A Cruel Twist of Fate [closed]

[wickedchase]

WHO: Twisted Fate, Nerva, Korrin, Zevran, Beleth, Cyril, Ruby, Sera, Katniss, and special sending crystal guest star, Sina!
WHAT: A companion quest and elven relations all wrapped up in one.
WHEN: Post-Illness plot. The band of merry travelers will be gone from Clouch 23 to Clouchreach 28.
WHERE: Traveling to and from the Serpentine River.
NOTES: The plotting post.

Comments

TRAVEL: TO

[wickedchase]

[Mingle, socialize, etc. The good stuff.

Some may note that Twisted Fate is a little more anti-social than usual, looking introspective and hasn't been particularly talkative. Very unlike a man who likes attention so much.]

Nerva OTA

[keeperofmagi]

[Nerva isn't particularly talkative either, but that's not as unlike her as it is unlike Fate. For the most part, she takes up the rear guard - forever vigilant - but when they camp she tends to stay near Fate, even if they aren't talking. She wouldn't call it hovering, exactly, but she is totally hovering.

She has also being spending extra time polishing her armour, and for some reason the closer they get to camp, the more intimidating she seems to look...]

Sera OTA

[arsebiscuit]

[ In contrast to their fearless leader, Sera is all kinds of talkative. Mostly, at the moment, about how utter shit that being sick business had been. Demons, she tells you.

Demons.

But there's also some fine bits on how much pine smells unnatural and hoping there's a good tavern in the village. Someone may also be waking up with a few newts in their bedroll. Just so she stays sharp while away from Skyhold. ]

Katniss OTA

[the_effect_she_has]

[Katniss had noticed that Fate had been quiet -- but she at least had a good idea of why. So if he ever glanced back her, she'd give him a quiet nod of understanding.

Most of the time, she was quiet on the trip, but that was to be no surprise. Sometimes, someone might catch her singing softly under her breath, but mostly she kept her eyes on the trails and the fields, looking out for enemies of all varieties. She kept to the front, as a good scout should.]

Beleth OTA

[arlathvhen]

[ Beleth is about her average amount of talkativeness--That is to say, she can be chatty, but only with particular people, though she's open to be approached. She's brought her hart with her, and while she tries to walk most of the journey, she tends to get winded enough to ride him, as the day goes on. The sickness is over, but leaves some lingering effects--particularly when you actively avoiding trying to get healthy.

At the campfire at the end of the night, she seems more tired than usual, but will bring out her lute and pluck at it a little, taking requests and offers to learn different songs. Even if you just hum it, she'll give her best shot to replicating it. ]

Zevran OTA

[ombranera]

[ Zevran, himself, is quite cheerful on the ride up. Glad to be healthy and happy and maybe running from a few serious conversations he'd rather avoid for the moment. Fate asked him here, and here he is, attempting to lighten the mood when possible, taking over cooking if no one else seems to know what they are doing, and taking long watches at night. ]

Korrin OTA

[gatheringstorm]

[Korrin has half her attention on Fate most of the time, not pressuring him to talk but also taking note of his mood and what it will bode for later. She'll leave him be unless it's obvious he needs her right then, upon which she won't draw attention to the fact. Otherwise, the Vashoth woman will vary her position among the traveling group, sometimes taking point, other times playing rear guard. It's less about socializing everyone as it is with just wanting to keep an eye on everything and restlessness in general. Every so often, when they stop somewhere, she can be found turning part of a dragon's tooth in her hand, with a thoughtful expression on her face.]

Cyril OTA

[samahl]

[Much like when he traveled with Beleth's team to help the city elves, Cyril scouts ahead when he can. He's mostly making sure the path is clear, that they avoid any trouble, that sort of thing.

When he loops back around to the group, though, he's always friendly and open. He knows a lot of the people who came with Fate, but not all. It's a good chance to try to make some new friends, or at least learn a bit about people he doesn't know.

He knows things are likely to get very serious very quickly, so for the trip up there he mostly tries to keep things light.]

So, anyone got any interesting stories?

