Into the DANGER ZONE

[faderifting]

WHO: All Rifters + the 7 natives who signed up
WHAT: Searching the ruins of Haven for survivors, an Inquisition crew finds something strange. And demons. It's kind of scary that the demons aren't the strange thing.
WHEN: Third week of Harvestmere, 9:41
WHERE: Haven
NOTES: We've broken rifters and rescuers (or "rescuers") into two groups. This log has an arrival comment for each group--you can start smaller subthreads beneath those rather than try to have an eight- or nine-person log, just incorporate surrounding chaos/fighting--and a third top-level set for the whole group's journey back to Skyhold

You were asleep-- deeply or fitfully, for the last time or just resting your eyes for a moment-- and then you were not. And wherever you were was not, anymore, replaced by nothing but the sensation of falling, tumbling into endless, bottomless nothing. If this were still a dream, you would wake before you hit the ground. You can't die in a dream, they say. In some worlds.

But there's no waking here, just a flare of green-white light and a jarring impact, barely softened by snow that lies a foot deep with an icy crust that cracks beneath the force of your landing. The wind is biting cold, the sun is bright, and you are not alone. Others thud to the ground nearby, as bewildered as you, and others run up who look no less confused for having their feet beneath them.

You are also not as you were: in the palm of your left hand there glows a narrow splinter of light the same sickly green as whatever brought you here. It aches, a bone-deep pain that gnaws even through all the distractions. Like that you're being attacked by monsters, some tall, spindly stick-things with too many eyes, some hunched and hooded with no eyes at all.

Welcome to Thedas!

Comments

[gatheringstorm]

"Me?" The thought produces an amused snort, and she quickly shakes her head. It's almost on her mind to joke about how some humans tend to react to her almost as if she was one, but that's shut aside in favor of explanations.

"Not at all. I'm no demon, but a qunari. Vashoth, if you really want to get specific. If I'm from anywhere, it's in the Free Marches to the north. Plenty of folk in the Inquisition are from that region, if not Orlais or Ferelden. You won't see many of my kind this far south, though. Humans and elves make up the bulk of this group, and that's not changing anytime soon, if ever."

[demonicbeauty]

"You're not a demon?"

She almost sounded a little disappointed. It wasn't often, these days, she got to have friendly conversations with other demons. The Red Dragon had swept through most of their lands. And much to Lysia's chagrin, a lot of them had joined his crusade.

But, well, that didn't matter.

...or did it?

"Is the Inquisition a part of the Red Dragon's army?"

[gatheringstorm]

"The...Red Dragon? Sorry, never heard of it. And I've been all over Thedas." Korrin's used to knowing a great deal about the continent she's traveled most of her life, but that name doesn't ring a bell. At this point, though, she's not expecting to recognize it.

"The Inquisition is its own separate organization, not tied to the Chantry or neighboring states. It's mission is to restore order in a very chaotic time, as well as investigate those responsible for it--specifically, the Breach I was talking about."

Before she elaborates about that, though, her eyebrows arch. "I think that's the first time someone's ever been disappointed in not meeting a demon. Would you really prefer one of those creatures that came across with you instead?" Because that's all demons are to her, not having been exposed to anything else.

[demonicbeauty]

"What?" Airy's eyes widened to saucers and she quickly shook her head. "Oh, no. No, nothing like that."

Most people seemed to hold the belief that all demons were the same, regardless of what kind. And Ariadne wasn't about to start arguing about that philosophy. Not when she was dangerously out of her element and vulnerable.

Because anyone who hadn't heard of the Red Dragon was...imaginary. He was everywhere.

Which meant that she was nowhere. Which made no sense at all.

"I'm very pleased to meet you..." And she stumbled, not knowing the other woman's name.

[gatheringstorm]

That reaction makes Korrin chuckle, despite everything. If these rift-walking people are trying to get her to lower her guard, it's probably working. At least a little, she's not about to relax completely just yet.

"I'm Korrin Ataash, mercenary mage of the Valo-Kas company and now the Inquisition. Sorry, I guess I should that started with that. And I was just kidding, so relax. No one here is going to send you to those things, though I imagine the higher-ups will want to question you."

[demonicbeauty]

Ariadne dipped into a curtsy that somehow managed to be elegant, in spite of the amount of fabric that parachuted around her. She didn't know a lot about the intricacies of courtier life, but she knew how to fake her way through it, at least a little bit.

She'd never really stayed around any court long enough to have to delve.

"Pleased to meet you," she said. "I like your name. It's pretty."

Which was absolutely genuine on her part. She had no reason to lie.

