some grumpy grump hates kids

[trulyfree]

[No formal introductions here since Fenris is preoccupied with the noise coming from down the hall.]

I returned to my quarters to find the others rooming with me to be missing and shrieks echoing down the hallway.

Perhaps it should be of no concern, but it seems some of the younger ones among us are murdering each other collectively in some strange ritual. I am uncertain of if it would be wise to intrude, though advice would be appreciated as to whether or not I should bolt the door and bar them from returning as punishment for their unruly behavior.

[Not that he hasn't already done just that.]

Comments

[unabatedly]

[There's laughter on her end.]

Or they might simply be enjoying themselves. You never know. I think if there was truly a problem, one of them would be calling across the network for someone.

[trulyfree]

If they are, then I do wish they would enjoy themselves more quietly. I much prefer the silence from before.

Hmph. I almost wish there was a problem now. At least then the screams would stop eventually. [So bitter, this one.]

[unabatedly]

Now you're just being grouchy.

[But she can hear the shrieking too and she sighs quietly.]

You could always leave the hotel and go get some fresh air. That would let you get away for a bit.

[trulyfree]

I had. And then I returned, and they were still at it. [And now they're just ruining the nice buzz he has. Damn kids.]

My roommate mentioned before that pulling the red lever in the hallway would be an optimal way of garnering attention. [Without actually explaining what it does, for the record.] Perhaps that would be an apt form of retaliation.

[unabatedly]

Ah. I just recently returned-- I didn't realize they'd been at it most of the day.

[There's a pause of consideration, as Neria doesn't remember seeing a red lever, but she wasn't particularly looking for one.]

Would it? What does it do?

[trulyfree]

I'm not sure, to be honest. He said it in a way to be funny, but I didn't quite catch the joke.

[unabatedly]

Kids.

[Ah, well.]

So. Are you going to pull it?

[trulyfree]

A fair question. [He hasn't decided yet, to be honest.]

While I am rather curious of its intended purpose, he did explain it in a way where he seemed to wish for me to pull it. There is the possibility he is intending to trap me into doing so.

[unabatedly]

And how is it going to trap you? Do you think it's going to spit acid at you if you pull it?

[pseudologist]

Now you've just spoiled all the fun.

[unabatedly]

I've spared him the horror that is children, you mean.

[pseudologist]

You say "horror", I say "valuable learning experience".

[unabatedly]

Surely he's been around children before.

[pseudologist]

You mean aside from Junior?

To the best of my knowledge...no. Not in this number, at least.

[unabatedly]

Junior?

[pseudologist]

Carver. Hawke's younger brother.

You might have... [Wait, no, timelines.] You might meet him, eventually, if we end this adventure back where we started.

[unabatedly]

[Neria pauses.]

'Might' meet him. But you're all in Kirkwall, aren't you? I haven't yet been to the Free Marches, though I've given orders that we have more contact with our brethren across the sea. How will I be meeting him?

[pseudologist]

He spent some time away, assigned to a Warden unit in Ferelden. I can't say much more than that - unfortunately, we never did have time to catch up.

wow I'm an idiot I actually remembered she and hawke talked about this oops

[unabatedly]

[Ah, that's right. He'd mention his brother being a Warden. Poor thing. It's never easy for the families, not unless they have the good fortune of living nearby, not unlike Nathaniel's family.]

If I remember all of this - if any of us do - I'll make sure to see to his safety. But if he's Hawke's brother, I imagine he'll be just fine. We have good people in Ferelden's group of Wardens.

[Then again, things can change.]

keeping who knows what straight is always the tricky part

[pseudologist]

Junior isn't Hawke, but he does well enough for himself when he isn't trying to be. For what it's worth, joining the Wardens seems to have been good for him.

[Aside from having saved his life.]

[unabatedly]

He doesn't have to be Hawke. But if he gets up to half of the trouble you've insinuated your group gets into, I'm sure he can handle his own.

[Unless he'd somehow managed to avoid all of it.]

And if not... Well, the Wardens have a way of building soldiers.

[trulyfree]

I...believe you're mistaken. I've not met Hawke's younger brother before.

[Yes, let's just make this confusing for everyone involved.]

[pseudologist]

Come on, Broody, he's not that forgettable. Obscenely tall, fond of platemail, likes to brag about the length of his sword?

[Where's Isabela when you need her?]

[trulyfree]

[He gives a short laugh despite himself at the sword joke.]

No, none of that sounds familiar, I'm afraid. Since, to my recollection, Hawke's younger brother passed long before I ever had the opportunity to meet him.

[pseudologist]

No, he's still...

Wait. Just...let's say in the spirit of inquiry. Did you ever meet Hawke's sister?