And when they come for me, when they call my name (Arrival)

[scarletchaos]

WHO: Wanda Maximoff, demons, Hinterlands bears, and YOU!
WHAT: Wanda arrives in Thedas after losing track of time studying magic and eventually starts to settle in the Gallows.
WHEN: Throughout Cloudreach.
WHERE: The Hinterlands + The Gallows.
NOTES: Warnings for: Violence, bloodshed, language, etc. I'll add more as they come up/as needed. Also! There are spoilers/potential spoilers for WandaVision here.

I. Arrival

[Wanda doesn’t know when she falls asleep; torn between making herself dinner and studying the Darkhold at the same time, she loses track of time fairly frequently these days, and this evening proves no different as she throws herself into her studies and keeping up with basic housework as she avoids thinking about Westview and her lost family.

When she drifts off to sleep, she’s still dressed in her newly acquired Scarlet Witch outfit, growing increasingly distracted by the calls of her children, echoes of Tommy and Billy ringing in her head. In her hands, she has pieces of their costumes from Halloween: Billy’s headband and Tommy’s sneakers. In the other, she finds herself carrying the map of the plot of land Vision bought for them and a stuffed dog that remarkably resembles Sparky. Glancing down at it, Wanda smiles, fond and sad at the same time; all of these memories she carries with her, and none of the people part of those memories.

She doesn’t have that long to dwell on what’s she lost; not tonight, at least. In a matter of moments, Wanda finds herself falling, surrounded by green, apparently, and, within the next moment, finds herself landing hard on the cold ground, surrounded by what looks like a whole hell of a lot of trees. She seems to be in a forest of sorts, or, at least, in a meadow within a forest; she’s reminded of autumn in the countryside of America, the way the various greens, browns, and reds shine in the cold sunlight around her.

She only just barely has time to register the scenery when she hears what sounds like a screeching noise just behind her; Wanda turns and finds herself facing what looks like a pile of rags, except that it’s screaming at her, and, oops, that pile of rags sure is blasting ice in her direction.

Wanda just manages to avoid getting frozen by magically summoning a barrier in front of her as she tries to take in the scene around her: at least two of those piles of rags are floating around, weaving in and out of trees, each one seemingly trying to out scream the other, a few floating green…wisps? fly about as well, though they seem distinctly less horrifying than the piles of rags, and, finally, from the corners of her eyes, what looks to be a monster made of fire crawls its way towards her.

And that’s before the bear comes charging through the other side of the trees.]

All of this and a bear, really?

[Without thinking, Wanda’s accent slips out as she tries to asses the situation and come up with some kind of battle plan. Her barrier is weakening, she can feel it, with each passing attack; she’ll have to go on the offensive soon.

As her barrier fades, Wanda ducks and rolls to avoid being hit both with ice and from a bear claw to the face. Instinctively, she shoots off blasts of energy in the direction of the screechy piles of rags and the bear. She misses the pile of rags, but she manages to hit the bear in the face, which only seems to serve the purpose of annoying said bear further.

So things are going great, obviously. And all of this is before Wanda notices the sliver of green embedded in her right hand, of course.]


II. Settling in Kirkwall

[When Wanda makes it to Kirkwall, she’s told she needs to quarantine, for safety purposes. Wanda doesn’t argue; she doesn’t feel like arguing, even if she dislikes the thought of being stuck in one place for so long. It’s not as though she really has much of a choice, after all; she finds herself in a strange new world, one with demons and, apparently, really aggressive bears.

The Gallows is…interesting, to say the least. She might not be able to leave it, but Wanda finds that, at least, there’s much to explore and study, even stuck in one place. When she’s able to, she signs herself up for the Research division; studying, she thinks, she can do, safely, without hurting anyone else, intentionally or otherwise. And she would like to be of use, she thinks; at least joining Riftwatch gives her a purpose, a cause to work towards. Perhaps this can be her new means of avoiding thinking about Vision, Billy, and Tommy, and everyone else she’s ever loved and lost.