"My name is Ariadne. And I'm sorry if I've done something wrong," she continued. "But I certainly didn't mean to."

[gatheringstorm]

This is probably the first time in her life someone's actually curtseyed to Korrin, so she doesn't know how to take that or the compliment at first. But she nods politely, if a bit awkwardly. "Ah...thank you, and likewise. No, you didn't do anything wrong. As far as I can tell, that's true ever since you arrived."

If Ariadne had caused any trouble, most likely she would be in chains by now. But no one has warranted that, and she can only hope that remains true. This day has been headache enough. "I wouldn't worry, by the way. People won't know what to make of this, true, but the Inquisition's leaders are decent people. I doubt they'd do anything rash or unkind without good reason."

Her eyes stray to the sliver she's seen all rift-folk carry, wary but also concerned. "Does it hurt?"

[demonicbeauty]

She glanced down at her hand, again struck by how strangely pink it was. All except for that glowing shard of...

Well, she didn't really know. She'd never done much studying of magic, beyond learning the basics and how to avoid them.

"Yes," she admitted, nodding slightly. "I don't need a healer or anything." Nor did she want one. "But it does hurt. Can you tell me what it is, exactly?"

[gatheringstorm]

"Not exactly, but...." Korrin sighs, wondering how to explain. Hopefully, she's getting this right.

"It looks a bit like the glowing mark the Herald of Andraste had, after she had also stepped out of the Fade. Hers was more pronounced, though. I...heard when she first had it, that it was growing out of control, but a mage and interacting with the Breach fixed that. Let someone know if that changes, alright? Or if that pain persists. We don't know if it will be just like the Herald's mark, but after everything that's happened around here recently, it doesn't hurt to be cautious."

[demonicbeauty]

"The Herald of Andraste." There were so many new words to learn. Ariadne loved language and was very good at picking up new ones quickly--a trait of being Alastrian. But this wasn't just a new language. It was a new history. And that was far more complicated.

She eyed the glowing shard in her hand again, wondering if she could just pull it out with her talons. Perhaps it was something to try.

...away from prying eyes.

"I'm afraid I don't know who that is..."

[gatheringstorm]

"At this point, I'd be shocked if you did. No offense." But if nothing else Korrin said is recognizable, the Herald certainly isn't going to be either.

"There was a war very recently, between Templars and mages. The Conclave was a gathering to see if it could be ended peacefully. It might have worked, who knows? But an explosion not only destroyed the temple where it was held and killed hundreds, but created a massive tear in the sky, that was the Breach. The Herald, a human woman, was that explosion's only survivor, emerging from all that horror with the mark I told you about. She...died finally sealing the Breach, a few weeks ago."

Her lips form a thin line as she looks away. It just wasn't right. To do all that she had done, to give much-needed hope to so many, and lose her life in the process. It still hurt thinking about it, for all that she hadn't interacted with the Herald directly.

[demonicbeauty]

Ariadne listened, paying rapt attention and using the body language that she'd been taught to prove that she was interested. But then, no masquerade was really required. She was interested.

And a bit confused.

Humans apparently were different here, that was for sure. They didn't have mage, nor the power necessary to seal a breach, based on what it sounded like.

But they were a wholly impressive species. Adaptable, determined, exciting, and altogether remarkable. So it pleased her that the great hero of this place was one.

"Well, I don't know why I'd be marked like her," Ariadne replied. "But I'll take it as an honor."

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin manages a weak smile at that, pleased but still undeniably worried. How could she not be, after what she revealed? She isn't sure she has it in herself to watch another meet the Herald's fate.

"I won't lie; it's probably going to be as much burden as honor. The kind of power the Herald wielded with hers came at a hefty price, in the end. I don't know what will come of yours, but I'd bet anything that it will prove to have power of its own. Hers could seal the rifts, like the one you entered through. Maybe you'll be able to do the same...and I can't deny we'll need that. There Herald sealed many rifts, but many still remain, spewing those things you saw."

[demonicbeauty]

Her momentary joy dissolved a little bit. It wasn't so much that she was worried for herself. She was sure her Alastrian nature would cope with whatever came her way. But she sensed the sadness and the worry in Korrin's tone.

And Ariadne took to empathy like a fish took to water.

Or, perhaps more appropriately, like a bird took to the sky.

"I'm sure we'll figure it out," she said. "Mistakes happen sometimes. It'll be okay."

[gatheringstorm]

Realizing that it was better to push aside her own worries rather than take away what hope the newcomer could find in her situation, Korrin decides not to vent her frustrations and worries this time. She'll just head straight to the tavern when they arrive and have a drink...or several. It was that sort of day, why fight it?

