houses, this was not so different to that. He just didn't have people trying to kill him this time.

 

[theunderwolf]

"I can assure you I'm fully human," Lacy said, as she took a sip of the brandy like a normal biological base. She watched him hold the dagger carefully, knowing the rogue's proficiency with them. "Yes I have some spare time all the work we do needs some rest. My knitting's not that good though I can only make scarves and bandannas. Hats...elude me." She had made a lot of scarves since coming to Kirkwall, about half of which were hidden in her closet and embroidered with "GH "in black dyed yarn. "Though the city elf grandmothers ring is... oddly specific. Do you have anything you'd like to report?" She finished with a small chuckle. One thing she did credit Vincente with was being easy to talk too. He had a quick wit and an easy going humor that she appreciated. And though he was cute, she never seemed to turn into a stuttering mess around him like she did others. Maybe it was the constant reminder of his criminal nature, "If you do really like you can have that one," She said thoughtfully, "When its done of course, I don't really have anything to do with it. Plus it could get you an in with the smuggling ring."

 

[redroseknight]

"Oh, thank you, both of you." Gwyn relaxed at the reassurance that no, she didn't make a terrible choice in fashion, though her cheeks did swiftly heat up at the mention of a suitor. Oh, she had a particular strong, beautiful, fiercely loyal guard in mind. But that was just a fleeting dream, a wonderful thought that had no place in reality. She actually took Moire's question regarding human traditions a bit seriously, trying to think of how to explain it. "That is where trust comes from, my friend. You take time to get to know the person, enjoy their company, find out what is most important to them and if it meshes well with your ideals. You just have to believe that what they show you is their true intentions and go with your gut instinct." Gwyn laughed lightly as she added, "I'll let you know as soon as I find one." Her nose wrinkled a little at her brother's suggestion. "Did you know that there are some Templars even I haven't seen outside of their armor. Every day, morning to night, I have never seen them without the full plate." She paused, shaking her head. "Which might be for the best, come to think of it." Her thoughts turned back to a few days prior when she had an unpleasant run-in with someone who had been wronged by the Red Irons, and she gave a soft sigh. "It is awkward when they were obviously looking for my sister and decided to settle for me instead because they couldn't find her in this Maker forsaken city. As if Amelie is subtle or something. Fortunately, I have passed by none today, but I think you're right, Nello. Or maybe we've been doing this whole friendship thing wrong and they just want to be really friendly," she joked with a grin.

"Don't worry, Nello, I'm sure that it will be fine. I'm not ruffling too many feathers in the order, so there won't be anyone purposefully looking for anything odd. And these will be outside of the city. Trust me, none of the Templars like to go outside of their circle of power here in the city. It will bring no trouble down on my head,"she reassured her twin, reaching over and squeezing his shoulder. What she said wasn't completely true, there were a few Templars who didn't particularly care for her since she made sure to keep close to the young female mages in an effort to protect them from the more predatory Templars. But they didn't hold enough detest for her to get Nello into trouble, so she kept that information to herself.

She nodded her head a little, feeling a little proud of the minor accomplishment and the praise her brother was giving her. "There aren't that many women in the Templars, so spending time with the mages also saves me from the overload of toxic masculinity." At the mention of how it took effort for her to become proficient in music, she had to admit that it wasn't just purely from her hard work alone. "Sister Leliana did help greatly by giving me advice when I stopped by the Chantry while you and Amelie were off gallivanting." Of course she had also put in a great deal of time into learning the harp, a good portion of that effort spent in hopes of making the ley sister proud. It had been a harmless teenage crush, the first of many that Gwyn kept to herself. Or at least she attempted to; her siblings had a tendency to be able to read the youngest female Hawke like a book. "Fine, I'll confess that it wasn't..the nicest of sounds. But the 'like a dying cat' remark had been a bit much."

Gwyn noted how easy conversation was between Moire and Nello, and she was happy that at least companionship could be found in this place. She loved Nello, but she could tell that he was getting frustrated with having nothing to occupy his time in a city so strictly against mages. It was the look in his eyes when he thought none of them were paying attention, a look that she knew all too well since she had worn it quite often in Lothering. It was for that reason that she had been scouring the Chantry board every day for something that she might pass along to her brother. There had been other requests, but honestly they would have been far too dangerous for him to attempt in the city as an apostate. More so for his sake than for hers. And now it sounded like he was going to learn more magic from Moire. There, she saw that spark of life in his eyes like the old Nello she remembered. Good, it was as it should be.

