A Clash with Pirates ~ Amaranthine: 9:46 Dragon (in progress)

Still keeping her distance, Adeline chased after the Templars while running Adeline caught a glimpse of the person they were chasing. It was a small scrawny looking elf with short brown hair. Adeline couldn't see her face though, the Elf eventually ran to a tree and climbed as high she could. One of the Templars, went after her, only to be hit with an ice trap she set up. It wasn't very effective and it only enraged the Templar who tried to climb higher. Adeline watched in a mix of horror and anger as icicles came flying out wildly. The Elf surrounded and was seconds away from being murdered.

Adeline gripped Dreamcatcher and came out of hiding.

"Leave the girl alone!" She shouted.

The Templars turned around and saw Adeline who had Dreamcatcher at the ready. "Another mage huh?" The Templar who was chasing the Elf up a tree spat.

"We don't need to descend to violence." Adeline said with desperation in her voice "Please leave now leave the girl be. She's frightened."

"She's practicing Blood Magic" The second Templar said "You know the magic that attracts demons witch."

"Oh come on we both know that's not true." Adeline retorted "We're free, we're no longer have to live in fear any longer! Now I'm giving you this chance to leave now!"

The Templars disagreed and began to surround Adeline. "Kill this bitch." One of the said "and after that we'll deal with the knife-ear."

Sighing Adeline immediately summoned a Stonefist aiming at the Templar to her left. The fade summoned fist smashed against the Templars breastplate knocking him a good 4 feet back to where he smashed his head against a tree, breaking his neck in the process. Adeline then used Winter's grasp on the Templar to her right, freezeing him right before he was about to her. Adeline then barely had time to block attacks with her staff by the Templar who climbed the tree after the Elf. She blocked and parried every incoming attack from his longsword, until she found an opening and whacked him in the head. As he went down, Adeline summoned a small fireball and hurled it at towards the fourth Templar, he screamed in pain but was not dead. Adeline then whirled around and sliced the Templar she hit with her staff with her blade end. Blood came out of his neck as he bled out and died.

Adeline then set her sights on the last Templar. "Please, I surrender! Don't kill me! Let me go! You won't see me again!" He begged.

Still angry, Adeline knelt next to the injured. "I'm giving you a chance to live. But if I catch you again, I'll kill you."

The crying Templar nodded furiously and got up ran off.

Getting up Adeline briefly observed the carnage she caused. Diplomacy was never a good option when it came to fighting Templars or Fanatics in her experience, but for the sake of being a good person she wanted to be merciful. Adeline doesn't like fighting, but sometimes it was necessary. Still at least the Elf is safe.

Putting on a warm smile Adeline looked up to the Elf in the tree. "It's all right little one You can come down." She said softly. "You are safe, the Templars will not harm you anymore, are you hurt little one? Do you need food?"

(OOC: dragontartare )

It was subtle but Adeline could tell that the Elf did not take it well when she called her "little one." She decided to drop it. The Elf struggled to conjure a barrier something that made Adeline raise an eyebrow. This Elf is inexperienced no doubt, she hasn't had someone to train her properly.

"I thank you for the rescue, Messere," She called to Adeline "What do you ask of me in return?"

Still smiling Adeline said: "I want you to get down, you look exhausted and hungry. Amaranthine is a half hour walk. We can go to the nearest tavern to buy you some food and......"

Adeline crossed her arms while still smiling at the Elf.

"Your magic....... I've noticed that you frozen an entire riverbank.and that ice trap looked decent, you have a lot talent. But you lack control, judging from you didn't have any training in it did you?"

It was that thought that made Adeline feel sorry for the Elf (If it were true) mages were still not truly free and have to live in fear even after a reform was made.

"I could help train you in how properly control your magic. I was a Circle mage years ago..... things happened that led to me escaping." Adeline tried to block out bad memories of the events of the escape. ".....and now I'm apostate like you. On the run I've also taught myself some rare magics which you saw on display. I can't abandon a fellow mage especially at the mercy of Rogue Templars, so come with me. There's a job that pays in Amaranthine, we can split the earnings and I could teach the way of the magic arts."

