bakerstreet | the i n s o m n i a meme

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the i n s o m n i a meme

the i n s o m n i a meme

It happens to everyone - sometimes, you have nights where you just can't fall asleep, no matter what you do. It could be for a number of reasons, or no reason at all. And this is what's happened now: you've been laying in bed for what feels like hours, just tossing and turning, and nothing seems to help. So what's left to do? Get out of bed and go wake someone else up, of course. If you're not getting any sleep, then why should they?

i n s t r u c t i o n s

• Post with your character (note the name and fandom in the subject).
• Other people reply to you by generating a number from 1 to 10.
• Have fun!

o p t i o n s

01 • FEAR. Maybe you're hearing strange, indeterminable noises; maybe there's a severe storm happening outside; maybe you watched a scary movie before bed? Whatever the reason, you're terrified and it's keeping you awake. You just want to wake someone else up so they can protect you from the monster in your closet.
02 • HUNGER. Your stomach is growling and it just won't stop. Or perhaps your throat is so dry you could cough up a tumbleweed? Well, you've gone to the kitchen to remedy this and hey, that was a pan that just dropped on the floor. It was loud enough to wake the dead! Oops.
03 • PAIN. Your body is completely worn out, be it from exercise, battle, sickness, or what have you. Either way you're in enough pain to keep you from sleeping, so maybe someone else has a home remedy or something, or can at least help you take your mind off of it.
04 • SOLITUDE. For some reason, your bed just feels so empty at the moment. You're feeling terribly lonely and really just want someone to keep you company for a while. Maybe it'd be easier to fall asleep if you're with them...
05 • DISCOMFORT. Your room is an oven. Either that or a freezer. Or maybe this bed is just really uncomfortable? Who knows why you can't get to sleep, it feels like it could be anything. Why even bother trying? Maybe someone else can preoccupy you until you feel tired enough to ignore your discomfort.
06 • PENSIVE. Something's on your mind, and no matter how hard you try to focus elsewhere, it's just not going to work. Your body may be tired, but your mind is incredibly busy and it's virtually impossible to get to sleep. Surely, talking it out with someone else will help?
07 • SADNESS. Something terrible has happened that day, perhaps; or you could just be severely depressed. Either way you're trying your hardest not to cry yourself to sleep, and it's not working at all. Better find a way to get it out of your system somehow; you need a shoulder to cry on.
08 • ANGER. You are just... fuming. Who knows why - that annoying dog is barking again, or maybe the people next door are getting busy and keeping you awake. Whatever the reason for your ire is, you'd better put an end to it so you can get some damn rest already! Go wake up a friend so you can complain to them.
09 • RESTLESS. You're far too energetic to sleep right now. Maybe you're just trying to do so out of necessity - you have to be up early tomorrow! But you just don't think you'll be able to fall asleep for a while now, so why waste the time trying to sleep when you could be doing something else? Namely bothering someone else - you're totally jealous because they're getting more sleep than you.
10 • WILDCARD. Choose one of the options above, or make up your own scenario.

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[ Lasulahn's brows raise. ] Are you... not also a mage? [ How could he not be, with the ability to transfigure himself into a dragon?

He pushes his cloak aside to reach beneath to a bag at his hip, and holds out a small bottle with a glowing blue liquid. ] This is normal lyrium. It is a mineral mined and refined by the dwarves. It strengthens a mage's connection with the Fade.

I'm a dragon, in point of fact. That comes with its own set of rules, beyond mortal spellcasters.

[ But the assumption that he might in fact just be a guy who could choose to become a dragon? That's cute. He can't help but be a little amused, though he's going to hold his tongue for the time being.

And the amusement swiftly turns to open curiosity, stepping closer to observe the luminous vial of blue liquid. It reminds him a bit of Azerite, just in the feel of it...but what are the odds this world also has a magical material mined from the bowls of the earth that happens to belong to the blood of a sleeping Titan? ]

Fascinating. You wouldn't have more of this, would you? I'd very much like to study it. In my own time, of course.

[ His brows raise again in surprise, and he merely utters a soft 'oh' at the correction.

What are the odds, indeed.

With a slight frown, he considers his stock, though only for a moment. ] Yes, take this one. [ With the Inquisition's trade with the dwarven miners, he could get more fairly easily- and he uses it as sparingly as possible, besides. ] The Red Templars are using the red lyrium the same as a normal mage would use this lyrium. It's far more potent as far as the abilities it enhances, but at a high cost.

The corruption.

[ Which seems to be absent from the vial he's being passed, held up to the light and considered for a moment. For a moment, something akin to a quiet anger sharpens his features in the relative dim of the ruined hall. ]

And there are always those who will trade their souls for more power. Despicable.

Yes.

[ He folds his cloak back together to keep warm, and the somber expression he makes suggests he's all too familiar with Wrathion's next statement. ]

True across worlds, it seems. Though reportedly some of the Red Templars either were forced by their superiors or lied to about the red lyrium's properties. [ Not all of them were evil, but they were all now enemies. ]

Ah. Unfortunate, but once corruption takes hold, it is very difficult to root out again. If it is possible at all. Something like this leaves marks very deeply on a person, I would imagine.