ARRIVING: THE SERPENTINE RIVER - CLAN FRANDRUIL CAMP

[wickedchase]

[As the group continues further north, it does become a bit colder. Frost bites at the grass and trees, threatening a winter to arrive and snow everyone in.

Twisted Fate is careful to help guide the group through the thick of the woods, and undoubtedly the other Dalish elves can assist all the same. Those of roguish qualities and trained hunters will absolutely note that there is no lacking of traps in this forest. Clan Frandruil is protective, and it shows.

They will find the Serpentine River, wide and winding through the foliage, the water roaring. Eventually, the camp is found, and the elves have mixed reactions.

An older elf, undoubtedly the Keeper, approaches in front, standing before the Inquisition agents.

She greets Twisted Fate with a bit of coldness to her voice:] Andaran atish’an.

[He frowns in response, and says nothing.

Now is an opportunity to either interact with Keeper Shoshanna, or attempt to socialize with the clan or find out more.

Or perhaps check to see how well Twisted Fate is managing being home again.]

[gatheringstorm]

[Not Dalish or even an elf, Korrin leaves the socializing to her elven companions. She's less at ease than she was among the last Dalish clan visited, as the tension is contagious. So she'll turn her attention to finding Fate while others speak to the Keeper and her people. Maybe he'll be more forthcoming than she would expect on the road, surrounded by everyone else.

Wherever she finds Fate, the Vashoth woman comes up behind him -not attempting stealth- and rests a hand on his shoulder. She glances down, expression grim and sympathetic.]

So, how badly do you want to punch something?

[keeperofmagi]

[Nerva does not speak to the Keeper, but she recognizes her. The recollection of her brief time among them has come back hard and fast and she recognizes far more faces than she cares to admit.

Remembers far more than she wants to.

But she made herself a promise - she's here for Tobrevas, not for herself, and when the Keeper finally turns her back, dismissing them, she's already at his side, a hand just pressing against his shoulder, steady and firm.]

[arsebiscuit]

[This was the worst. Sera knew the story without anyone opening their mouths, so she wasn't much for chatting with the grown up locals. Fate wasn't being the right kind of elf, Dalish were perfect innocents and it was all the human's from five million trillion ages ago fault, blah, blah.

Fate has his own little harem of Skyhold ladies following him about though, so unless he stumbles on her she's ready to let it be. Rather she wanders over to the only people with any actual hope in this hopeless mess: the bitty elves. Until she's shooed away for corrupting their innocent little minds, she juggles daggers and tells stories about any place not The Woods- including (possibly very exaggerated) stories of the Adventures Of Fate The Room Stealer. Maybe one day they'll take a page from Fate's book and go take a look around and decide what kind of elf they want to be on their own, instead of just swallowing the Keeper's load whole.]

[wickedchase]

[After the group integrates somewhat along the clan, interacting as much as they can with them, Keeper Shoshanna does make a point of approaching Twisted Fate. The chilly approach she'd taken seems to have taken a step back slightly, at least.

Instead, her brows knit as she speaks.]

Tobrevas.

What? Here to judge me for bringing non-Dalish or is it the clothing? Could be a hundred other things, really.

Many things came to mind, da'len. Most of all, I was startled to recognize you as I did.

Which begs the question: how did you know where to find me?

I was not the only one searching. I imagine you know that.

Re: ARRIVING: THE SERPENTINE RIVER - CLAN FRANDRUIL CAMP

[the_effect_she_has]

[Katniss, for her part, becomes more and more relaxed the further they come into the woods. It's clear that here is where she feels most comfortable, here is where she feels at home. However, when they come upon the clan itself, her expression closes off to unreadable.

She does, however, take a moment to step forward to the Keeper Shoshanna, since she's going to be trying to talk to the humans about this whole ... situation. So, in probable surprise of just about every damned Dalish here, she gently puts her hands across her chest in the traditional formal greeting of meeting a Keeper, and quietly speaks the few words of greeting.]

