video | un: lavellan

[strikingtwice]

[Even after the introduction and brief period to adapt, Meallan isn't quite convinced that this isn't the Fade as he finds himself in a strange, new land. The buildings in particular don't help much, seemingly growing out of the earth or nature itself, like some new twist on the stories of how his people long ago made their homes in the trees, bending their shapes with magic.

But then he sees a person that looks like they're part deer somehow go by in the distance and the idea that maybe this is somewhere else entirely seems a lot more likely. He feels like he might be gaping just a little, like a shemlen who's never seen a Dalish clan before.

Giving himself a little shake, Meallan reaches for the amulet around his neck that had been so helpful so far and lifts it to his face, doubtfully turning it over in his fingers. Apparently all he needs to do is concentrate on wanting other people to see and hear him and they will, but he can't honestly tell if it's working or not, even if everyone else is likely seeing a very doubtful looking elf right now.]

Hello? [He pauses and shakes his head.[ Creators, that voice should have said what to do if this doesn't work. Or how to tell if it doesn't. Who knows if there's anyone else lost out in wherever this place is, shouting at their jewelry for hours on end.

[Still silence, so he lets the amulet thump back against his chest, hand rising to card through his hair.]

All right then. Either someone will answer or they won't, I suppose. In the meantime, there has to be more people around here somewhere.

Comments

[strikingtwice]

Does that happen often? People being pulled through here?

[It's a thought that had dwelt in the back of his mind for a little while now.]

Apparently there's enough of us to be a reasonable force and it's happened enough that it's not a new situation, but does anyone know how often or how long?

[sheriffing]

It happens on and off. Sometimes it's a few people, sometimes it's one.

[ Sometimes they're from the same world as someone already here. Sometimes they're not.]

I know that I've been here before. I left and came back, but I don't remember any of it.

[strikingtwice]

People can do that? Leave and then return without any memory of it?

That's... unsettling. [He he doesn't imagine he has to really tell her that.]

I hope it didn't cause too much difficulty for you.

[sheriffing]

They can, I did.

[If it wasn't for Graham mentioning it, she might not have known.]

Being here is what causes difficulty for me, their tricks are just a part of it.

[strikingtwice]

I don't imagine many people are pleased to be here, but does something in particular bother you? They haven't done anything else as well as affected your memory, have they?

[Because if they can do things like that, then it threw a great deal of doubt on the 'here by accident' part of the explanation.]

[sheriffing]

Depends on what you believe. I could be a different version of myself, but I think that's a load of crap.

[Basically the nicest way she can word it, sorry.]

I have a friend here who's seen more than I have. He isn't happy with ALASTAIR and I trust him more than I trust them.

[strikingtwice]

A different version of you? That seems a bit unlikely I'd agree. Not unless there was a demon pretending to be you or something.

[And what of the chances of that happening more than once?]

Do you know why he's not happy with them in particular? Or won't he say?

[sheriffing]

He's seen how ALASTAIR can be harmful.

[Throwing a bomb into a volcano, anyone?]

[strikingtwice]

How so? What I've seen of their methods so far are... a little strange, but I wouldn't say it's actively terrible either.

[sheriffing]

You'd have to talk to Graham about that.

[What he and his wolf have been through isn't her experience to share. They've had a few conversations about all of this, but she doesn't want to assume he's willing to share them.]

[strikingtwice]

[He nods, giving her an apologetic smile.] Of course, it's rude of me to ask for information that isn't yours to give. I'm sorry.

[sheriffing]

He might be willing to share it if you ask, but like you said - I never lived it.

[She trusts Graham, though. And she doesn't trust easily.]

[strikingtwice]

If I meet him, I'll have to ask. [He says with a smile before looking away from her image.]

But before then, I suppose I should get an idea of where I am and where everyone else is.

[sheriffing]

Has anyone gone over the basics?

[The land, the mission, the crap about magic?]

[strikingtwice]

The basics? I don't think so... I've only really talked with people about how this amulet works and that we're all here from different worlds. Or is that what you meant?

[sheriffing]

More or less. The missions, Nalawi, coming in from other worlds.

[She has portal experience, but the normal rules don't apply here.]

I know it's a lot to take in.

[strikingtwice]

It's... a lot in the scheme of things, yes. But I suppose I've had practise finding myself in situations I wouldn't have thought possible before. The best thing to do is pick yourself up and keep going.

[sheriffing]

Or fight your way out, when it's possible.

[Something she intends to do, as soon as she's given the opportunity.]

When things like this happen to me, I don't stop until I find my way home.

[strikingtwice]

Something I may have to do as well. While helping others is worthwhile, and I'm happy to do as much as I can, there's too much at stake in Thedas for me to be gone for long, and I imagine many others have pressing matters to return to in their own worlds as well.

[sheriffing]

That's how it is for me, too. My family needs me.

[As much as it pains her to think about leaving Graham and his brother behind... ]

I can't be here.

[strikingtwice]

Your family... They're fortunate to have someone who cares for them as much as you do. I hope that you can find a way back to them sooner rather than later.

[sheriffing]

Thank you.

If you need anything, let me know and I'll do my best to help.