[IC] Until We're Free [Dragon Age]

[Theorist]

The early morning is cold in the rebel camp. Dawn hasn't even broke yet, so the camp is quiet and most are asleep save for those on watch and a few early risers. Normally, you wouldn't be required to be up this early, but you had a purpose. Arl Rendorn Guerrin, Commander of the rebel forces, is to brief you on your mission this morning. It is crucial to start early, as you will need to sneak past an Orlesian patrol, but that was all you were told. As you enter an enormous tent, you are greeted with the sight of Arl Rendorn, of course, as well as Maric Theirin, rightful King of Ferelden and his betrothed, Rowan Guerrin. Beside Maric is a young man with raven black hair. This was Loghain, as you remember. Arl Rendorn is hunched over a table in the middle of discussing strategy with the others, but stands up straight and turns to you when you enter.

"Ah, good. You've arrived." He looks over at Maric and gestures to your group. "Your Majest--" The young King flinched at the title, forcing the Arl to correct himself. "Maric. These are the individuals who I have selected to be your agents." Maric steps towards your group. He brushes his blond hair out of his face to get a better look at you.

"Um... is this all of them? I mean, I understand we should keep it small, but..."

"A small group can do many things a larger force can't." Loghain interrupts him. Maric looks back him and shrugs.

"Yeah, guess you're right." He shoots each of you a smile. "Hi, i'm Maric. I'm the, uh, King. I guess."

[Rogue Colm]

Cecelia finishes putting up her silver hair into a ponytail as she and a few other people approach. Once introduced and greeted by King Maric, Cecelia bows formally. "M'lord, I'm Cecelia. Elven scout and tracker for Ferelden's Rebel Army. I'm guessing I'll be point-elf for this mission." Assuming the least lethal role, Cecelia bows again and keeps in line with the others who were chosen for this tactical force. She wasn't sure what they'd want her personally to do, but she figured she was more useful outside of battle than in it. Getting in the way of battle was Cecelia's biggest fear, yet she remained calm.

[Hipster]

@Theorist@Rogue Colm

Calder was looked at Cecelia, Calder never saw a elf before. He heard millions of stories and one time he thought his dad was a elf. but really, he never saw a elf before. he wondered about elves for a tiny bit, didn't they allow wizards and all of them use bows?. he wondered if-

Ah good you arrived

All of Calder's attention was directed straight to the Arl's briefing, Calder stuttered a tiny bit Uh-uh hey sir!. I'm Calder, Nice to meet you sir!, I'm a wizard and uh..I know healing magic and t-that's kind of it!. he introduced himself with a smile.

[OtomostheCrazy]

It was a bit cold in the camp, but that was to be expected. It was so early that the stars were still out, and firelight was still needed to illuminate the darkness. Elden the Snake sat near a fire, gripping onto his quarterstaff as if the wind would whisk him away if he didn't. He had been told that he was chosen for a mission, so he was waiting to enter the big tent where ll the planning took place. Why they chose him of all people to help in this mission, he didn't know.

When the time came, he entered the tent with others who had supposedly been chosen. Two female elves and another male human. If this had been a different circumstance, Elden would've been concerned for the purpose of this particular gathering, but the words and tone of Arl revealed that the circumstances were to be taken seriously. King, or Maric as the boy preferred, spoke a bit of the size of this group, but Loghain had assured him that this was something they needed.

Maric greeted them with a smile and a casual tone in his voice. It was clear that this boy was trying to keep his status from affecting people's views of him. The members of this gathered group began to introduce themselves. The first was a female elf named Cecilia, who had seemed to use the standard greeting to those superior in rank. The next was the human named Calder, who had stuttered and introduced himself as casually as the king himself had.

Then it was Elden's turn. Silently taking a breath, he spoke with a calm grin that would send a chill down one's spine if they were not prepared for it.

"Salutations, my lord. My name is Elden. I am a Mage with a bit more emphasis on offensive magic. I am looking forward to working for you."

Elden bowed to respect his leader, revealing more of the tattoo that ran from his face, down his neck, and further still. He returned to his standing position to allow the other elf woman to introduce herself.