As a newly discovered witch, she can’t say she particularly loves hearing about the history and politics of magic here in Thedas, as Thedas is explained to her; she tenses, and decides that she’ll have to be completely and utterly careful here, as she realizes that many of her own abilities could easily get her labelled and condemned as a blood mage.

As she quarantines, Wanda tries to put herself at ease and find ways of setting herself up to be at home, as much as she can. When she is able to, she wanders the courtyard of the Gallows often, exploring the courtyard, mostly, and the people who drift in and out of the Gallows. One of her earliest endeavors, when she has the coin for it and when she's able to leave the Gallows to pursue the shops, will be to find herself clothes so that she doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb in her current outfit.

Wanda keeps to herself, mostly, but she isn’t opposed when people approach her, either. She knows she should work on reaching out and getting to know her fellow Rifters, at least, given that they’re all here together in this particularly shaped boat.]

Comments

[ipseite]

In a manner of speaking, ( she agrees, stepping into the room and setting about the brisk, practical business of arranging what she's brought with her — several folded garments, books. a teapot, which has been carefully transported in her sewing basket not to spill anywhere, and two cups.

the pot she sets down and touches the side of, where what had looked like merely a pretty, unidentifiable design becomes more clearly some manner of sigil: when her fingertips touch it, both the design and petrana's eyes flare with blue light, and steam begins to curl lazily from the spout. )

When I arrived in Thedas, ( reflectively, ) I'd a riding habit to my name and no ability to yet read the local language. I traded mending duties with our maids for assistance in both matters — a few of the girls are literate enough. They would read to me while I did their work, until I could manage sufficiently to offer my abilities in less menial ways.

( she proffers a measuring tape. )

It was most practical. New arrivals to this world do stand out, at the beginning. I had the thought of altering some clothes for you, until you've the means to shift for yourself.

[scarletchaos]

[Wanda watches as Madame de Cedoux unpacks what she's brought with her, eyes immediately drawn to the teapot and set of two cups. Her eyes widen as what looks like runes suddenly seem to emerge from the design of the teapot and the other woman presses her hand to it, both the apparent sigil and Madame de Cedoux's eyes glowing blue as steam starts to emerge from the pot.]

You're a witch? Or mage, I suppose, is what magic users are called here.

[Wanda finds herself even more captivated by this woman, in awe of her, even. She seems to hold herself with such poise and grace; her use of magic, elegant.

She listens as she explains her own arrival to Thedas, which catches Wanda off guard again because she initially assumed her to be native, with the way she dresses and holds herself. She finds herself even more thoroughly impressed.]

That sounds like a practical way to acclimate, trading favors for others. Are those in Riftwatch like that as well, willing to trade?

[When she offers the measuring tape, Wanda accepts it gratefully, nodding.]

I would appreciate that very much, thank you. I know I...stand out as is now.

[Wanda gestures to herself, to her Scarlet Witch outfit, and how very obvious said outfit makes it that Wanda isn't a native here.]

[ipseite]

A witch, ( petrana agrees, with some specificity — she doesn't correct wanda on what mages are called, only what she is. the hints of surprise in her manner are filed away, isaac's voice in the back of her mind: how many do assume her native, now, without prompting?

a thought for another day. she unfolds wide, circular skirts; a bodice, what looks like it might be an oversized blouse or shift, and considers wanda and her rather confronting present look. armor of some kind, she supposes — perhaps a uniform. )

If you'll allow me to take your measurements, and to see how these fit you — I think they won't, very well, but I can alter them for you here and they ought to serve in the mean time — I may be able to answer some of your questions while I'm about it.

( there's really no way to be but blunt in her purpose, so: ) Only as much as you're comfortable removing, of course.

( but it will be tricky to take her measurements through boob armor, is the thing. )

To your first question, Riftwatch is — a group of pragmatists by necessity. We are a small organization, and it is a very large war. Whatever one can offer has value, I find; it is merely a question of finding it.