"Great to hear, just make sure to come back and regale me with all of the details." Moire and Nello going out on an adventure together outside of the city? Oh, there were bound to be some stories from that experience. And while she wished that she could tag along to experience it, she knew it was for the best that it was just the pair of mages that went. The stories would be more than enough.

 

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Vincente leaned farther back in his chair. "Nothing I'd care to report to an upstanding member of the guard," he stated, half a joke and half praise, after Lacy asked him if he had anything to report. He quirked an eyebrow at her offer to actually give him what was apparently a... whatever it was. Vincente peered at it for a moment. Was it a scarf? A bandana? A tapestry depicting the major events of the Blessed Age? He had no idea. It looked alright, though. "Maybe it would, but who wants anything to do with elven grandmothers from an alienage? There's no money in them. If there were, they wouldn't be in the damned alienage." he said mirthfully. "What about guardwork? I considered being a guard once, you know," Vincente lied, "but I got warned away by a friend. Told me there wasn't very good pay. That true?" he asked, mostly just to pass the time. As idly as he'd picked it up, Vincente tossed the knife up into the air, watching as it twirled once, twice, thrice, four times, and then caught it by the hilt and flickered a satisfied smirk. He held the dagger close to his face and pointed it at Lacy. "And if you say 'justice is its own reward'," he began, reaching to snatch up whatever the thing on the table was and hold the knife to it, "then the knitting gets it," he finished theatrically.

 

[The Silent Z]

"You're welcome. Gotta relax more, trust your fashion sense. Least from I hear, girls back home used to chat ear sometimes about clothes and stuff. I figure if you trust it, like it then wear it." Nello responded taking more then necessary to reply instead of a simple welcome. When it came to fashion or comfort, Nello always went with what worked and what was comfortable, if he liked it then it was certain to become worn by him. Looking good was just a matter of comfort and liking oneself in his opinion. Meanwhile he listened and was amused by his sister and Moire talking suitors, Gwyn explaining it and Moire uncertain of how Shemlen do such things like relationships and suitors. It was a moment of pure awesome in his opinion, a little entertaining quality as the pair spoke with one another.

Hearing about the Templars and some even Gwyn hadn't even seen outside of full plate, surprised and kinda made him shake his head, just a little. Back home Templars seemed to have the same deal, but they also seemed different too compared to the Kirkwall lot. "I guess we have workaholics in the order... that's sad. You'd think Templars would enjoy the downtime outside of that heavy plate." He replied with a small shrug and smile. "Yeah, I bet! Not everyone can be a looker, huh?" Nello added with a brief joke.

Hearing Gwyn speak of the people trying to kill them and joke about it while bringing up Amelie. He couldn't help but laugh in reaction to her joke, maybe the hawkes were doing this whole friendship thing wrong, maybe they also had folks unable to find Amelie and looked for any Hawke such as Gwyn or maybe him too. "Bloods, blood.... We got it nice and we seem to delight sometimes. But maybe we are doing it wrong.... Maybe we are just small town folks with a unnaturally different way of making friends? But it's good none have been spotting you today, no need to sign their death warrants, huh?" Nello grinned with jest in turn.

He was a free spirit who knew how to be himself back in Lothering. Because he knew Lothering. Hearing Gwyn now made him feel, think that maybe his twin was trying to reassure him with news that Templars didn't like to go outside the city, that she hadn't ruffled enough feathers in the order to bring suspicious eyes just looking for something odd, something out of place. But still Nello couldn't help it, risks were high in Kirkwall and in perhaps any large city. Or city at all come to think of it. He was a villager not a city born.

He of course appreciated his sisters words, reassurances... But Nello knew if his magic was spotted then he'd begin to see his worst fear unfold, he'd become the burden to his family that a simple mistake or misfortune could bring by simply trying to be himself and trying to use what made him useful. His magic and the years spent learning from his father, their father, while watching his elder sister Amelie achieve accomplishments in her training.

