eachdraidh | 01 ♘ video

[ Cullen has used his locket a few times, particularly during his time in the Cothromach as he recovered from an injury. Still, it was one thing to respond to others, or leave them short messages. It was another to cast one’s thoughts out, as though talking to everyone and no one in particular. He rubs the back of his neck, frowning slightly. ]

There is something that I’ve been meaning to ask for a while.

[ …Oh Maker, he’s forgotten something. ]

Though, I suppose it might help if I mentioned my name first. To those that don't know me, my name is Cullen. In Thedas- [ a pause ] my home world, my title was “Commander”, but, I really doubt that means all that much here.

[ Another pause, as he tries to find his footing, feeling more and more foolish by the moment. ]

As I was saying, there’s something I’ve been curious about almost ever since I arrived here, but I hadn’t gotten the chance to ask anyone about it, what with that Blighted creature rampaging across the world…

[ Another pause. ] And… that’s magic. That is, I’ve been meaning to ask about magic. just in case he wasn’t clear enough. ] I’ve no doubt you all know what it is, seeing as we’ve all been brought here by such a force.

In my world, opinions about magic were… mixed, to say the very least. While mages are certainly valued in many situations, they are more prone to possession from hostile spirits that offer countless temptations in exchange for a foothold in the mortal world. Not to mention, some possess the ability to raze entire cities to the ground, demons or no. To that end, the Templar Order existed to guard against the dangers of blood magic and demons. W-[ he corrects himself ] They used abilities of their own to combat hostile magic, often at a great personal cost. Mages also often studied in something called the Circle of Magi, though conditions were… not always ideal.

[ Perhaps he was a bit biased in some regards, but he was still attempting to be as diplomatic as possible. Maker knows if he actually managed to succeed. ]

I’m curious to know more, both about the magic here, and magic from… other places. The places that you come from. And how those without magic interact with those that possess it, or where that power is drawn from. Or... those with other abilities that aren't magical but are still... something. It would be… rather helpful.

[ And not fully satisfied that he didn’t make an utter fool of himself, he closes the locket. ]

VIDEO | SEELIE LOCKED

[ Not much later, he opens the locket again, this time with a message only visible to those in the seelie court. While he is perhaps somewhat unaccustomed to asking total strangers about their opinions on more sensitive subjects, there is one thing that he does know how to do.

When he speaks again, he is professional and to the point. ]

Ser Lancelot has tasked me with locating additional men and women for guard rotations at Caer Glaem. Given what has occurred there, it is vital to protect not only those that would aid in reconstruction of the damaged areas, but others that still cannot defend themselves [ a pause, as he contemplates something. ]. And, regardless of your personal feelings on the war, it is a worthy cause.

[ A nod, as he shuts the locket. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Do let me know when you find some manner of answer. I cannot say that I enjoy being asked to pledge my loyalty to those that are not entirely honest with their subjects.

[ And should he ever meet the monarchs, he might say just as much, though perhaps in more polite of terms. ]

You've managed to completely avoid the courts and their intrigue, then? Is that even possible for us? While I have never been one for nobles, these monarchs seem rather persistent in attempting to drag us into their war, if the events at Caer Glaem and Caer Scima are any indication.

My gut instinct is to say don't. Either make them work for your loyalty, or avoid them whenever you can.

[That part is easier said than done, but avoiding audiences and the like isn't a bad place to start, Waver knows.]

Better put: I stay abreast of what they do, but I decline to participate in anything. I took my leave when it was possible for me to do so, and opened a business. Complete and total avoidance of intrigue is somewhat impossible, I'll admit, if only because people here are ambitious and will use others for their own gain.

You arrived recently though, yes? I'm lead to believe that those who popped up before everything went to shit had a very different welcome than others. That would explain some of the persistent aspect.

If you attempt to speak with them, do they not provide any substantial answers? It would seem odd if they were entirely silent on every matter.

[ The more he thinks about it, the less he likes it. The Chantry certainly kept their secrets, but this...