She chuckles softly, glancing at Ariadne with surprise and some respect. It's going to take more than a positive attitude to change things, but still, it's not nothing. "You're pretty resilient, for a person who's been through what you have, you know. I'm impressed. Let's hope that attitude is infectious."

[demonicbeauty]

She smiled, lowering her eyes sheepishly. "You're not the first person to tell me that I'm too optimistic for my own good," she said. "A lot of people feel that way." But they appreciated it in her. Begrudgingly and paternalistically. Only rarely patronizingly.

"It's really just mathematical odds. No mater what kind of situation you find yourself, there's at least some chance of a perfect, possible future. You just need to find it."

[gatheringstorm]

"I don't know about 'perfect' or if anyone can even agree on what that means, but I'll hold onto the a chance at a less horrible future, however small. The Breach is sealed and we traded up in terms of headquarters, so that's a step in the right direction."

Whether they can improve from there remains to be seen, but despite her concerns, Korrin has to grudgingly admit that they aren't completely screwed over. Corypheus hasn't won yet; if he does, everyone will know about it instantly. She's sure of that much.

[demonicbeauty]

Ariadne laughed softly, the sound floaty and bell-like on the wind. Again, it matched her nickname. Everything about her was simply...Airy.

"That's the first step toward optimism," she said. "Begrudging concession."

She had yet to convert anyone to her way of thinking. But those closest to her had started to accept her way of seeing things, at least a little bit, with statements like that.

[gatheringstorm]

The laugh is a welcome balm, an antidote to all those horrible shrieks from the terror demons present earlier. Korrin's own laughter is deeper, more hesitant, but still there.

"I try to keep a balance between optimism and pessimism. Straying too far on either end is just begging the universe to give you trouble. The middle ground, and a healthy dose of caution, is a safer bet."

[demonicbeauty]

"Maybe," Ariadne conceded, thinking that this woman's philosophy skirted against some of the things that Adriana believed. "But on the other hand, sometimes I think it's a little silly to assume that the universe actually cares one way or the other. Certainly, I don't think the gods do."

Well, the Alastrian gods, perhaps. They believed in the necessity of both light and dark. But Ariadne had begun to pray to the Elvish gods instead. She liked how they taught about hope.

And certainly, Valeria needed hope right now.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin glances at her sidelong for that last comment, keeping her tone light but still certain that Ariadne needs to know. "I'd hold off on talking about that...the gods, I mean. Andrastianism is the major religion around here, and Chantry folk aren't especially keen on the notion of there being anything other than the Maker. Granted, under the protection of the Inquisition, you should be more or less fine, but why make things harder on yourself?"

And Korrin says this as someone who is more or less Andrastian. The Maker she has no problem with, but the Chantry...well. That would be the subject of a long, long rant.

[demonicbeauty]

"Monotheism? Oh, I know all about that!" Unlike the Elves and the Alastrians, Humans back home weren't quite as organized when it came to religion. They had several. One of the most influential was monotheistic.

It sort of fascinated Airy, really. Mostly because it tried very hard to account for the other beliefs in the realm. Essentially, it took all the gods and angels of the other faiths and turned them into prophets and saints, avatars of the great god, the Divine.

"I'll mind my manners," Ariadne promised Korrin with a sincere nod. "Thank you for telling me."

[gatheringstorm]

"You're welcome." So polite, this newcomer. Korrin smiles again, at that. "It's not as dire as all that, especially since we have bigger issues now. Even if you're a mage there will be some restraint, as the Inquisition requires both mages and Templars. Not that I'm thrilled about having Templars anywhere near me, but as long as we have a common cause, it's something that can be overlooked."

[demonicbeauty]

"Can you tell me what a Templar is?" Ariadne asked, tilting her head to the side. The word 'mage' meant something to her, although she doubted it was quite the same here but...

Templar?

Perhaps a member of a religious order. They had Temples in Valeria.

She wasn't sure what any kind of monk would have to do with mages, though.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin nods, gesturing. "See those folk in the armor with the flaming sword on front? Those are Templars. They used to be a part of the Chantry before the war, tasked with hunting down blood mages and abominations, not to mention apostates, those who leave the Circles where they're kept all their lives. Templars have some ability to cancel mage, making them feared. I was never in a Circle, but I've heard horror stories about Templars abusing mages. That's what led to the mage rebellion, and the war.

So far I haven't seen any of that rot in the Inquisition and I don't think it'd be tolerated, especially now that the old system is in tatters, but there isn't a lot of reason for mages to relax around them. As long as they stick to fighting rift demons and other enemies, though, it's something."