[Theorist]

Maric laughs nervously at Calder's formal attitude. "Please, no need to be so formal. We're all friends here." He looked a little creeped out at Elden's grin, but he gave the group a friendly nod before going back to stand next to Loghain. "So, uh, you were saying?" He looked at Rendorn. The Arl clears his throat and addresses the group.

"Your mission will lead you south to the Korcari Wilds." He turns to the table and gestures for you to come closer. On the table, there was a map of Ferelden, with miniatures depicting the heraldry of the Theirin family as well as miniatures depicting the heraldry of Orlais on various parts of the map. He pointed to the area on the map marked 'Korcari Wilds.' "During the early Storm Age, the Grey Wardens had a fortress in the Wilds called Astrid's Vigil. Now, as you may or may not know, we don't have very many friends in the south, and so we lack a proper foothold in the area. Your mission will be to secure this fortress so that we can move into the area so that we can establish a garrison within three weeks' time before winter hits." Rowan spoke up.

"There is not space enough for our men anywhere else. And with Queen Moira's passing and the discovery of Maric's survival, this part of Ferelden is no longer safe."

"Precisely." He looked over at the group. "If there are no questions..."

[Hipster]

@Theorist Calder took one step away from Elden subtantly, a chill went down his spine. however he felt happy that he was a mage, but mostly freaked out.

Calder listened attentively and smiled, with a warm feeling in his heart, he hadn't heard the words "we're all friends here" in a long, long while. Calder was filled with excitement, he was gonna go to the Korcari Wilds on a adventure!.

he didn't really care if it wasn't safe. it was going to be fun. after all, it is a adventure!

Nope!. Calder answered the arl, wanting to get going on the adventure already and dive bomb into a land of fun, awesome. and the unknown.

@OtomostheCrazy@Rogue Colm

[Rogue Colm]

Cecelia listened as the Arl puts his plan into words. Intrigued by how small an accompaniment would be sent, she figured they had the best intentions, so she paid close attention. At his conclusion, the Arl asked for questions. Shuddering at the mage's enthused "Nope!" Cecelia made a short, courteous bow and said "Just one question, with all due respect Ser Rendorn, and it's about transportation. Will we be having any horses to ride, or will we be going on foot? That's the only thing I can think of to ask."

[OtomostheCrazy]

Elden listened to what the big mission for this little group would be...what he had not counted was the mission actually being big. They were to secure Astrid's Vigil of all places, and within three weeks. They must have a lot of faith in everyone's abilities. Aside from that, they made it clear that it was a mission that had to be accomplished.

Within moments, he heard Calder let out an excited thought. Elden felt that the man was probably excited to experience some excitement in this mission. He couldn't help but chuckle a bit at it. Calder'a excitement was rubbing off a bit on him. Then Cecilia spoke. She asked about their means of transportation. It was a good question. Things would go a lot faster if they had horses to reach the destination. However, if such a small group were to complete this mission, then the horses would have to be left behind somewhere along the way.

Elden crossed his arms and tilted his head. He thought of what he, himself would want to ask, but couldn't come up with anything. In the end he simply grinned again and shook his head. He had no questions to ask.

[Theorist]

Arl Rendorn nodded when Cecelia asked about transportation. "As you know, we do not have many resources at our disposal, but it would be impossible for you to make the deadline without horses. So, you will each be given a horse for this assignment. However, do note that the horses would slow you down in the marshes, so you'd do well to leave them somewhere out of sight." He pointed at a part of the map just outside of the Wilds. "Once we are finished here, we will travel to the Wilds and settle in this location. We will await word of your success from our camp there before traveling to Astrid's Vigil. Be careful. The wolves aren't the only dangers in the Wilds."

"Forgetting something?" Loghain asked from his corner of the tent. The Arl seemed a little peeved at Loghain judging by the look he shot him. They must have had a contentious relationship.

"Thank you, Loghain." He said in a tone dripping with sarcasm. The Arl looked back at you. "Loghain will act as your guide. He and Maric have... "traveled" the Wilds recently and he knows of the place you need to go."

"Just don't get in my way." Loghain walked towards your group and stood with you. "Let's get going. I don't fancy freezing to death in the winter."

