RP: Aria (lavellanfadewalk) ((NSFW content further down))

[blackwall_fadewalk]

Skyhold. He was back in- but the sky…

Sometimes Sera had the absolute right of it. Fucking magic shite.

Blackwall sighed, choking up a tad on the bit of chair leg. There was the feeling of Darkspawn or other Wardens in the distance. Supposed to be someday he’d be able to tell the difference. Didn’t do him much good now.

The hold was empty. Not even wind to make the trees move. Like the air just before the storm broke. Unsettling.

He paced along the battlements one foot at a time. No one else around ‘less they were sneakier than him. Not like that was hard. His Warden armour made enough noise to cover a snowfleur’s approach. The next tower was the one the Inquisitor had refitted for the Mages. Couldn’t hurt to have a quick look. Some mageling may have hid in there and could tell him what in the Blighted Void was going on.

The west door opened with only a small creak.

Comments

[blackwall_fadewalk]

“A journal?” He pulled the small book he’d found out of his belt. Flipping through the pages showed him glimpses of different writing with some drawings and scribbles. He recognized Sera’s doodles at once. He found himself smiling fondly until he found the cock bomb and nearly choked. This Tali and Sera should never meet. No one would survive.

“Useful, aye,” Blackwall pulled himself together and flipped to the last marked pages. One was actually filling with words as he watched. Looked like an invisible hand writing. He snapped the book shut and put it back in his belt. “But why would you ever need to write someone a message if everything that happens is recorded in their book? Wouldn’t they know already?”

He couldn’t help but smile again at Lavellan. She had certainly made a mark on his life. “No returning, eh? But what if I gave it to someone else? You said there were people from other worlds. It follows that they wouldn’t be forewarned about the mad things you drag people into.”

[lavellanfadewalk]

"Yes, certainly. But unless you're the Left Hand, you have more important things to do with your time than peeking others' lives. They may know what I'm doing but thankfully they don't know what I'm thinking, so..." she shrugged.

Aria stopped abruptly, turning to face him with a false dramatic outraged expression at his words. "Ok, now I'm hurt. I know my feelings are usually hidden behind my sarcasm and cynicism, but this doesn't mean I don't have them." she quirked an eyebrow, playfully "Besides, this whole crazy situation and the how you accidentally found your way straight to me should tell you a thing or two about being able to get rid of me."

[blackwall_fadewalk]

He forced his face blank. Lavellan’s expression didn’t make it easy. “Feelings? I’d never accuse you of those Inquisitor.”

She had a point though. Skyhold was a fortress with plenty of space. That he’d appeared so near her could mean something. But how did he explain just how much she’d done for him? Lavellan was the reason he was a Warden in truth. The reason his life had become more than just running from his crimes but actually starting to make up for them. Why he could stand in the company of heroes and not feel like a sham.

“I’ve never wanted to be rid of you.” Was what he actually said. Dolt.

[lavellanfadewalk]

Aria grinned to hide the impact of his words over her; it was a relief, to know her decision to send him to the Wardens hadn't hurt their... friendship? She had no idea of how put in words her relation with Blackwall, but judging him as Inquisitor was the hardest thing she'd ever done and she was just glad he could see past it. Hopefully.

"Wise words from a person who knows who has the magic staff of doom and the chair leg." she laughed "Sorry, I'm never going to forget this."

[blackwall_fadewalk]

His face cracks and Blackwall can’t help but laugh along. He swings the chair leg off to the side well away from Lavellan. The last thing he needs is to hit her and foul everything up. “Dunno. Might actually be something here. Could get a nice ham roast and spit it on the end. Make a mace of it. Dunno what I’d do for a shield though.”

[lavellanfadewalk]

"A whole wheel of cheese, maybe?" she began to go downstairs, to the courtyard near the Herald's Rest. Laughing was good. Thank the Creators.

[blackwall_fadewalk]

He went silent from laughing so hard. The picture she painted. By the time he’d gotten his breath back they were halfway down the stairs. He could only be grateful he hadn’t fallen and snapped his neck.

“A whole wheel? Bit much isn’t it?” He let his shoulder gently bump Lavellan’s. “Should leave a wedge for the mice.”

She was heading straight for the doors to the Great Hall and Blackwall nudged her again. “Did you move the armoury? Or have you gotten something new from Dagna you want to spring on me?”

[lavellanfadewalk]

"Yes, the mice. Cole would certainly be glad we didn't forget the mice."

She smiled, already climbing the stairs, comfortable with his proximity. "See, this is not Skyhold. Our Skyhold, it is. When things started, Cullen, the Warden and a ser Alistair moved the supplies to the War Room, thinking of a better defensive position, if I quite read it right. So everything is there. Currently, we're running out of food and since the Eluvian seems to be working again, I'm thinking on exploring it after a way out of here or more supplies."

