faderift | Let No Soul Hunger For Justice: Nothing But The Truth

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Let No Soul Hunger For Justice: Nothing But The Truth

WHO: Adelaide, Alistair, Anders, Bethany, Nathaniel, Varric, Vasran, Velanna
WHAT: The Second Ritual
WHEN: 10th of Bloomingtide (May 10th)
WHERE: half an hour outside of Skyhold
NOTES: Plotting post.

They've kept to the same clearing as the last, because the location's good. Far enough away that no one could stumble upon them by accident, near enough in case something went seriously wrong, it works.

He has scarcely more hope this time than he did the last, but at least there's no singing involved. This can't go as strangely. In theory.

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[Somehow, despite the after-effects of the last round, there are still people willing to work with them and try to figure out how to separate a spirit from a host. The initial discussion on the crystals has been useful, but while they're out here setting up herbs and candles and the like, it can't hurt to talk more, theorize more, or complain about this not being held in warmer weather.

You know. As you do.]

[ With all the notes she has taken from the earlier discussion laid out to cross reference the multitude of definitions against the outline for the ritual, Adelaide is...less than certain. At least before they had a definitive process. This? Is a bit more abstract.

She does not care for abstraction in magic.

More than a little perturbed she goes back over the barrier runes in the usual circle for Anders and Justice one last time. ]

[Vasran had leapt at the chance to work on a project as ambitious as this. Not only is it a chance to prove herself within the eyes of the Inquisition, but also a chance to take part in something truly revolutionary.

(Revolutionary. That word brings up disconcerting feelings given who they're dealing with, but she's been able to push those aside.)

As a result of her eagerness, she's been... butting in a bit. Not afraid to speak up, yet still lacking the knowledge and experience the other mages have, she's managed to "point out" several things that they probably knew already. Such as:] The distance between them should be exact as possible, shouldn't it? [As she adjusts a couple of runes.]

It should, yes.

[ Another mage might be offended or irritated- but Adelaide had been an Enchanter. Eager or even overeager students with a burning drive to prove themselves and put in the work in order to do so? Are preferable to those that merely do as they are told and coast on by.

Adelaide points to the first two she'd set down- the runes about a finger's width apart. ]

Look over and be certain they all match this pair? They should be equidistant around the circle if we have done this correctly.

Yes, of course. [Yes, ma'am, but also, I knew that. She peers over and makes one more adjustment before moving on to the next pair.]

...is it true the last ritual made everyone sing?

Merci.

[ Fresh eyes and a fresh perspective are quite useful here. ]

For one day, yes. All the more reason we are taking great care in this ritual; it should either work or do nothing, but I am not all that certain we shall be quite so fortunate.

[Vasran knows better than to ask what's the worst that could happen, but she still wonders. Given all the givens, the potential backlash on everyone who isn't Anders should be... minimal. Shouldn't it?]

Well. [At least he's the only one in real danger. But she also knows better than to suggest as much out loud.] It'll be worth it, if we can at least learn something.

That is the hope. An alternative to murder would be wonderful- far too many problems with mages are looked at for a moment by templars or the chantry and end with 'we don't know, just kill it.'

[ Bitter? Who's bitter. ]

Absurd as these two have been....they honestly ought to work. I would like to test the first again sometime but we seem to be out of abominations.

And thank the Maker for that. [She can't help herself that time, but at least she has the good sense to keep it at a murmur rather than proclaiming it loudly.

Moving on.]

I never did get much of a chance to work with runes in the Circle. [Perhaps knowing more about them could help her work with defensive magic. It's never been her strong suit.]

How far along in your apprenticeship were you, and what were your primary areas of study?

[Vasran's lips press into a thin line as she continues to work, using the runes as a convenient excuse to keep looking down. The abrupt end to her apprenticeship is still a sore spot, and something she hasn't spoken much about since arriving at Skyhold.

She likes Adelaide, though. Sees in her the opportunity for a new teacher.

She's still going to start with the second part of the question.]

The Enchanters always said I had an affinity for fire magic. Some storm, as well, and they hoped one day to help me tap into my spirit abilities.

[As it was, she was forced to work out a rudimentary form of Barrier and Mind Blast on her own, out of necessity.]

I — was meant to have formally completed my apprenticeship. But — [and here she deliberately works to keep her voice from regressing into a mumble,] — that didn't happen.

You were still working on your primal mastery, then? I know things were not taught consistently from Circle to Circle but that is where most apprentices in The Spire were focused upon their harrowing.

[ Something they haven't really offered in truth, despite Lauren. ]

Fire is not my specialty but I can help you learn the standard introductory spells for the Spirit School. We do not...do harrowings, here. Not truly. But we do have a course that would prepare you for such a thing and a voluntary test that is similar.

[A silent nod at the word 'harrowing.' Of course, no mage in Kinloch Hold ever knew for certain when it was going to happen, but when an Enchanter believed a student to be ready, it was often easy enough to infer.]

I'd heard something about that. [Word got around, even when one hadn't been formally introduced to the Council yet.] I'd be more than willing to be put to the test — for someone to assess my readiness, that is. Once we're finished here.

I will contact Knight-Commander Norrington and see who of his men are available to stand at the ready if that is your preference.

[ Thus had been the agreement. ]

Depending on how this goes- we may need to arrange for the assessment to happen tomorrow. If this goes well? We may do so afterward. If it goes poorly? I would rather not take the additional risk.

[So all she has to do is get to the other side of this, and she'll be able to prove herself properly.

Vasran doesn't smile much with her lips, but it's all over her eyes as she nods in agreement: the light of excitement, the eagerness to advance beyond where her training was so abruptly cut off.

With no more to say on the matter for now, she points her renewed focus at the runes, and continues to work.]

At least those don't change?

[He hates the barrier, being trapped, but he understands the need for it so he hasn't complained. In fact, he's helping double-check them. Worse than being stuck in a small space is the chance of hurting people who matter to him. Or even people who don't yet; they're far enough from Skyhold to conceivably not be a threat, but there's no guarantee.]

They make sense. The notes... less so.

because they aren't part of the rituals. These are...

[ She hesitates a moment before sighing. Telling Anders they're based off of the barriers used during harrowings...probably is not the best idea. She keeps that to herself for the moment. ]

They are the strongest barrier I know short of creating a permanent circle engraved with lyrium. It is as much to protect you both as it is to protect the rest of us should anything go wrong. Again.

I know.

[It's quiet and a little mournful. He's dangerous, and he can't begrudge anyone for wanting every protection they can think of.]

I mean it's almost a relief that these aren't confusing. I can't say they're a full relief, but they're at least a known thing. Bind so that no one gets hurt, hopefully.

Part of an experiment is controlling your variables. The result of this ought to be the same but there are precious few parts that overlap with the last. What we can control? We must. This I know for certain that I can control.

It makes sense.

[It makes a great deal of sense. And why would he need to like any particular aspect of this? He's possessed.]

I'll... leave you to the positioning of it, then? It looks like it's set, but I understand wanting to check it more.

It held well enough last time but- I will likely have someone else look it over before we begin.

Probably a good idea, in case.

[He feels a little flash of concern. Justice has now seen all of the markings... but Justice is still himself, despite how he doesn't seem inclined to assist this venture in any way. He's not going to lash out because of it. Anders gives her a nod.]

I'll speak with you again very shortly, I'm certain.

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Let No Soul Hunger For Justice: Nothing But The Truth

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