-------------------------------------

And so, once you have gotten your horses and your supplies, you set off for the Wilds.

[Hipster]

@Theorist Calder was riding on top of a nice brown horse that he had taken to calling him "Greg" for some reason. Calder rode forward across the road, staring out at the wild unknown before him, the unknown that he would explore!. Calder couldn't wait to explore!.

Calder felt like he was on top of the world, not only was he able to meet the Arl, he managed to find a way to serve feralden. not that Calder really cared about Feraldan, he didn't really know what the war was about, or really what astrid's vigil was. he was just happy he managed to find honest work and not be yelled at for his talents.

Calder wondered what loghain did in the wild, didn't he "travel" here before?. and then Calder spit it out Hey Loghain why did you travel here before? Calder asked. @OtomostheCrazy@Rogue Colm

[Rogue Colm]

Cecelia kept to herself during the travel, only speaking when spoken to or when absolutely necessary. She wondered many times why this group was necessary: a scout, and two mages, each mage with their own set of talents, but two nonetheless. It seemed odd to send such a trio for what seemed like a stealth operation. Cecelia could easily sneak in somewhere, but not so much killing people. She's better at sneaking. Then there's the mages. They probably aren't the quietest of people, nothing wrong with that, but if this truly is a cloak-and-daggers sort of mission, magic isn't the quietest of fighting methods.

[OtomostheCrazy]

Elden was not so fond of riding on horseback. He honestly felt uncomfortable about it, but he didn't complain. It was the only way to reach their destination on time, after all. Still, he decided to distract himself by observing the others.

Loghain seemed a bit strict, and tough, with a bit of cruelty mixed in, by the way his words sounded to Elden. Maybe it was the mission, or maybe it's a situation, but Elden felt that his behavior, if an act, was unnecessary. By contrast, his fellow mage, Calder, was acting like a child having fun. The man must have a taste for travel and adventure. The smile on his face said that much to Elden.

Then the Snake looked to Cecelia.

"Ah." said Elden.

He had noticed that the Elven scout was quiet. Very quiet. She seemed to only speak when spoken to, and secluded herself when not addressed. There was also a look about her that made him feel as if she was concerned about something. Elden frowned. They were a team now -a team that was newly formed, but a team nonetheless- and thus they should work together to discuss worries about the mission...or was it about the mission? For all Elden knew, it could've been a more personal matter. Still, there was no reason not to try and see what was wrong.

"Is something the matter, Cecelia? You look deep in thought."

[Rogue Colm]

A tad startled by being spoken to, Cecelia turns to the mage who had called her name. Deciding her worries were moot if they were truly chosen by the king and his advisers, she smiled and shook her head. "Tis nothing to worry. Just having my fair share of doubts, but they've been shaken, I assure you." Hoping her almond eyes didn't give too much away, Cecelia turns back to face forward. Telling herself more than her companion that her doubts are gone, Cecelia returned to her thought of strategy, hoping to get one of some sort before arriving.

[OtomostheCrazy]

"Cecilia." said Elden in his calm, but stern manner. "Allow me to remind you that this our first mission as a group. If there are any doubts you have, you might as well voice them, as such things may come to life. Thoughts and information play a key role in all of our survival."

At least, that's how Elden felt. A new team knows barely anything about each other, and seldom have members that have strong bonds between each other, so coordination was not a dependable factor. A plan may be well thought out, but there's always possibilities that may sneak their way into the execution of said plan. Elden felt that it was up to the members to communicate with each other and prepare for anything that may happen. If one has doubts, voicing them may allow others to assist in countering those doubts, should they come to life.

[Hipster]

Calder was busy admiring the landscape around him when he heard a conversation going on behind him, he didn't really understand why the Elf was trying to avoid contact with everyone. after all they were a team, they should act like one!.

And so. feeling the need to barge in he added abruptly Well..the best teams function as a group. and then, in Calder's childish little brain popped a childish little idea.

I got an idea!. lets play a icebreaker game or something, So we can get to know each other better!. after all its going to be a long ride, might as well give ourselves something to do! he added enthusiastically.