But despite what brought him down from mello, harshed his groove and made him the free, positive outlooking spirit that he truly was, despite what could happen, he'd have to try and Gwyn was offering that chance. He always tried to hide his troubles but maybe he wasn't as good at it as he thought. Either way, he'd risk it and take the offer before him and use it for a shot to do some good. A slight and temporary improvement around the city and near it on the outside of its walls.

Looking up toward Gwyn now, raising that head of his and looking to her with a pair of soft, agreeable eyes of crystal like blue, Nello offered a small smile and nod. Agreeing and quietly accepting her word before even speaking.

"Good to hear. I'm not looking to cause you trouble, Sis. Though I guess it happens still at times, hopefully less as I get older. But it would be nice...... nice to do something for a change, something good, something useful like."

And with that plus the feeling of Gwyn squeeze of his shoulder in reassurance. Nello took a breath and exhaled slowly nodding in relaxing himself and getting the negatives out of his mind, while taking a drink from his tankard of ale. Meanwhile seeing his sister with that look on her face, the sense of being proud in what she had accomplished was nice to see. Back in Lothering she seemed troubled, it wasn't hard to see why and what it was after awhile, now in Kirkwall and seeing the change that started to take form within Gwyn was worth it. The Hawkes for the most part, were getting there, one step at a time. A blight couldn't take that away, neither would a city of Templars with a overly done sense of task and responsibility... they would just keep on, keeping on. Like always.

"More should try it.... Not every mage seeks blood magic and a turnaround of oppression. Just humanity and being treated like everyone else, like people. Not dangers and demons in wait...." Nello spoke honestly and open in intial response to Gwyn. But was truly glad she took that time to get to know them, while evading that toxic masculinity as she called it. "Understanding and not ignorance moves us forward, the reverse just takes us back and live in the constant chaos that is life without unity. But anyways... I'm glad, really, happy for you Sis, plus avoiding such toxic atmospheres is a bonus." The younger twin added in sincerity and brief drifting to philosophy before returning to the topic and importance that was Gwyns time with the mages and well being outside of the toxic natures that exist within the order.

"Is that what we were doing? I didn't realize." Nello chuckled in jest to her comment. A playful grin crossing his features before adding on to his response. "Makes sense. I seem to recall you and Sister Leliana spending a lot of time together, though I don't blame you. She was cute, some sisters of the chantry were and are come to think of it. But she was helpful, wasn't she? I mean she seemed pretty sweet and different then others. I also liked her accent." He further commented and agreed. The sister was helpful by the sounds of it with Gwyns music, maybe they were closer then he thought. " Oh come on, Gwyn... You gotta admit when someone makes a sound like that, your first thought isn't 'What's too harsh to compare this with?' It's often, 'Maker please! Such horror bleeds my ears!' Like a dying cat." Nello joked with a obvious tone that he was truly joking and expression to show it added in. "Besides least we kept you honest. Even if by confession it may have been a bit much. But intial reactions, I'd say were honest atleast. Either way, you improved and became great at playing music. It's a win-win.. Right?"

Looking to both Gwyn and Moire now, Nello smiled and listened while ensuring his sister that she shall be regaled. The day was improving ten fold now, a chance to learn new and yet old magic while being useful in the countering of bandits and their lots ways.... Almost made it worth stopping his streak of finished ales. "You'll get every detail, Gwyn... Never worry on that, stories can't speak for themselves after all. And I got a feeling.... this will have a few tales worth experiencing and telling later on."

redroseknight Epiphany

 

[theunderwolf]

Lacy snorted, "We get paid just fine, especially when you consider that we get free room board. Really if I didn't want a place to hang my many scarves I wouldn't need one. Frankly," She said sipping from her drink, "You and I know quite well that 'Not being paid enough' is just an excuse to take bribes. We get paid fine, idiots just get greedy." She didn't even flinch when he held her semi-beloved hobby hostage. "I should point out at this point that standard procedure for hostages is to hit whomever's holding them with an arrow." She looked out her window meaningfully (Not like anyone was there but she could tease). It wasn't like that was one of the pieces she made for... Oh shit the unfinished scarf already had the initials on it. Oh no, she couldn't let him figure out who GH was. "And also, Justice can be its own reward, which brings me to what I really wanted to talk to you about. You are some sort of criminal low-life yes?"