Even if Lavellan and Sera hadn't been on the opposing side, he still wasn't quite sure he could have done all of this himself. ]

I must confess, I have never been one for business. Most of my life has been as a soldier in one form or another. My experience comes from command, not from politics.

What was it like before? Has tension between the courts always been this obvious?

They provide answers that betray their massive biases and objectives. They do want a victory, after all. I've also heard some unsavoury things about people who approach in one manner or the other.

[Again, Waver's mind flicks to the video feed Kaldur showed him of High Queen Solias removing the powers of one of her own shardbearers. He holds no illusions that the Unseelie wouldn't do the same.]

Selling coffee and providing a library does enough to keep me afloat. Big step away from acting as a teacher though. Although careful who you reveal your skill regarding leadership to. Lots of people could make use of it.

Mm, well, I arrived in spring. Things weren't exactly calm, but the tension was nothing compared to what it is now. In retrospect, it's pretty clear both sides were building up to the battle everyone's come out of, and using all manner of agents in order to get there. Like slowly heating something until it melts.

What exactly have you heard?

[ It really says something when the more he hears about these monarchs, the less he likes them. Still, he would like the chance for conversation if only to better understand more about their motivations. ]

By "people" do you mean the monarchs? Or, are there others out there that might have ulterior motives?

[ "Like one who only converses in text and odes not show their face" goes unsaid. Stil... Given his dedicatio to neutrality, perhaps he has his reasons. ]

And, if you don't mind me asking, what did you used to teach?

Long and short of the rumour mill? The Seelie Queen was about to strip a powerful shardbearer of her abilities, all boons, perks of being a shardbearer (including extended lifespan), etc. during the last audience. One of the shardbearer's friends stepped in and took the punishment upon himself instead.

[Waver's dislike of Korra, owing to her actions at Redgate in August, is strong, but that was still too much. Even for him.]

Monarchs, people who believe in their cause, and pretty much anyone else playing the game of politics here. Even if you decline to be involved, you're best being cautious.

As for the old job - I was a professor of chemistry.

For what reason? Or have you not heard? Would they truly do such things to those that displease them, or attempt to question them politely about their motivation.?

And, I understand. Though I've never been one for politics, myself, somehow it seems that they follow me wherever I go.

[ From one snake's nest into another. Still, it couldn't be worse than Kirkwall. ]

Chemistry? Forgive me, but is that related to the field of alchemy? Though the Universities of Orlais and the Dwarves of Orzammar in my world have done some manner of research on such subjects, I'm rather unfamiliar with it all.

[ Though, somehow he doubts that the man he is speaking to is a dwarf or an Orlesian. ]

For the way a question was asked, I believe. There was an attempt made to ask it aside, but that wasn't permitted. It was then asked, and it all went to Hell from there. I'd confirm with a few others in the Seelie court that saw it happen though, just to be on the safe side.

As for the question of chemistry - it is a cousin of alchemy, actually. Grew out of alchemy, replacing the magic aspect with natural science. I cant say I'm familiar with the institutions you've mentioned, but the long and short of it is that it focuses on the changes of substances, and how they interact with each other.

It still seems like an... excessive punishment.

So, in essence, it's similar to magic, but not quite magic, if that makes any sense? The qunari have a substance called gaatlok, that creates some manner of explosion when used. It is not magic, but now I have to wonder if it's produced in a similar fashion to your "chemistry".

[ So many different worlds, and so many different traditions. ]

Oh, I agree on that point. Very excessive, and more of a power display than anything else.

Yes, that's exactly the sort of thing! The compounds used to make it up set off a specific reaction - in this case an explosion. Probably a matter of adding fire to the material, yes?

I believe so. There have been attempts to replicate the substance, but the qunari are not fond of others trying to learn their secrets.

I'm assuming that in your world, men and women do not go to war over this "chemistry", do they?

If it's as destructive as similar substances I'm thinking of, I can't blame them.

And...well, chemistry can be a weapon of war. Let's put it like that. It's been used to develop some horrifying things.

I suppose that's true of nearly anything.

True enough, but some gases can be unleashed and. Well honestly I refuse to even detail it on the network, lest anyone get ideas.

01 ♘ video | both courts

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject