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Entry tags:
[PARTIALLY OPEN]
WHO: Knight-Commander Stannis Baratheon, Knight-Commander Alayre Sauveterre, Lenneth Valkyrie, and OPEN.
WHAT: Disproving a demon.
WHEN: At night after sending crystal.
WHERE: Battlements.
NOTES: There will be an after-thread for anyone who wants to get involved can get involved in. You can come to argue with Stannis, Alayre, and Lenneth. This is a decision made by these three alone and not by anyone in-charge of the Inquisition.
WHAT: Disproving a demon.
WHEN: At night after sending crystal.
WHERE: Battlements.
NOTES: There will be an after-thread for anyone who wants to get involved can get involved in. You can come to argue with Stannis, Alayre, and Lenneth. This is a decision made by these three alone and not by anyone in-charge of the Inquisition.
[ He rests against the stone. It is becoming his, however, with how often that he finds himself on the battlement. His shoulders slump as he feels exhausted with ensuring that the Templars carried out their punishment. Now that he believes them too be tired to cause trouble, he can focus on the next task.
While this would not pardon all the Rifters, but it would pardon one in being a demon. Would it ensure that she is not a spy sent by Corpyheus? Not completely, but it would be a start. It would ensure that they would be able to have one that could watch the others, if need be. Or it would prove what Stannis and Alyare believe to be true about the Rifters -- that they are demons and that they should be cleansed from Skyhold.
Stannis takes a breath in. ]
Are you ready? [ This question is directed at both present. ]
the disproving | templar skills erupting on the battlement
no subject
[The Orlesian states before turning his grey gaze towards the young woman before them. Alayre is dressed in his usual regalia and armed to the teeth with both swords at his hip. Though, the Templar is noticeably without his horned helmet for this evening's endeavors. He believes it would be in poor taste to wear that helmet when the woman bravely submitted herself to their cause. This is why Alayre remains unmasked despite his fondness for masks.]
May the Maker guide our plight. I shan't harm you out of maliciousness, Lenneth. Bear in mind that I possess no hatred or anger towards you.
no subject
There. It could not be said that anyone disarmed her or stripped protection from her save herself. She nodded, a small but emphatic movement, and strode to her place before the two Knight-Commanders, the freed fringe of silver hair across her brow ruffling in the evening breeze.]
Nor I you. I, too, wish to know what can be known through whatever spell you mean to cast. I am not as I was, in my world. If aught can be gleaned through these proceedings, it will grant me some measure of peace.
[Steel crept into her voice; her youthful countenance becoming stern.]
I was once tasked with cleansing corruption. If, in Thedas, I were to bring it rather than be its bane, it is only right I be destroyed. Rest assured, sirs, I do not fear this. I am here of my own will. [she looked once at the moon as it began its ascent, and then returned her gaze to the two men.] Shall we begin?
no subject
[ He tightens the ties around the sheath to hold the blade in place lest it slip out. Stannis steps forward toward Lenneth. He weighs her worth in his stare -- young but old enough to make this choice. Old enough to realize the many chances that the two are granting her to leave and continue to carry their suspicion.
The first matter of business would be to cleanse the area of all magic, including that which could be wrapped around the Rifter. There is little pause before he swing the blade toward the ground, kneeling in the same motion. An eruption of power all but strikes outward. A circle of white light surrounds the three of them, surrounding the area of a faint glow.
Her form remains the same, but he is quick to stand with sheathed blade in hand. He takes a step forward before the blade swings to strike her side. Not enough to break bone but enough to bruise heavily. A burst of blue fire engulfs her in its flames coming from the blade. It is not the same as mage fire but one that assaults spiritually and tears apart the magic that could be present.
Already, he is stepping back to have Sauveterre complete their test. He, at least, promised that it would be painful and relatively quick. Even though, it may not feel that way to Lenneth. ]
no subject
No.