[blackwall_fadewalk]

A Ser Alistair and the Warden? There was more than one Alistair? And who else did she mean? Was the First Warden here too? That would be a mite awkward. Blackwall focused. The buzzing feeling had gotten stronger so they were nearer. Probably in the main keep somewhere.

Then the rest registered. Balls.

“And I’ve added only another mouth to feed. I apologize, Inquisitor.” A burden again. He cursed himself for making light of things when circumstances were so dire. “If there’s anything I can do. I’m no mage, obviously, but if you need another body.”

[lavellanfadewalk]

Aria was the one to bump his shoulder this time "If I quite recall, a long time ago someone had offered to carry any sort of heavy weight a lady like me could be in need, right? Besides, it isn't like you asked to be here so don't apologize. And no titles too, they're worth nothing."

No titles, that was certainly something Aria was enjoying about that place. And the silence. She crossed the Great Hall straight to the Ambassador's Office door.

[blackwall_fadewalk]

Despite how small she was her shoulder was solid. Solid enough to bear the burdens of half of Thedas. She was far stronger than she looked. And not just with her magic either.

He’d half-forgotten that offer. How long ago had he said that to her? And she’d remembered. But then that was Lavellan. Kind even to those who hadn’t deserved it.

“Your pardon, my lady. No titles.” He agreed. He followed her into Josephine’s office and came to a dead stop when he saw the blood on the floor. His heart was in his throat. It was old and dried and enough for whoever lost it to be dead. “What happened here?”

[lavellanfadewalk]

"Meredith happened. She tried to kill the Hero of Ferelden, as far as I understand. But Leliana and Evelea tended to her and she's probably with her husband by now. As for the blood, probably Meredith's after my purple namesake dealt with her. Can't really tell now."

Aria made a dismissive gesture, one that only someone used to battles and death could do. Josephine's office was empty and cold without the lighted fireplace and the presence of the Ambassador to the Inquisition. Unlike Blackwall, she didn't stop moving, striding to the next door instead.

[blackwall_fadewalk]

Maker. He’d thought- feared that the Ambassador-

Well. Beyond the concern of an associate it wasn’t his business anymore.

He still skirted around the blood to follow Lavellan. Down the hallway to the legendary War Room of the Inquisition. He’d never been here before. “Was that hole in the wall always there?” Seemed a bit undignified.

[lavellanfadewalk]

"Cullen offered his soldiers to repair it, once." she glanced at the familiar hole and the not-so-familiar dark green bruised sky "But you remember the bridge his soldiers 'repaired' in the Dales right? Couldn't let that happen to this wall." Aria chuckled "And since our dwarven engineers had more pressing matters to attend to, the hole stayed."

She opened the familiar door in the War Room, gesturing the stock of weapons and supplies. "There is nothing formidable here, but..."

[blackwall_fadewalk]

“Considering how quickly they had it up, I thought they didn’t do half bad. Not pretty, but stable enough.” Blackwall entered the room slowly. So this is where the fate of Thedas had been decided. He had to suppose the windows were nicer when Skyhold wasn’t in the Fade. Nice standards. He’d bet a sov that Cullen normally stood in front of the one of a giant fist. “But of course it wouldn’t do for the leaders of the Inquisition to have a clapboard wall to look at. No, better to keep the gaping hole. Lets in that fresh mountain air.”

There was a pile of swords. Some racked but most leaning against the wall or in a pile on the floor. Blackwall picked up a simple iron sword and gave it a practice swing, but had to immediately put it down again. “You’ve spoiled me, my lady. Can’t go back to a simple soldier’s sword.” He started hunting through for something made of Stormheart, or at least Silverite.

[lavellanfadewalk]

"What can I say?" she smiled and shrugged "I look out for my people."

Aria winked, leaning against the door.
Her heart ached and she had to swallow hard to keep her emotions at bay; truth to be told, the political pressure around the Inquisition in Thedas was currently overwhelming, several noble houses asking for a position about the power the Inquisition had gathered and how they pretended to use it. Bunch of ungrateful assholes, if you asked Aria.

That situation, in the Fade-y Skyhold was certainly hard, but that was the kind of thing she was used to deal with. Now, politics? Gross.

[blackwall_fadewalk]

A glitter of pink drew his attention to a Dawnstone blade. It was an infamously brittle metal, but the best he could see. Bull would give him that look if he saw Blackwall with this sword. Still, needs must. He sheathed it and turned to look for an acceptable - not Dawnstone - shield. His eyes passed over Lavellan but ticked back when her discomfort registered.

There was no way to make his concern less obvious so he didn’t try. Blackwall ambled over and dipped his head slightly to catch her eye. “It’s appreciated. You know, if that was ever in doubt. But somehow I don’t think that’s what’s troubling you.” He reached out to her, palm up. Offered what he had. Which wasn’t much really, but if it helped Lavellan at all...