@OtomostheCrazy@Rogue Colm@Theorist

[Rogue Colm]

Cecelia looked puzzled at the less mature mage. "Icebreaker game? What would one be? I don't know of any." Understanding the need to bond, Cecelia finally answers the question from the first mage. "And to be more blunt, I'm worried about a mission involving stealth with two mages in the mix. No offense to mages, I just figured it would be a scouting group or some group more used to taking over silently. Again, I mean to offend neither of you, I'm just not used to including mages in scouting or 'hunting' parties, as this may be a more accurate case." Offering a small smile and raised shoulder as a means of sorry, Cecelia averted her gaze, transfixing herself on the intricacy of the horse's mane.

[Theorist]

@OtomostheCrazy@Rogue Colm@Hipster

Loghain was at the head of the group, trying his hardest to ignore the prattling of his charges. Once everything seemed to quiet down, he decided to answer the young mage. "Maric and I ran into the Wilds to escape the Orlesians. Survived there for... three days." He said as he pulled a thin strip of jerky out of his pack and began to gnaw on it. And so you traveled on horseback for a week. Loghain had refused to stay at any inn in the south, instead having your group camp in the wilderness to avoid the Orlesians crawling all over the cities. Finally, on the morning of the seventh day, you made it to the Wilds. Just past a few groupings of trees, you see where the woods begin to get even thicker. A thick mist pours out of the treeline, making things even colder. As you dismount your horses, Loghain begins to lead them behind a thicket of trees, tying them off to a stump. "Follow me." He says. "Daylight is even scarcer in the Wilds. Be on your guard." Not waiting to see if any of you follow him, Loghain begins to make his way into the Wilds.

[Hipster]

@Theorist@Rogue Colm@OtomostheCrazy

Frankly. Calder didn't know any icebreaker games either, so he started to hid to himself, not contributing to any conversation since everyone else kind of did the same.

(Present)

Calder stood staring at the wilds, He was slightly exhausted since Loghain didn't bother with the local inns, Calder understood that everyone needed to get to Astral's Vigil in time but, Calder preferred it outside. he felt closer to the Stars, he felt more important outside and free.

Calder followed Loghain, trying to catch up a bit. Calder wasn't the most fit, infact some people called him fat sometimes. but he didn't really care.

Calder looked at around himself with a suspicious curiosity, as if a detective investigating a crime scene. the Area around him was unfamiliar, mysterious, unknown, and dark. a shiver went down his spine. but it was all blocked out by his need for adventure.

Calder thought about Loghain's stay in the wilds, and started to think of him as a hero from a book. and then he blurted out again. Hey Loghain! can you tell us about the time when you hid in the wilds? he asked with a Sparkling in his eye, wanting to know more.

[OtomostheCrazy]

@Hipster@Theorist@Rogue Colm

Elden stretched as the group proceeded into the wilds. He was never really fond of riding on horseback. It was uncomfortable, and the horse was hard to control at times. It was not his forte, so he was glad to be walking again. Of course, he'd feel even better ad they gotten proper rest, but time was of the essence and rest was not a luxury that they needed at the time.

It shouldn't take long now. They had to be close to their destination. That meant that they were close to starting their first mission as a group. That concept still confused Elden a bit. A group of three people had been called upon to perform action and do missions that others could not? It confused him a bit, but Elden had always decided to just not care about it. If he started to delve into deeper thought about every trivial matter, he'd go insane.

Elden heard Calder ask Loghain a question, and chuckled softly before saying,

"I'm curious as well. I wanted to know what you and Maric were doing in this place for three days."

[Rogue Colm]

Cecelia had been observing the other three during their week on horseback. They seemed like talented mages, but still questioned why the tactical leaders for Marric decided to send two mages and a scout. It's an odd group composure to say the least. If they wanted force, why not replace herself with a mage or warrior? If they wanted stealth, why not send several scouts with maybe one warrior or healing mage? It just bothered her how little sense it made to send her with two mages. Once arriving at the edge of the Wilds, Cecelia listened to the mages voice their curiosity to Loghain's story in the Wilds. Cecelia nods as she hears them, because her curiosity, too, is piqued.