The blow landed; not a cutting one, thankfully, but hard enough to make her stagger, and that was before the flame surged forth from his blade. It ripped across her, leaving no visible mark, but somehow searing her--scouring where the first spell had only brushed. This spiritual assault... This she'd felt before. A cry of pain burst unbidden from her throat, and she strangled it fiercely, biting her lip hard enough to bleed. She shook her head slightly to clear it as the Knight-Commander stepped back, then righted her stance, eyes dark with determination.]
no subject
This is why Alayre is needed.]
Let thy blade pass through flesh---
[The Orlesian mutters as he holds up the Iceblade within his right hand. Much likened to Stannis earlier, the Iceblade is still proudly settled within it's white scabbard. The faint icy mist that surrounds the blade pulsates with a fiendish might just when a strange spark of energy dances around the sword.
That strange energy grows in power as Alayre quickly dashes forward in a sprint. He thrusts his sword towards Lenneth but purposely misses her in favor of pushing blinding yellow hued light from his glowing blade. It's then that a streak of blessed light cascades down upon the Valkyrie as proof of the Divine's presence in this realm. The Divine Light must feel like heated coal against flesh. For any demonic creature, they would've been scorched by this powerful light and heavy damaged with burns. However, Alayre made certain to only use a fraction of this power towards Lenneth and missed her on purpose so she wouldn't be burned badly by the Maker's grace.
They're not here to harm the woman but to test the proof of her humanity.]
no subject
It blinded her instantly, filling her vision with such brilliance that she could see nothing else. The night was gone; so too the moon, the battlements, and the men who tested her. And then warmth... warmth which became heat. Heat to such a degree that it was almost cold, almost felt like nothing at all... and then felt like everything. Light that blazed so hot she could no longer understand it as heat. It became her world.
Lenneth could not tell if she screamed--though she did--because she could not tell anything.
But when she could, she found that she was on her hands and knees on the cold stone of the battlements, weeping silently. Not from pain, though the memory of the hot agony was still with her, but from having been so overwhelmed.
The other she had felt, but this... never. If such was the power of their Maker--Was this what it was, to be mortal and touched by the gods?]
no subject
Stannis looks towards his companion then before he drops his blade onto the ground. Its meaning clear as he walks forward to help her to rest against one of the short-walls upon the battlements rather than lie on the cold stone. He wonders how many had seen their abilities light the night, but his attention returns to Lenneth. ]
I warned you that this pain would be great. You also admitted that you could not prepare for it. [ His head cants to the side as though he wonders if her hearing has cleared from what she has experienced. If her senses have come back to her at all. Difficult to say, he looks towards Sauveterre. ] Where is the elfroot? [ No need to ask the other Knight-Commander if he brought any, because they would. ]
You sacrificed for your cause and your innocence. That will not be forgotten by Sauveterre or me.
no subject
Here. [The Orlesian announces once he finds a vial of elfroot extract he had tucked away. He approaches the pair slowly and offers the red vial to Lenneth.] Pray forgive us for our harshness. We are wary of all those who hail from the Rift but we haven't forsook our humanity. Use this potion to ease the pain we've inflicted.
[There's true regret lingering within those tired grey eyes. Alayre is no butcher. He takes no joy in any of this folly.]
no subject
For a moment, she's ashamed to be so weak. So much so that pride will not allow her to accept any physical aid--although she is glad enough to have Knight-Commander Baratheon beside her to make sure she did not trip and fall from the battlements. What an ignominous conclusion that would be. The thought nearly brought a wry smile to her face.
She did, however, accept the potion offered, and drank it gratefully. It would heal the bruise on her arm, her lip, perhaps dull the throb in her left hand, but the searing memory of light it would do nothing for. Nor could a simple potion quell the growing fear that here, perhaps, she was mortal. Simple pain was nothing to that.]
I bear you no ill will--either of you. It was something I could do that needed to be done.
[She lifted her arm, pulled up the sleeve so the heavy bruise could be seen turning color and fading slowly in the moonlight] Such pains are fleeting--see how it goes, even now. In the end, only the knowledge will remain.