[scarletchaos]

[Wanda nods, making note that Madame de Cedoux considers herself a witch. She knows that different labels hold different meanings for different people, such as witches and sorcerers back home; she assumes that holds true for magic users here, and for magic users who also happen to be Rifters as well.

She watches her unfold the clothes, taking in the sight and style of them. They might not be what she's used to wearing but they'll serve her better here, especially for fitting in and acclimating, which Wanda very much wants, for her part.]

I'd like that, thank you. I think the sooner I can blend in the locals, the better.

[Honestly, Wanda can't pretend she isn't looking forward to the chance to fall back into the crowd, put her head down, and try to atone for her recent adventures by applying herself to the cause of Riftwatch here.

She blinks, taking a moment before realizing what Madame de Cedoux means.]

Ah, you need me to undress. Understood.

[Wanda feels a bit shy for undressing in front of a stranger, but she also knows it's a necessary step in the process. She's quick and thorough as she removes her current get up.

She nods as she explains Riftwatch.]

How long has Riftwatch been as a functioning organization? How deeply involved is it in the war? I think I've heard people mention something about divisions?

[ipseite]

( there's not much privacy that can be offered, alone in a room with a stranger who is about to adjust clothes to fit a figure, but petrana is courteous enough in busying herself with pouring tea and setting out her sewing things while wanda situates herself. once she's undressed — petrana is briskly efficient in measuring her, noting the measurements down, and considering how to start.

with the shift, she decides. work from the foundation out. )

Riftwatch was until two years past a satellite of the Inquisition until that situation became untenable, and Riftwatch became an independent ally — both organizations that functionally exist only because of and in the context of the war. Corypheus fights a war of annihilation, and it's necessary to respond accordingly. We haven't the luxury of being anything other than involved.

( she doesn't mean rifters, specifically, but: yes, rifters, specifically. )

Now, the divisions are a sort of shorthand for the work to which one is best suited - diplomacy, research, scouting and forces. We are led not by a singular individual but by the four heads of those divisions. Ambassador Rutyer, Provost Stark, Scoutmaster Yseult and Commander Flint.

( she helps wanda into the shift so she can mark and pin where it needs to be sewn, adding: ) One's division need not limit the scope of one's contributions. I am, myself, a member of diplomacy; as the chief cryptographer, I answer to our scouting head. And I have worked closely with the commander where necessary and appropriate.

[scarletchaos]

[Wanda holds herself as still as she can for Madame de Cedoux while she takes her measurements. She seems brisk and effective at her task, and much gentler than those who'd performed similar actions when Wanda had volunteered with Hydra all those years ago, now. As she explains Riftwatch, Wanda listens.

She finds herself fascinated by the fact that Riftwatch began as an extension of a different organization, originally.]

So Riftwatch began as a part of The Inquisition and later became it's own organization? What caused the shift from working as a part of The Inquisition? How long has the war been going on?

[From the description of this Corypheus and this war of his, from what Wanda can tell, the war seems to define the ways of life, both in Kirkwall generally and within Riftwatch.

She imagines that, as a rifter, she has her own part to play in assisting with this war.

She moves and steps into the fabric and materials as Madame de Cedoux needs her to. She stills at the mention of a 'Provost Stark.' Surely that's just a coincidence?]

This Provost Stark. Is he also a Rifter, by any chance?

[ipseite]

( that is quite a few questions all at once, and petrana considers the best way to answer them — where to start. with the last question, then: )

Indeed, as was Thranduil Baudin who held the post previously. ( the latter name she speaks with no great warmth, though she doesn't linger on whatever antipathy is there, continuing: ) For a time, I held the post of ambassador. There is much that can be achieved from even our strange beginnings, if one is willing to earn their place.

