allthisshitisweird | TEST DRIVE MEME!

TEST DRIVE MEME

Maybe you’ve been around for a while, or maybe you’re new to the Inquisition. Maybe you’re new to Thedas, having recently fallen from a tear in reality and been collected by uniformed rescuers. Whoever you are, you’ve been sent to Kirkwall, to an outpost where many of the Inquisition’s members and allies work on some of the biggest mysteries and problems the organization must solve if it’d like to keep the world from ending, where “ending” means “falling under the power of an ancient powerful corrupted being who wants everyone to bow to him as a god.”

And just to be clear, it would like that. It would like that a lot.

I. THE GALLOWS: The Gallows is an island fortress in Kirkwall’s harbor. It’s been home to, in order: Tevinter slaves, a Circle of Magi, a lot of creepy red lyrium, and now the Inquisition, which has occupied the fortress with the provisional Viscount’s blessing. There are walls that still need rebuilding and corners that still need dusting, but for the most part the Inquisition has gotten down to business. There’s space in the stone-floored courtyards to train or spar; or, if your skills don’t lie in the realm of hitting things, there’s a large library and several offices supporting the Inquisition’s areas of research and diplomatic efforts. If you don’t know what to do with yourself, then by all means, ask; someone will definitely be able to put you to work.

II. KIRKWALL: A quick row across the harbor will take you to Kirkwall proper. The city is built into the cliffs, from exclusive and wealthy Hightown at the top to impoverished Darktown in the abandoned mining tunnels below. In the middle is Lowtown, home to taverns, merchants, and plenty of trouble to keep anyone looking for it happy. You’re welcome to spend your free time and your money here—but try not to annoy the locals too much, please, in case their welcome runs out. It’d be a shame to have to pack again so soon after arriving.

III. QUESTING: Barely had time to make yourself at home, did you, before you were sent away from Kirkwall again—but this time on a mission. There’s a rift outside of Markham, pouring demons into the fields, and the Inquisition has been asked to lend a hand. Maybe literally. If you have an anchor embedded in your palm, you’re needed to close the damn thing. If not, maybe you’re here to fight demons or guard against bandits on the road, or to gather samples and take notes on the rift’s location once its closed, or to speak to Markham’s nobility afterwards to make sure that they fully appreciate the Inquisition’s efforts. Regardless, it’s a long trip, so we hope you like campfire cooking and sharing a tent.

IV. SENDING CRYSTAL: Joining the Inquisition gets you access to the very latest in barely-understood magical communication devices—namely, a crystal, small enough to wear around your neck, that will allow you to communicate verbally with anyone else who has one. Or everyone else who has one. Say hello.

V. WILDCARD: The whole of Thedas is yours to explore, from coast to uncharted wilderness filled with bears. Choose your own adventure!

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"Show me." he chuckles and unsheathes his sword, giving a few experimental swings at a nearby target, "We should not waste an opportunity to catch up!"

Elros doesn't wait, launching himself forwards with a whoop, blade cutting swiftly though the air. They had never beaten him individually, as children. But that was long ago, now, as Men count time.

Maedhros beams and moves gracefully to counter, his eyes shining. He makes no move to attack, wanting to see what Elros can do. His strength has increased and he is pleased!

"You have kept yourself fit!"

ELros presses the attack, looking for a way past Maedhros' formidable defences, light on his feet despite the weight of the blade.

"I've been fighting too, you know! And Cirdan let me help build the ships."

He begins to parry the blows, nearly mirroring Elros's style. Can his foster son take what he gives? He expects so!

"I hope you know peace." he ducks, using a training dummy as a shield momentarily, "Cirdan is very particular about who he instructs. I would take full advantage of those lessons."

Elros damn well thinks he can!

"We will, now that Morgoth is gone!" He chases him around the dummy.

"For a while, at any rate. It's been quite for a few years now, and most of us are building the ships."

Pride - handled with wisdom and care - suits just about anyone. Especially in battle. You can't risk doubting yourself when your life is on the line - or, worse yet, the lives of others are on the line.

"A joyous change!" he has his own hatred of Morgoth - having faced him personally - but he won't pretend he is somehow alone in detesting the Valar. A Morgoth in chains is the dawn of a better future for everyone.

"I would keep an eye on his servant." he spins and clashes their blades together, smiling into Elros's eyes, "But you will not Sail."

"Not to where you are." He agrees, locking blades and testing his strength against Maedhros'.

"But the Valar have given us an Island in the Western Sea - once the boats are ready, we're going to sail there. I've already decided to name it Elenna."

Maedhros gives a little, testing Elros's control now. Can he restrain himself from harming his opponent? It is not always a skill that is useful - except in practice. But sometimes - rarely - mercy is necessary.

"I will not be there." he nods, wonder-filled, "Your Elenna will be a place of hope and peace. I wish I could see it."

Elros hisses in triumph as he feels Maedhros give, but he's still careful - he's fought enough battles now to be wary, and he presses his advantage only briefly before backing to a safer distance.

"You could always hurry up and be reborn, you know. I mean, technically you can't come back to Middle-earth, but Elenna won't technically be part of Middle-earth." He reasons, lunging forwards again.

His blows hit hard - he'll never equal Maedhros' strength, but he's got a fair bit of frustration to work out, and he has adult muscles now.

His sweet Elros. Maedhros smiles proudly, reaching out to fondly ruffle his foster-son's hair.

"That is a blessing, dear one; not a given." he sighs and tilts his head, gaze softening. He meets the lunges without complaint, blocking and parrying in equal amounts.

"You are so handsome and strong."

Why, yes, he is complimenting him while they fight. Why not?

"Bah. You're too stubborn to stay dead. Come visit - I will save you a room."

He feints one way before trying a new move.

"I am pretty sure that was what your mother named you, not mine!"

"Be that as it may -" he feels the blow connect - with his side - and his words are cut off with a groan. Elros has gotten stronger!

"Star-foam, Elf of the Spray..." he smiles, straightening his stance upon catching his breath, "You are like a star that has decided to play in a waterfall."

SCORED A HIT YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

"Does a star hit as hard as me?" Elros grins at him challengingly.

Fine, just bruise your foster-father! See if he cares!

"They must since they plummet from such a height!" Maedhros bops the side of Elros's head in retaliation.

He totally will!!!

... If he can get through your guard again...

Elros sticks out his tongue. "So I'm a falling star now?"

That won't be so easy. Maedhros is a fast learner. Then again, Elros is rather adorable when he is triumphant.

"A falling star with purpose! You are not crashing."

So is Elros! He was taught by the best, after all.

"Doesn't that make me a flying star."

"I think that must be so!" he brings their blades together and smiles into Elros's eyes, "You stayed still long enough for us to capture you."

Elros tests the blade lock as they do - he can't beat Maedhros in an outright strength competition, but there are other ways.

... Admittedly Maedhros taught him most of those.

"We were young, and possibly foolish." Elros laughs. "But I do not regret it."

"Nor do I." he feels guilty saying so - for Elwing's sake and for the sake of all the people he and his brother had slain. But...

It is how he feels.

"That is the plight of youth." he risks getting a cut to kiss Elros's cheek.

Elros grins and uses Maedhros' proximity to headbutt him, pushing against the lock.

"Good! I'd have to hit you harder if you said you did."

TEST DRIVE MEME!

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