But perhaps I should not excuse you too much. When causing pain to another, no matter how fleeting, becomes guiltless and simple... [She trailed off, lost in a memory; Lightning flashing. The sound of a hopeless woman, a snapping neck, laughter, and a voice, cloyingly sweet and smug: "You really don't have any idea what you are, do you?"
She shook her head, fists clenching.]
In any case... you have your answer, yes?
no subject
[ Stannis shakes his head. ] You are no demon. That pardons you and you alone. I do not intend to do this to the others, and you may feel slighted by that fact, but you will be rewarded. [ She is enough to be trusted, because if she was a spy, Corypheus brought them one willing to almost die for his cause. He wonders if such devotion is held by any of the turncoats driven mad. But, yes, there is a reward -- a small piece of trust. ]
You may be our eyes with the Rifters. To see if there are any demons present and even slay them if you so choose. [ His gaze flickers over to Sauveterre because as far as he is concerned, this is an honor and reward. ] Beyond that, you have questions for us, do you not?
no subject
Should they allow the other Rifters to not share in the woman's agony? Why choose her? Why did she want to prove herself to them? The Valkyrie is nothing but a frail maiden isn't she? No. Lenneth no mere girl. She knew this would be a painful endeavor and still sought to appease them through sacrifice.
A shallow sigh leaves Alayre. He's conflicted but the deed is long done now. His worries now lie with the Inquisition.]
The Rifters are people unknown to Thedas and this hold. Suspicion plays a role here and even fear considering the roles they might partake that could lead to Skyhold's fall. We are still in mourning, we are still rebuilding. The Inquisition is truly in need of watchful eyes over the unknown more now than ever before.
no subject
As I am not of your world, I occupy a strange position. One that may be of great use to this Inquisition. I am not a Templar, but I believe as you--in order, duty, aid, protection... the divine. [Her eyes flickered over to gaze at Baratheon briefly, an acknowledgement of the lack of meaning that divine force held for him, before they returned to focus on the moon.] Likewise, I am not a Mage. Yet, I bear magic. Magic that will need to be trained, if I am to bring any true force to bear on the battlefield.
[She returned her attention to the two men who stood before her.] Perhaps I may submit myself to the Mages as well. Become a student. Learn from them. Aid them. I am not one of them, nor am I one of you. But perhaps, through this, I may gain the trust of both?
no subject
He has been patient with them when they gave the mages their "freedom" yet the lot appears to be leaderless and unwilling to deal out punishment to those who are deserving in their ranks. He has been patient when the Templar who have shown themselves unable to set aside the hatred for mages are allowed in Skyhold at all and not driven to live in shame with those in the Hinterlands. Because a Templar is not their prejudices, not their own thoughts or desires -- they are for the realm alone. He has been patient when the Rifters were brought and heard the tale of their appearance. One that would strike a note with everyone. It felt like an easy way to prey on the weakness of what has happened to the Herald. It felt wrong. Yet they are allowed to wander free, to requisition what they like from the Quartermaster, to be "part" of the Inquisition yet seemingly not expected to contribute anything. To treat them as refugees when they are not their problem; their resources are not infinite.
There is too much and he had to trust in their decisions. ]
The mages may be willing to accept you into their ranks, if only to prove a point on what I have told them. While I do not believe you to be a demon, you cannot use me to endorse your innocence. [ A slight nod of his head. ] Sauveterre would be best, if they bring questions. I have no desire to speak to them until they find themselves a leader.
But there is a danger in learning their magic. It is why we Templar exist... though, the small folk and the world would forget it in light -- [ Stannis shakes his head, because that is too much information and little sense to get into the mess of the rebellion. ] -- when I spoke of demons, that is what you may be calling to and while they can be fought against ... once that door is open, they will always somewhere beyond watching you.
no subject
Somethings will never change.]
I have spoken to some of these mages and can assure you that not all of them are as dreadful as they seem. The mages are just frightened of what the future may hold in store for them. They're unorganized but earnest to cling to their illusion of freedom.
[He sighs quietly.]
They seem not to understand that their freedom comes at a severe price that shall be paid in blood if the demons of the Fade call for them. Their power must not be left unchecked but their fear of us Templar has numbed them to the truth.