[Then she raises her head, and states simply.] I am here to help speak to the village dwellers, Keeper. I beg your knowledge, of what has happened, so I know how better to serve you, and your Clan.

shoves everyone aside one kissass dalish coming up

[arlathvhen]

[ Beleth watches closely as the Keeper and Fate interact--Or, the Keeper attempts to interact, and Fate does nothing. It's--Well. Any other Dalish, and she'd be more surprised. But even so, she can't quite wrap her head around the coldness that Fate would show his Keeper, after being gone for so long. If it were Beleth's mother--

Well. Whatever. The point is, that it has, as usual, fallen to Beleth to be the one to handle the diplomacy. Stand aside, stand aside, everyone. She'll show you how it's done.

She steps forward, and places a hand on her chest, bowing her head respectfully. ]

Aneth ara, Keeper Shoshanna. I am Beleth, daughter of the Keeper of Clan Ashara, and sister to its First. I bring with me my clansman Cyril, and others from the Inquisition, who wish to be of assistance to your clan. It is my hope that we can assist Clan Frandruil with your troubles with these shemlen, and forge an alliance beneficial to all involved.

[samahl]

[Cyril knows that Beleth can handle talking to the Keeper, so he leaves her to that. He'll help out if she needs, but for now he tries to see how open the other Clan members are to conversation.

He starts with the Crafter, because that's what he knows best, and because honestly he missed seeing Dalish works. After that he tries to speak to some of the adults that are his own age, just to get an idea of the overall workings and mood of the clan.]

[eviscerates]

( A little time later, Ruby stops by next to Twisted Fate, ever in her crimson cape and watching the elves with a kind of sadness that rarely makes its way onto her features. Not this openly, at any rate, not beyond the company of a select few. )

Coming home must be hard.

ARRIVING: THE SERPENTINE RIVER - KALADOUN VILLAGE

[wickedchase]

[Sometime after parting from the clan, it's an opportunity to see the village before dealing with the rift.

The villagers are all human, and they are incredibly wary at the sight of all the elves. Nonetheless, their shops are available and they're ready to talk, if need be.]

[gatheringstorm]

[It's a good thing Korrin isn't an elf, then, isn't it? Perhaps. Well aware of how humans often perceive her kind, the Vashoth woman nonetheless hopes that her apparent outsider status will be useful. While shopping, she'll take note of anyone who seems approachable and see how they respond to inquiries on the the rift, the elves, whatever they'll tell her.]

[keeperofmagi]

[This is one thing she can do, for him, without making things a hundred times worse. So she goes to the village, alone, from a different direction, to see what she can learn about their dealings with the Clan.

Her armour gleams, imposing and impressive, as she enters the small tavern and orders wine. Wine, and a silver piece for anyone willing to answer her questions about demons.]

[arsebiscuit]

Tavern!

[ She's sprinting. Wariness was all fine and good, rifts, demons, dalish. She got it. But more important Sera getting back to civilization and earn a little good will towards their group through some liberal application of coin. ]

THE RIFT

[wickedchase]

[Conveniently, its location is somewhere between the village and the clan's camp, out in the field. Slowly, snow begins to drift from the sky.

Are you ready for the demons coming through?

It's fighty time!]

[eviscerates]

( No pressure or anything, Ruby. No need to panic. It's not like you're the only person here with a shard, or anything.

For all the concern about not wanting to let anybody down, not wanting to see anybody get hurt because of her again, Ruby keeps her cool. There's more tension in the way she moves, her usual bright smile is gone, but Ruby is ready. First thing, though, before she even starts to disrupt the rift, Ruby hurls a collection of elemental grenades towards the demons. )

Let's do this.

( More to herself than to anyone else, as she raises her hand up towards the rift. )

ELVES VS HUMANS: THE DECISION

[wickedchase]

[The villagers and elves alike are grateful that the rift is sealed, but the time has come: the humans are still upset with the elves, and the Dalish are was untrusting as one might expect, and then some.

Will you argue on behalf of the Dalish? Perhaps the villagers?

Or find a way to help them both?