Still smiling at the Elf Adeline remembered that she forgot to tell her name!

"My name is Adeline. What's yours?"

(OOC: dragontartare)

The Elf named Eanthaya climbed down and head towards Adeline.

"Very well. I will follow you, for now, until I have repaid the debt I owe you for my life." Enathaya said "But it is not safe to talk here. There are other men in these woods. Not all Templars, but...all the same, I have been avoiding them for days, and I would rather not risk another encounter."

"Agreed." Adeline said. "I imagine it's just as dangerous for an elf as it is a mage."

The two walked to the exit of the forest Adeline still had some questions for the young elven mage. "So Enathaya." She asked "Where are you from initially? What brings an Elven mage all the way to Amaranthine?"

After hearing her answer Adeline decided to reveal a little bit about herself "Well as you know after escaping the Circle, I wondered around Ferelden for I'm not sure how long. I stole just so I can eat. Then I one day I reached a village that was attacked by Darkspawn. With the use of my magic I was able to fend them off and heal the wounded. The villagers pretty much elected me as their as their village witch and I watched over them for a few years."

Adeline became solemn for a moment and then continued. "Then circumstances forced me to leave the village, It involved blood magic and fanaticism. I'll tell you the story some other time, but what I cans say is that I've made close friendships on my little adventure."

Adeline smiled at the fact. What were friends doing now she wondered.

"But Elanaya listen, if you are afraid just know that there are still good people in this world who'll accept you for who you are. I've met many great non mages in my life who influenced and helped me. I do believe a day will come when people will no longer fear mages and will accept as brother and sister."

As they approached the city gates Adeline stared at Elanaya. "Well let's go to the tavern, we'll get you some food and I need to look at the message board for that Pirate job."

dragontartare

(OOC: After her will be mousestalker .)

Aranka Bemot
Dwarf (Commoner/casteless, now surfacer)
Female
Meatshield for hire
bsn.boards.net/post/303996


As the two women staggered into the bar, Aranka started slightly. They were an unusual pair, one you didn't see every day. They both looked the worse for wear and neither of them showed the least amount of fashion sense. The human one looked to be in better shape than the elf, but that really wasn't saying much. One was both clutching a long stick. Battle trophy? Aranka wondered. Maybe the trees really attacked the poor dears. And possibly bushes as well.

Suddenly conscious of her Orlesian (the vendor swore blind) finery, Aranka headed to the bar. "Two ales and some soup for the pair that just walked in, please." She said quietly to the human bartender. "And don't tell them who bought it for them, as well". She calculated the appropriate sum, counted out the coins, added a small tip and walked back to her seat, bangles jingling and silks rustling. This is one dwarf that runs contrary to the stereotypes she thought smugly. I'd be quite the shocker to all those idiots who say we don't have colour sense! Many had been the astonished onlooker who reeled back in awe at the first sight of her. Aranka was wearing a diaphanous confection of a blouse made of brightly coloured scarves all in varying shades of red, pink, purple and blue together with a fine Orlesian silk skirt in bright jade. Eighteen bangles, tiny bell earrings with hoops and rings on all but one of her fingers and toes accessorized the outfit. Cerulean leather combat boots completed her outfit.

I'll bet the trees really did attack them! she thought suddenly. I always knew the surfacers were kidding me about how safe the forest is! Poor lambs

The Free Spirit was middling busy. The usual riff-raff were hanging about, keeping the chairs and stools anchored to the ground. Aranka was taking a short break from working. With any luck, either the stories of an anti-pirate expedition would materialize or a convoy would be hiring. She didn't need the coin yet, but it never hurt to have some more put aside.

Obsidian Gryphon

The road was damp and muddy today, the clouds overcasting the sun in the sky. Janus clutched his travelling cloak close, chilled by the weather he is not used to. 

Travelling to Ferelden seemed like a good idea, considering all the chaos that just occurred in the past year there is likely work to be had, nobles to meet with. Instead, Janus has been aimless for some time, whats left of his current funds would be gone soon, leaving him a penniless pauper once more.

'Damn southerners' he mused to himself. Unfortunately, his daydreaming and pre-occupation of keeping warm didn't prevent him from colliding with a man on the road, a fleeing man who seemingly lept from nowhere.

