Strife

Put Gus down, you monster!

Sylaise, mother of the hearth, bring us safety in this camp from that which may assail us. Provide those who seek rest, food and a place to research here a safe harbour.

*places down a small bunch if fragrant herbs, a small bread loaf and a few vegetables on a shrine*

@thehearthkeeper.bsky.social

// The timing was kind of uncanny. Wait… does that mean if you’re lighter than Ser Duckworth then you’re a witch??

// I never know these days, so many people haven’t seen the movies, it’s tough to tell!

Monty Python Duck Clip YouTube video by PeregrinTookish

*habds Morrigan an archived account if a Ferelden Witch Trial from 7:68 Devine

youtu.be/_rMsgmaBV8g?...

I mean, at least they didn't weigh you against a duck...

Of course. Any extra hands here are always welcome.

Me either, Bellara. You should be careful too. Anaris knows of you. He might try to use that.

The trouble with Cyrian… of course…

*he sighed*

I’ve never heard anything goid about Anaris over the years. There certainly isn’t anything positive in the ancient stories. I’ll make sure we remain vigilant.

Anaris - one of the Forgotten Ones… Hmmm… that sounds like trouble.

Just last week we had a hall of spinning knives appear that had previously been elsewhere in the ruins, I’ve had to make sure *everyone* knew to avoid that one.

I agree Bellara might be our best hope of harnessing some of these more active artefacts.
@bellara-lutare.bsky.social

We aren’t in immediate danger. As long as we keep a distance from the ruins and plan our expeditions carefully it shouldn’t be a major concern.

It has made expeditions into the ruins a little more challenging, though. Some things have even physically shifted since we last explored some areas.

Things are still very unsettled here. The ritual, the elven gods, it’s done things to the veil here that have woken artefacts that haven’t stirred in thousands of years. Which is both good and bad.

*is hugged, while rolling his eyes slightly and smiling.*

Not forgiving those who transgress when they look to mend their ways is foolish. I might be a lot if things, but I’d like to think an “old fool” isn’t one of them.

Either way you will always be welcome among the Veil Jumpers, Rook.

I’m glad to hear it.

I don’t know how much you remember about our conversation.

But the past is the past. We can no more change it than we can stop the sun from rising. I don’t hold a grudge and I can only forgive your actions.

Look back on it as I do - something which we all learn from. And who knows, we may yet still find that map…

Part of being a leader is seeing the bigger picture.

Your actions assumed you were the only people able to help. In reality we could have sent other veil jumpers to release those trapped, and allowed you to retrieve the map at the same time.

I had a plan.

We can both look back now with different eyes. I was perhaps… too harsh to judge you for what you did. The map was important, and its loss was indeed a serious setback. But y you saved lives. That is never wrong.

However, there were other ways. You weren’t the only ones that could have helped.

What, no mention of Fade dates with Solas? Surely this is a miracle.

Smart comments. Solas slightly approves.

Tough crowd, huh?

*Strife gives Cole a faint smile*

You look... better.

I'm sorry I was so hard on you when... well... before, Cole. You can talk to me if it'll help.

@itsmecole.bsky.social

*As Cole leaves*

No. I have lost much more than I've ever had. That's how I know...

What people want and what they need are *not the same*. Of course in everyone’s minds they want all they desire.

But the fact we can only being able to have a little of that is what makes us who we are. If you give everyone everything then nothing *means* anything anymore.

This isn’t making people happy, Cole!

You can’t heal the world by giving everyone everything. It’s impossible. If you give them something you must take it from another. If you think this is healing then you’ve been blinded.

I can help with this, if you need an old man’s assistance.

I din’t need your respect. I need you to listen to me.

You are not doing what you think. You are hurting people, not helping them. You are being influenced by something.

You can do this, Bellara. I know you have it in you.