Perhaps decide among yourselves before making the ultimate choice, if you can, and behold the consequences.]

[eviscerates]

( Ruby's here with her red cloak and her bow and quiver at her back, chewing her lower lip in thought before turning to the person - well, persons - next to her. )

So, I am definitely the new kid here and horribly under qualified in the history and everything, ( Ruby starts, speaking quietly because discussion time, ) But isn't peace always the better option? There's no reason not to try.

Sina via Sending Crystal, OTA

[eolasemah]

[Sina is keeping a small sending crystal on her in case she is needed for any sort of research or consultation on Dalish diplomacy, not that she doesn't trust Beleth to handle that.
She can also be contacted about anything else, whatever that may be.

Periodically she will also check in, just to make sure everyone hasn't died.]

Hello the expedition? What news?

post-Rift shenanigans

[wickedchase]

[Things did not quite go as planned. That is the way of things. It would be too easy if it had, after all.

While closing the Rift, somehow its energy leaped out and sunk a shard into his hand. It'd left him knocked off his feet, resting, left at the inn in Kaladoun.

Tiredly, he gazes at his hand where the shard is now. Green magic flickers a moment.

Then he hears Sina's voice.

Twisted Fate sighs and grabs for the sending crystal.]

It's been hell of a time.

EPILOGUE.

[wickedchase]

[With Leliana's help, Mayor Bowen's attitude had abruptly turned around completely and had been willing to talk, just as Twisted Fate assured. He knows that something had happened, that some secret was unraveled by her and that forced him to cooperate, but he can live with that. Really, he respects her work. The villagers for the most part were all too glad at the idea of getting some peace back, though some were unimpressed with the mayor backing down so suddenly. The merchants? Much gladder to see the change.

The clan had not been entirely in unison regarding Keeper Shoshanna's decisions to perpetuate a legacy of anger, violence, and hate between Dalish and humans alike. With reluctance, the clan's First, Janna, spoke in support of negotiations, and the Crafter, Aurelion, was a bit more vocal in supporting this. The hunters were less pleased at the idea, but ultimately between the efforts of Sina's reasonable approach, Cyril helping the clan in favors, and Beleth knowing how to worm her way into getting what she wants, Keeper Shoshanna relented and agreed.

Twisted Fate knows he can count on Beleth to help in negotiations, and with her help he hosts the matter in the tavern in a separate room. He bites his tongue and tries to not bite at Keeper Shoshanna's words, letting Beleth work on the Keeper while he debates with much more ease with Mayor Bowen.

It is said that there were at least thirty-five expletives shouted during the negotiations, Dalish language included.

Ultimately, the debate ends with the following agreement, written and signed:

The Dalish will rescind their Fen'Harel's Teeth "games" and any attacks on the humans unless first provoked with a violent act on an elf. The humans will not attack an elf unless provoked violently first on a human. The elves will open their stores in offer of trade while they recuperate their losses, allowing access for the humans to purchase their leathers and access to the woods.

Keeper Shoshanna agreed to move the clan, per Sina's urging and Zevran's earlier suggestion, after they have enough in stock to live on.

There was one last effort that Keeper Shoshanna had in asking Twisted Fate to say. He probably laughed.]


-=-=-


[At this point, please feel free to thread out the group leaving the region! What shenanigans are you up to? Did Sera really put poison oak in the clan's bedrolls? Who can say.]

closed to NERVA.

[wickedchase]

[On one hand, Twisted Fate wishes he'd never really came in the first place, but the clan is more or less safe and the humans slightly better off. It did mean earning the mark on his hand, something he's not happy about and will try to research, but for now...

For now, there are actually more important matters.

A day after the group has left the clan and village, and Fate has disappeared for a time into the woods to work on what Zevran's taught him. The night is clear, the stars are out, and the romantic in him says that this is probably going to be the best opportunity to have this talk.

So the dinner is made, for two.

Fate returns to camp, immediately heading for Nerva, not bothering to hide his grin as he addresses her.]

Nerva, I could use your expertise on something. Your eyes alone, if you could.