[lavellanfadewalk]

Aria slightly tilted her head, realizing by his words that her concerns weren't as hidden as she thought. She hesitated, thinking of hiding, thinking of perhaps discussing it with Varric later but... she was exhausted. All mana invested on healing Hawke, carrying her around with Varric, hunting a Envy Demon, now dealing with Meredith and trying to keep everyone else from killing her. Too much.

She tugged the chest plate of his armor, resting her forehead over the cold metal with a low noise. She sighed. "I'm tired. Of everything. But his soon goes away."

[blackwall_fadewalk]

Blackwall stared down at the back of her head. That… hadn’t been what he’d expected. But Lavellan was more than just the mighty Inquisitor. Being strong didn’t mean being invulnerable. What are you waiting for old man? Hug the poor woman. He shook his head slightly and wrapped his arms around her back.

“If you need to rest, you can. You have friends, allies. We’ll take the load for you gladly.” He raised a hand to let it run over her hair. It was as soft as it looked. Blackwall pulled her close and hugged her tight, but mindful of his armour all the same. Her head tucked against his shoulder and he could feel the line of her ear against his beard. “I’ve got you.”

[lavellanfadewalk]

Aria was breathing in deep, slow breaths, arms loosely around his waist. She was tense with the hug at first, but her muscles melted under the warm, soft pressure of his arms and she stepped closer. He was right, she didn't had to carry everything on her own. But most of the Inner Circle had disbanded, moving on with their lives and she definitely couldn't drag her clan to it. For the first time of her life, she felt lonely.

"Thank you." she murmured, the grip around his waist tightening for a split second before she pulled away; she didn't know a better way to show him how grateful she was for those simple words, but she meant it, with all her heart.

[blackwall_fadewalk]

He let his hands linger on her waist for a moment. Looked at her face carefully and made sure she was looking better before he pulled entirely away. “You’re welcome. Have to earn my keep somehow. Not a lot of heavy things need moving, so.” He shut his mouth at last. She doesn’t need your rambling old man. Thank the Maker his beard hid most of his blush.

He cleared his throat and gave Lavellan a gentle squeeze to her shoulder before he turned away to search out a good shield.

[lavellanfadewalk]

"I had no idea a Grey Warden should also provide emotional support to bystanders, in addition to, y'know, saving the world for the Blight and all." she chuckled, watching him browse through shields. His warmth lingered and left her with a good feeling.

"And so we're clear... Iron Bull won't know about that sword, this is on me."

[blackwall_fadewalk]

“You? A simple bystander? I don’t think I’ve ever known you to stand by when you could be doing something.” Blackwall snorted and dragged a pair of tower shields off of some smaller ones. Turned and gave her a bit of a stink eye when she mentioned the sword. “He’d better not. Would probably mug me for it if he knew what I have. You don’t forget anything, do you?”

He went back to the shields, pulling out an Obsidian one before putting it back. “But so far as I know, Grey Wardens don’t go ‘round hugging strangers who need it. Don’t think I could. But you’re. Well.” He stared into the pile of shields. Shuffled them a little. Looked like the Obsidian one might be the best unless there was something under…

“You deserve to be happy.”

[lavellanfadewalk]

"True... if I could simply be quiet and polite, I wouldn't have run into Corypheus murdering the Divine and nothing of this would've happen... well, at least for me, it seems." and she grinned "I asked Master Harritt to add an extra layer, of dawstone, to Bull's armor before he left with the Chargers. It looked like it was his name day. And yes, I have a perfect memory. The Well seems to help me too."

She shifted her weight from one leg to another, chuckling. "Me, happy? Perish the thought. I'm too old to believe this exists" her eyes kept staring her feet, though, the notion causing her to smile. She'd been happy with the Inquisition, despite death lurking on every corner of their journey. And she was happy with her accomplishments and how happy the common folk was. But that was simple. And complicated things were getting the best of her.

[blackwall_fadewalk]

He could imagine Bull’s face at that. Snickered to himself, but his face fell when he pulled the best shield out of the pile. “Maker have mercy.” Dawnstone. A particularly shiny piece. Even made in the Warden style. Right. Blackwall tossed it back and hauled out the Obsidian one.

“If you were quiet and polite we’d still have a great bloody Breach in the sky with an army of demons breathing down our necks and Corypheus still calling himself lord and master of us all.”

He rolled his eyes as he looked through the paperwork on the war table. “Too old. My arse, you’re too old. Out of everybody in this room you’re not the one who gets to be complaining about being too old.”

He found the requisitions list at last and skimmed over it until he found the sword. Wrote a note about being the one to take it. Found the shield and did the same. Replaced the list where he’d found it. Only then did he turn back to Lavellan. Go back to her.

“Hey.” He reached out his hand again. “Happiness is what you make of it. Doesn’t last forever. Just a good moment out of a lot of shite ones. You find ‘em, make ‘em stay for as long as you can. And then you hold the memories close to help you keep going.”