(no subject)

[unabatedly]

Back into the fray again, I suppose--

[Neria's voice echoes across the network, wry. She sighs.]

Welcome, new Travelers. I trust you can hear me. Wherever you are in Liminal Space, if you should require aid, you need only speak up or call out to the other Travelers around you. Though we're all strangers, I assure you that we're here to help.

[Which is your standard welcome, by all accounts. But she has a specific reason for requesting people's attentions this time.]

You might notice the portals that are leading out of Liminal Space. I would advise you be cautious until you've listened to what I have to say.

We are in the middle of an excursion into another world, something we do here very frequently. We have been tasked with aiding the realm of Dolorosa, a kingdom fraught with trouble. There is a missing queen and knights abound, with dragons and murderous barons. [She chuckles briefly.] I know it may sound fantastical and strange, but this is a reality you will be facing very shortly. I would caution you to ask your fellow Travelers, the other Veterans, about Dolorosa and how you can prepare, what you can expect, before moving on.

Rest assured, we will do all we can to help you.

I have but one request of all of you gathered here: should you find any herbs or anything of use, please collect them and bring them to me. I am one of the few here capable of healing injuries and my stock is low, a very dangerous thing considering what has transpired recently. [Her tone sounds almost bitter, colored with bemusement.] I would be highly grateful if you could bring me whatever you can. I cannot pay you, but it will certainly come in handy should you be injured along the way.

Oh, and do try to be inconspicuous. I've found that spouting inane babble about portals and other worlds tends to lead to trouble and a possible stay in a cell.


[Veteran Lock;]

We've spent a month in this place. What have we learned, and what's our next goal?

Comments

[amadine]

Damn. There goes my grand plan to tell everyone I actually wandered in here out of a confectioner's nightmare.

What would you consider "of use"?

[neverfeltthatway]

[Perhaps surprisingly, Armin's voice rather than his thoughts appear in her head. His tone is amused, of the sort that usually accompanies a quiet smile.]

Were you hoping to find yourself a nice jester's hat, or was your plan to wake up in the madhouse? I could hardly credit the idea your grand plan didn't extend that far.

[amadine]

[A surprise indeed. She's still not quite accustomed to foreign thoughts; voices in truth are stranger still.

(Thankfully, there's no one around to ask why she's just jumped as though jabbed with a pin.)]

A madhouse, definitely. Jester's motley doesn't do anything kind for my colouring.

Perhaps I should say I'm hearing voices, too.

[neverfeltthatway]

Good choice. The madhouse is probably a nicer environment, anyway.

Oh! [The amused tone grows.] Yes, you could probably say that.

You'll find there's a lot more you can do with Liminal Space or the Telepathic Network, if you take the time to work on it.

[amadine]

If we're given the time. It would be an interesting line of study, at the very least.

[neverfeltthatway]

I don't know much, but if you want, I could try to teach you what little I do know.

[amadine]

What would you ask in exchange?

[neverfeltthatway]

In exchange? [He sounds surprised - that was something he hadn't considered - but the tone is quickly quashed. If she wanted to see it as a trade...] I'm not sure.

What do you have to offer?

[amadine]

That depends on where your own skills lie - and what you would consider useful.

[neverfeltthatway]

I'm a soldier in my own world - though not a very good one, I'm afraid. I'm more suited to planning and support than fighting. [There's an edge to his voice as he says it - frustration, or perhaps shame.]

[amadine]

You say that as though it's a failing. It isn't - a solid plan keeps you alive.

[neverfeltthatway]

I know. I guess... I'm not sure my plans can really be called 'solid', is all. [Really, he just wishes he wasn't such a burden on his friends.] I suppose I'm also kind of good at avoiding fights in the first place, talking people down.

[amadine]

The fight you avoid is the fight you can't lose.

If you tell anyone I said this, I'll deny it, but no one has a solid plan every time. You learn from your mistakes as much as from your successes.

[unabatedly]

Now that's just cruel.

[Amusing, but cruel.]

Anything you think could be used in poultices or healing. Even poisonous herbs and fruits I'll take. I can always make something worthwhile with them.

[amadine]

A failing of mine.

So you're a black alchemist? I don't have much training, outside a bit of herblore, but the practice is fascinating.

[unabatedly]

A perk, I would say.

[She chuckles.]

Black alchemist? Now there is a title I like. Herbalism is a strong suit of mine and I learned to create poisons along the way. Very useful with some of my companions of old.

I can teach you, if you'd like.

[amadine]

That too.

[Oh, she likes you, Neria.]

The creation and their curing both, I'd imagine. Especially when surrounded by politicking. I would like that, very much.

[unabatedly]

I would be more than happy to teach you what I know. It's an interesting art, one lost here, I believe.

[She cares dearly for her fellow Travelers, a third family in her life, but not a single one appreciates the art of fine poison.

Or assassinations.

Or theft.]

[amadine]

A pity. The right powder sprinkled into a glass of wine can work wonders, if you're pressed for time.

[She's no assassin, though it's more for preference than any particular moral objection, but drugging someone stupid, or too sick to interfere?

Not always the most elegant solution, but damned efficient when you need a quick fix.]

[unabatedly]

Exactly.

[Like Zevran. She could grow to like this woman.]

But that requires wine and a party, and I don't think we'll find anymore of those here.

[amadine]

Or a roadside tavern. Or a bit of creativity.

[The flash of humour is there and gone, replaced by something more somber.]

I've only heard thirdhand accounts, but it's beginning to feel like home here.

this is so late so if you don't feel like continuing, no worries!

[unabatedly]

Oh? Is this what your home was like, then?

[amadine]

Not always, but cutthroat politics have never been off the table. Although the lofty elite are usually a little more circumspect about their murders.

[unabatedly]

I wish I was surprised.

[But, truly, she isn't. It's always the same story.]

I think it's inbred in them, this idea of violence. Blood mingling with the wine.

[amadine]

They take it in with their mother's milk - or the wetnurse's. Raise one up away from the idea that they're owed the world because of who sired them or shoved them out, and you might get an actual person.