 

[Epiphany]

"Right, bandits under the stars, sounds lovely." Moire frowned a moment, then peered at Nello. "...What, like a date? I mean, that's what you do on dates, isn't it? You go around doing things you both enjoy in gorgeous places. That's a human courtship ritual, isn't it? Are we courting? Do I need a dress? By the Dread Wolf, I don't have a thing to wear, no one ever tells me these things..."

The Dalish promptly looked completely distracted as she silently contemplated the state of her wardrobe.

The Silent Z redroseknight

 

[The Silent Z]

A date? That wasn't exactly, was it? It hadn't crossed his mind. Usually his use of description and the events that'd take place never worked quite like it seemed to now. It was just a moment of making it sound even better then it had before with more then bandits to enjoy. A sea of stars and a ever present moon and such as he spoke. It took Nello a bit for his words to catch up and form inside his head before saying them aloud... Moires response caught him off guard and now it was asking the question if that was something he wanted, was it a subconscious thing?

"Um... well... uh.... kinda, yes. But I was just describing the scene for..... yeah I guess it didn't come off too well. Almost sounds a like unique form of romantic courting. Anyways, I was only intending to describe it all, nothing intentionally said for making is a date. Unless..." Nello paused contemplating it over in his head while keeping eye contact with Moire, trying to see her interest or not before saying. "Nah. I'm sure your not looking for that, so just a friendly outing to wipe out some bandits. No date or courting or worrying about your wardrobe, Moire. Not that you need to worry about it or anything." Nello continued aiming to ease her mind on the subject. While taking a swallow from his tankard.

Epiphany redroseknight

 

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Vincente nodded contemplatively as Lacy explained to him about the pay of a guard and its relation to bribery. He disagreed with her assertion that people who accepted bribes were idiots. It was free money, and it was less hassle to just look the other way than it was to get involved. Or it was something simple, like telling someone where someone else was. Or it was a stupid thing for someone to try and bribe you to do, like going and stabbing a Magister. He supposed that maybe people with lots of principles would lose sleep or something over it. 'How confined', he mused.

"That's an oddly ballsy move for a city guard with no balls. I like it, it's what I'd do." Vincente tilted his head, considering and utterly unbothered. Maybe he should have ignored his friend's advice and gone in for a guard job. Vincente blinked, expression shifting to one of surprise. What? Damn it, the downsides of being really good at wearing false faces and otherwise lying. It starts carrying over into casual settings, hard. Of course, instinctively believing your own lies was a massive plus when it came to actually lying: No tells. You aren't lying, as far as you're concerned, and that tends to mean that you're not lying as far as your mark's concerned, either.

Unfortunately for Lacy, Vincente had definitely seen the sewn-in 'GH'. Fortunately for Lacy, he'd merely filed it away as information to maybe use later, and elected to not mention it, since he was already aware of exactly who GH was likely to be. He adopted an expression which Laura told him 'looked like you'd just seen a Qunari wipe its ass with the Qun'. 'Thanks, Laura.' "Me? A criminal? Why I never!" Vincente put his hands on his chest in beatific innocence. "You know I'd never do anything to impugn the authority of the rule of law," he exclaimed, growing more sarcastic with every syllable. "Besides, if I were to be a criminal, I wouldn't be a lowlife, I'd be too successful to be called that," he stated, then quickly added, "Not to mention far too witty and handsome." He grinned rakishly, to put the cherry on top of that confident little declaration. Easy to underestimate and discount a seemingly overconfident buffoon. And he was successful, witty, and handsome, after all. 'Successful, huh? Tell that to the men who drowned,' a dark voice called from somewhere in the recesses of his mind. Vincente frowned and fought a brief battle to shove that back down. No brooding in the middle of conversations.

 

[Epiphany]

Moire glanced back to Nello, and suddenly beamed. "I'd almost think I was uncourtable but you..." She affectionately hugged the other Mage. "You're just being kind, aren't you. What lovely friends I have. Let me know when you'd like to go kill that lot and I'll be there with bells on." The Dalish slipped an arm through Nello's and leaned her head against his shoulder in another affectionate gesture before spotting her tankard and eagerly taking it up again.

"What about you, Gwyn? What are the Chantry Mages like, anyway? Are they nice? What do Templars and Mages do together? Do you have tea?"

There was an eagerness on the Dalish woman's face, a kind of innocent naivety that plainly imagined Templars and Mages seated at small tables drinking from a tea service.

redroseknight The Silent Z