( and as much as she dislikes thranduil personally — as much as she is not convinced that his priorities align where she, personally, thinks they ought to — she cannot claim that she thinks he did not fairly earn the post he held when he held it. his choice to step down is a curious one to her, though she is perfectly happy not to look a gift-horse in the mouth. stark... she knows less well. )

I can't claim great acquaintance with our current Provost; I have spoken with him only briefly, as his work and my own have little enough overlapped prior to his appointment, which is quite new indeed. But he has been here for perhaps a year, before it, and there is confidence in him. In an organization more aligned with the Chantry — certainly more explicitly aligned with it — we might not be permitted such heights, no matter our suitability or ethic. Riftwatch,

( a sigh, as she works with the pins. )

When we were dispatched to Kirkwall, it was a shift in philosophy from Mother Inquisition. Riftwatch contains all of us who arrived her uniquely, and the native-born shard-bearers who share our burden, ( an illustrative gesture of the hand that bears her shard of the anchor, and the fact that it isn't only rifters who do is certainly useful information, ) as well as any number of recalcitrant individuals less suited to falling in line with the Inquisition's more — repressive instincts.

With the benefit of hindsight, I might say that our break from the Inquisition proper was inevitable from the time we took over the Gallows. As to the war,

Corypheus tore open the Fade in 9:41 Dragon. It is presently 9:47.

( we're in it for the long haul, baby. )

[scarletchaos]

[Wanda listens, trying to ignore the instinct to nod as Madame de Cedoux explains about Riftwatch, its history with the Inquisition, and Provost Stark. She notes the lack of warmth when she mentions Thranduil Baudin, another Rifter in a position of power, it seems.]

It's good to hear that there is Rifter representation among the higher positions within Riftwatch. That we can achieve higher positions through our work and contributions.

[The mention of the Chantry, of how Riftwatch is able to more freely appoint people of all sorts to posts within it, also catches Wanda's attention. From what she's gathered so far about the Chantry here, it appears to be like the Catholic Church back home. She's still educating herself about Andraste and the religion surrounding her, but she understands the power and influence the Chantry itself seems to wield.

Her eyebrow arches upwards as Madame de Cedoux explains that not everyone who bears the rift shards is a Rifter; she certainly assumed so, before this.]

So Riftwach, while not as large as the Inquisition, seems to encompass more variety of people working for it? That seems an advantage, no?

[But she is only just starting to learn about Thedas and the way Thedas ticks; she can only guess, at this point.

She stares when she mentions the dates, that this war has apparently been going on for six years and counting.]

I don't suppose the war shows any signs of slowing anytime soon? Seems like, from what I can tell and from what I've heard, it's been a long fought war.

[ipseite]

It is worsening.

( this is evenly delivered; there is no sugar-coating it, and no purpose to beating around the bush. attempting to make this gentler will not serve wanda, in petrana's view — she will have to know, and sooner is better than later because thedas does not care if they catch up or not. they will sink or swim on their own merits. better to do it with all of the tools at their disposal that they might have.

thranduil has more patience with the more foolish, but a willingness to listen is not such a high bar to clear for petrana's own efforts. it's simply that she doesn't, personally, view rifters as deserving of special treatment or status — they are no more her people than the rest of riftwatch. importantly, they are no less her people than the rest of riftwatch.

god helps those who help themselves, and so does petrana de cedoux. )

Corypheus fights a war of annihilation. The rifts through which we came to this world ( which is an entirely separate philosophical and practical discussion she is not going to broach immediately without prompting, because being told that the person you remember being is probably still exactly where you left her is a difficult thing for most to process, ) are a symptom of the disease that is this war, and his desires. He would rend heaven to remake it and Thedas in his image, enslaving all before him and destroying all who oppose.

( the stakes, they are high. petrana offers her, from beneath the clothes she had laid out, a robe to wear while she sits and stitches. it will fit a little oddly, made for a woman several inches shorter, but designed to fit loose enough that it's not going to be uncomfortable or indecent.

...it is edged in feathers. there's a certain 'i saw my husband only last evening, officer, whatever is this about?' je ne sais quoi about it, and it is soft, fine fabric that has a lingering scent of lilac-water that wanda will recognize as the same scent hanging in petrana's hair when she's near to measure and pin. )

We are not winning, but we have not yet lost.