[He shakes his head slowly. This is all a fine mess, isn't it?]
This is why even you must be cautious.
no subject
What was curious was Baratheon's disbelief in the Maker, but the use of Templar magic nonetheless. Or were those spells he had cast not Divine? In which case... what made him different than the Mages whose power was deemed dangerous?
An extremely impertinent question for this stage of their tenuous trust, and more like to get her repudiated than a true answer. Another path, then.]
Perhaps the Mages will have their own tests for me. Or, perhaps yours will have been enough. [She crosses her arms, and looks down at the golden ring on her signet finger, twirling it so it glints in the moonlight. The Valkyrie suddenly felt very alone.] In my world... my magic had a Divine source. As I am... no longer connected to that source, do you think I should seek such a source here? Or would it be better to speak with the Mages of such things.
If so--who shall I approach?
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[ Ah, he has tangented because he is annoyed. Annoyed is not the correct word, however, but he feels calmer. ] From a Divine source? [ He hums. ] The choice of if you wish to seek the source here is your own. Know that power comes at the cost of demons seeking you out after. They seek to come into this world, to possess your body... and they come in your dreams. I would not say it would be a barrage of them, but I will say that once that door is open that it will not be closed. They will tempt you with their power and their offerings.
Perhaps, to stop this war. Perhaps, to return home. Perhaps, to grant you the magic from a Divine source once more. Lies. [ Stannis rolls his shoulders back as he lets out another sigh. ] I know what comes after the mages. I know of the demons and abominations that I have fought. If it were my decision, I would leave that door shut. The world does not want mages, but the world needs mages for their power. They are pursued by demons and hated by the stupid small folk.
But the decision is yours and yours alone. [ His eyes lift up toward Sauveterre to continue. Because there is much that cannot be understood about the magic of her world and the magic of this. ]
no subject
It's quite infuriating to be honest.]
The Mages shan't welcome you with open arms if they know of your affiliation with the two of us. In truth, they'll do what they can to impede upon your path just for the sake of doing so. They do not trust anyone who sides with the Order, therefore I suggest you not speak of us.
[A wise suggestion considering all the ruckus the two of them caused as of late. They must be careful.]
Magic in this realm is both a blessing and a curse. It comes as no surprise that the mages are treated with scorn and because of it hold bitterness in their hearts. The cruelty of the Order has caused a rift to brew between us and little has been done to repair it.
no subject
Though I have volunteered to undergo your tests, and have perhaps earned a small measure of your trust in doing so, I am no Templar. Though I may bear magic, I am no Mage. I bear no love or hate for either faction, for I am as yet ignorant; although I wish to remedy that if I am able. I wish to learn all that I can about this world and those who inhabit it.
[She shifts her gaze to Sauveterre.] If the Order has been cruel, you cannot undo that. If the Mages have abused their power, or been corrupt, you cannot undo that either. This Inquisition is, however, a chance for both Templar and Mage to create anew. To break free of the patterns that you disdain.
[The Valkyrie shifts her stance, resting a hand on the pommel of her sword.] But this is easy for me to say; I carry none of the weight of living in this world. I remember no injustice, no abuse, no injury. I know well what horrors can come of magic in my world, but here I am ignorant.
And... as an empty vessel... I think I may serve all. [A pause] All on the side of order, at least.
[The young woman effects a formal salute with precision, hand to her chest; although the style is unfamiliar, its clipped efficiency marks her a solider more than any words she could have said.]
I will go to the Mages, to learn what they may know about me. If I may train under you as well, it would be an honor. As for those also marked by the Rifts... [She flexes her left hand, playing with the deep ache in the center of its palm] I think it will be more difficult to gain their trust as a group. For we are not unified in any way save that we are fresh to this world, alone, and marked. I do not think that is strong enough to form a faction... but it is a vulnerable enough position to be exploited by any who have a mind to. Especially demons who come with promises. [She 'hmms' quietly to herself, looks back at the two men.]
Have you advice? A course you think it best I follow?
the aftermath | those who witnessed what they did or want to argue