The two bumped heads for a moment, knocking Janus on his feet. His back was now slick with freshly caked mud, his cloak in need of treatment. Janus slowly rose up from the ground, a bit dazed with a slight gash across his forehead- a tear of blood beginning to swell and drip.

He looked to the man, and was shocked to see a templar, red-faced and muddy from his own fall. The man looked panicked, before nearly shouting, "I'm sorry, messere, i'm so sorry but you got to run! Run away! There are witches and knife-ears about!"

Janus' eyes widened.

"Witches you say?" he said, offering a hand to the templar. "Elven witches at that. How interesting...which way did they go?"

"Why down the road, messere." said the templar, as he was helped to his feet. "None about twenty minutes ago me and my men were hunting apostates to bring to justice. Two of 'em got the better hand on us, they killed my friends but spared me."

"It always is a mage that is powerful, isen't it?"  Janus said, bemused by the notion. 

"Aye, damn filthy bastards mages are. We got pirates attacking the coast, we got mages killing folks in the hills, and were still trying to recover and keep the peace!" huffed the templar. "Thankfully we got kind folk such as yourself. I do apologize for the run-in, been in a panic since the attack. Is there any way I can make it up to you, messere?"

Janus grinned, as he brought his hand to the cut across his brow. He felt the warmth of the blood splash between his fingers, and in his mind he felt it tingle with power.

"Oh, I can think of something..." he said to the templar, his bloodied fingers now outstretched to him...

(Reznore )

(OOC: Tavern music: 

Adeline raised an eyebrow, when Enathaya answered she was looking for work. 

It's an answer sure, but Adeline can't shake the feeling that there was more to why Elathaya decided to come Amaranthine. However she been through a lot today so Adeline decided to not press on. The pair walked through the bustling marketplace, Adeline went through the crowd in order to avoid guards or witch hunters. She had heard of Witch Hunters patrolling the lands of Ferelden lately. Adeline was grateful that she hasn't met any yet, but she has read up on them. Witch Hunters were like Templars, except they were more mercenary and were far crueler than Templars. Adeline heard stories of Witch Hunters chopping off mage's hands and sending them to the Circle claiming that they were using blood magic. Their cruelty was also the reason that they were not popular amongst the Chantry to the point where Templars actually attack Witch Hunters sometimes. Still with the mages free, people out of fear turn to Witch Hunters to do their bidding.

After about 15 minutes of walking, the pair reached the Tavern: The Free Spirit. They haven't opened the door, but Adeline could already smell the stale piss and vomit which inhabited every Tavern she's been in. She recoiled a bit, repulsed by the stench but entered. The Tavern was very active today, people getting drunk or chatting with their friends having a good time. Adeline scanned the area for any Templars or Witch Hunters, there doesn't seem to be any. She then turned her attention to Enathaya who looked like she was starving. Adeline then reached out and took out her coin pouch. It was the last of her coin, and Adeline was going to use it to feed herself. But the Elf clearly needed the money more than she did.

"Here Enathaya." Adeline smiled handing her the pouch. "Go buy yourself some food, you've been through a lot today and you looked starved." 

Adeline found an empty table and motioned Enathaya to follow her. As soon as the two women sat down, a barmaid came over. "Two ales and some soup on the house!"

Adeline was taken aback a bit. "From who?" She asked.

"Someone who cares!" The smiling Barmaid 

"Well tell him or her. That you have our thanks." Adeline smiled "But my friend, may want more food. Enathaya, why don't you buy more."

After Enathaya's response, the barmaid left and Adeline, stared at Enathaya. "You still think you owe me huh?" Adeline asked. "Well if you want to repay me then, you'll travel with me. Not with this job, but in our travels, it's obvious you need training with your magic. Did any one teach you?"

After hearing the Elf's answer Adeline continued while sipping on her soup.

"In any case, you need to be trained. An untrained mage is very dangerous in the world. Please travel with me and I'll teach everything I know about magic, and I'll protect your from demons or Templars. That is how you can repay me."

After hearing Enathaya's response. Adeline and Enathaya continued to eat their meal (or meals if Enathaya chooses to order.) The food was pretty good all things considered. Adeline enjoyed listening to the music and watching an unusual Dwarf. "Enjoying yourself? Enathaya?" Adeline asked.

After her answer, their conversation was interrupted by an old man. He looked gaunt and confused, but had that look that Adeline recognized. 

A Templar!

Before she could do anything the man spoke: 
"My lady." He bowed down his head as a sign of salute to the human woman " My name is Jean-Pierre De La Vallée, I am a Holy Knight of the Templar Order and by the power the Maker has given me , I , Jean-Pierre De La Vallée, declare you and the knife-ear are under arrest and shall follow me at once."

Adeline reached for Enathaya's hand: "Let's get out of here now!" She whispered, heart beating furiously. Jean-Pierre on the other hand, had different ideas he turned around and spoke loudly: "Ladies and gentlemen , hear me ! I saw this woman ..." he was pointing his finger at Adeline "...kill three templars out in the wood. She did it with magic , probably to defend that knife-ear " he was now pointing his finger at Enathaya. "who also appears to be a mage. They have staves, as you can see. I propose to take them to Orlais where they can be judged and taken back to a proper circle. To do this I will have to ask of the kind people of Ferelden and ..."

"Get out of here you drunk!" One of the patrons yelled and the crowd seemed to agree. Jean-Pierre seemed distracted however uttering out "coins , please." and stretched out his arms. Taking an opportunity, Adeline signaled Enathaya stay in her seat while she came closer to Jean-Pierre.

Armed with a sleep spell.

"You look tired poor man." Adeline said subtly waving her hand at the man's face and he collapsed within seconds. Adeline sighed and looked at the crowd. They looked pleased. "Well the drink got to him." One of them said as the festivities continued, shaking her head Adeline turned to Enathaya.

"Are you okay?" She asked worried about the Elf. "Don't worry he's sleeping, sleep spell as I said I will protect you from Templars or any kind of harm. You don't have to be alone. Come on let's look at the message boards."

dragontartare

Aranka Bemot
Dwarf (Commoner/casteless, now surfacer)
Female
Meatshield for hire
bsn.boards.net/post/303996

Aranka looked in amazement as the style impaired Orlesian slumped and began to snore.

He clearly has been out of touch with the latest fashions! she thought to herself. Madame Liselle assured me herself that I am in the forefront. The poor dear must have been in the wilderness for a very long time. Besides, everyone knows excessive fresh air addles the noodle.

Aranka returned to nursing her beer, barely noticing when the traveling pair departed. At some point, someone here would say something that might lead to work. Aranka didn't want to miss any opportunities. She had been on vacation for eighteen hours and the idleness was getting to her.

linksocarina

Jean-Pierre De La Vallée
Human/Ex-templar
Sword and Shield warrior
bsn.boards.net/post/306960

Feet. Pretty, pretty feet were the first thought Jean-Pierre had when he woke up.And then he noticed he was on the ground , surrounded by Fereldan giving him the evil eyes.

His right hip was now slightly aching, and getting up proved to be a rather humiliating exercise. One of the tavern patrons threw a piece of hard bread at Jean-Pierre's head , muttering "Stupid templar !" and that's when he remembered what he did, but not why he did it. He let a long and tired breathe out , he was no longer a templar and for reasons he could not grasp templars were no longer trusted by the public either.
As if the day could not be getting any worse, his stomach started to growl loudly, his hand reached automatically for the small and far too light for his liking leather purse hanging at his belt. The ex-templar scanned the tavern , first for those damned mabari those fereldan fools were so fond of , and second for a friendly face.None were to be found.

Except...except for the dwarf woman. She had a vague Orlesian je-ne-sais-quoi, and was therefore the less threatening and more familliar presence in the place. Also short. Putting a firm hand on his purse, and picturing the thousand ways he could knock down the dwarf should problems arise , Jean-Pierre De La Vallée made his way toward the red-haired lady.

"Dwa...Madame" he bowed his head in courtesy. "Let me introduce myself, I am Jean-Pierre De La Vallée."He was trying to smile and to look as warm as possible and was achieving a magnificent I-just-hit-my-toe grimace "Let me say you look..." he looked at the woman up and down "...hum lovely Very arlequin.Very orlesian. I will be honest, I'm in a bit of a predicament and as my mother used to say ,"Jean-Pierre" she'd say and I would say "Yes, mother" and she would say "Jean-Pierre, you know what dwarves are like ...and I would say "no, mother I do not know" and she would say "Jean-Pierre , dwarves are like brick-shaped magpie.They're small fatties who like the shiny." What I'm trying to say is... I think I made a huge mistake, my lady." Tears were starting to shine at the corner of his eyes and he leaped closer to the dwarven woman. " I need some coins, I want to go home. Help me."

(I think it's smilesja 's turn)

Enathaya
City Elf
Apostate Mage
bsn.boards.net/post/302581/thread

Enathaya had given up trying to read the notice after the first line, but kept her eyes pointed at the parchment until Adeline appeared to be finished reading, too.

The mage looked almost giddy, with all the smiling she did. "Let's go back to the pub, my friend!" she exclaimed. As Ena turned around to head back, a large -- large compared to her, at least -- man strode up behind them, seemingly reading the notice board. Ena felt a prickling up her whole body that she knew had nothing to do with the man's size. Enathaya was always alert while walking crowded streets, always aware of the shifting of people around her, aware of who was at her back...so how had this man snuck up behind them so effectively?

She took a quick step back, not just due to fear, but to give herself room to maneuver should she need to defend herself and her new...whatever Adeline was. Mistress in some fashion, she supposed, no matter what the mage wanted to call them.

Adeline whipped around a split second later, and Ena noticed her entire countenance change. It was more than being startled. Something was off. The mage was worried.

And if the mage was worried, then Enathaya was terrified.

mousestalker

Aranka Bemot
Dwarf (Commoner/casteless, now surfacer)
Female
Meatshield for hire
bsn.boards.net/post/303996

Meanwhile at the Free Spirit, Aranka heard someone refer to the chanter's board as a good source for casual work. It was early still, so not much would be happening here anyway. There was no way in Dust town she was going to help arrest anyone for free, in any event. Nor was she interested in subsidizing strange men's lyrium habits. It was a filthy vice and weepy men simply hardened her heart. She slipped out and headed for the Chantry. She quickly divined which was the board by the presence of the two travelers and another human. He too, may have won a battle against the trees.

She walked up just in time to hear the human female ask "Hello ser, what brings you to the messageboards?"

A job, duh! Aranka thought silently, but she waited to hear what the dark haired man would say. Perhaps he was another templar, come to arrest wanderers with sticks?

linksocarina

Jean-Pierre De La Vallée
Human/Ex-templar
Sword and Shield warrior
bsn.boards.net/post/306960

The colorful dwarven woman royally ignored his plea and walked out the tavern leaving Jean-Pierre again  standing awkwardly in the middle of the tavern. A man, Ferelden judging by his furs, was looking at him and chuckling. A friendly face, the ex-templar thought "Those dwarves" Jean-Pierre spat before rolling his eyes "My mother used to say "Jean-Pierre" she'd..." before he could finish the man turned from him , face distorted in disgust.

"Excuse me" Jean-Pierre was now tapping his new best friend on the shoulder "I was talking. I know you Ferelden were never taught proper manners, but..." and then The Ferelden got up, and Jean-Pierre had to look up, and then the ferelden whistled and mabari appeared from under the table and Jean-Pierre eyes went down.
"You were saying ?" asked the man.
"My good man , I meant no harm ." Jean Pierre lifted his two hands as a sign of peace. "It's obviously not your fault you were never taught proper civility" the mabari started to growl and Jean-Pierre understood he was getting closer to a tragic social faux-pas. Who would have thought those fereldan were so thin-skinned?
"Those who bring harm without provocation to the least of His children are hated and accursed by the Maker." he reminded the Ferelden dog-owner.

As he was leaving the tavern , Jean-Pierre ears were still ringing with the screams of the Fereldan. But at least he now knew there was a board outside with job offers.
This day was finally getting better...

(phoray I think)