[ He taps the vial delicately with a single nail. ]

You mentioned that it allows mages access to...'the Fade', was it?

It seems to corrupt their mind entirely. Right now, we haven't the time nor resources to really fully understand it, much less a cure - though what knowledge we do have... is not promising.

[ He watches the fire for a few moments, brow knitted slightly, but then returns his attention to the other. ]

The Fade is another realm, filled with spirits and demons, and separated by the Veil. We visit when we dream - save for dwarves. My people believe it was once the home of our gods. The Chantry teaches it to be the home of the Black City, which was once the Golden City, and the seat of their god. Either way, Lyrium flows both through this world and the Fade, connecting them, and it is from the connection to the Fade that a mage's power stems.

So. A realm of gods, spirits, demons, and magic. And yet separate from this world?

[ On the one hand, at least he's familiar with the concept of there being a connection to worlds beyond this one, even if the scope is far larger than simply a mirror to this one contain everything supernatural.

The lyrium should prove valuable, in which case. ]

Elvhen legend teaches that our world and the Fade were not always separate, though I believe humans have always thought it to be so.

[ Lasulahn offers a small shrug. ]

In any case, we do not know where the object you're likely seeking is. Have you some way of tracking it?

My incredible sense of intuition and charming the locals into assisting.

[ There are entirely too many teeth when he smiles, somehow, a grin that curls up to his burning eyes. Surely he's not being serious, and upon a few moments to let the answer sink in: ]

No? Ah well. It was worth a thought.

[ Lasulahn stands passively by in the following silence, and it's hard to tell if he's faintly amused by the crack, nervous at the show of teeth, or giving Wrathion the chance to correct himself. ]

If the Inquisition has not found it, it will take more than charm, I'm afraid- though we are still searching.

[ Lasulahn knows the mistrust many hold towards the Inquisition, even now, and he won't bluster about it. At the same time, they have considerable resources at their disposal now. Welcomed or not, Corypheus is a danger to all, far more so than the Inquisition. The nobles and common folk all assisting know that. ]

Well then. If we are searching for the same object, perhaps a joint effort might be more worthwhile.

[ He is lacking his usual resources, his agents, all the things that would have made the search go much easier. But he's not opposed to doing his own legwork when needed. And if this elf is anything to go by, perhaps assisting his cause might benefit this world as well. A though he is not opposed to.

Wrathion's eyebrow cocks higher. ]

Are you permitted to make such decisions for the Inquisition?

...Perhaps.

[ He adjusts his stance slightly, glancing back to the fire as he considers the option.

He supposes they could have worse allies, if the 'Black Prince' truly commits himself to assisting the Inquisition in ridding Thedas of Corypheus, and Lasulahn is not keen to add any more enemies to the list. But the idea that Wrathion comes from another world entirely is hard to swallow, and he knows he will not be the only one with that opinion. He turns towards the other once more. ]

I am, though I will not make that decision alone. If you truly intend to aid our cause with the assurance that we will aid yours in turn, I will discuss it with the others.

[ He pauses a moment, then his voice softens a little, a slight frown creasing his brow. ] You must understand, our enemies feel as numerous as our allies, and they are powerful besides. More than that, both your kind and the idea of 'other worlds' are entirely unfamiliar to most, if not all.

Even when such a thing lies just the other side of dreaming? How adorably quaint.

[ He shakes his head, glancing away for a moment, eyes narrowed. When he looks back to the elf, looking so very concerned, he feels like perhaps...he could stand be a little more understanding. He's in their world now, after all.

Quietly, he clears his throat. ]

Forgive me. It can be a startling thing, realizing that yours is not the only world in existence. Much less that you would ever meet someone from beyond the bounds of said world. I assure you, I will give them my utmost patience as they come to terms with these unusual circumstances.

[ Never let it be said he was not gracious.

Of course the idea that he's the one who has to prove himself? Hasn't seemed to occur to him. ]

[ The furrow in his brow deepens, though his voice remains soft. ] Yes, even then. Further, the threats we suffer now limit our view because we must focus on defending ourselves.

[ The Inquisitor's expression relaxes, and he lifts a hand in a reassuring sort of gesture. ] It is appreciated.

[ He hums thoughtfully then, pressing a finger to his lips. ] It is late, and I would not wake my companions right now. Would you be comfortable here? I can fetch you a bedroll, and food if you're hungry. It is safe in here, and the fire will keep for the rest of the night.

And then, where is it we will be going? I don't suppose you have a...headquarters. Perhaps someplace with a well-stocked library?

[ The question of food? Delicately dodged for the time being. ]

I'd be very interested in learning more of your world and how it functions, though I can hardly keep you up at night asking tedious questions like some curious child. And in exchange for your hospitality, I can of course offer service in kind.

Perhaps this will satisfy those who question my intentions here, as well.

We do, though there's work to be finished here before we might return. A week, if all goes well.

[ Though there's still the matter of taking back Suledin Keep, which will be no small matter. Though, perhaps with a literal dragon on their side... and certainly it would go a long way in 'satisfying those who question his intentions', as the man put it.

He thinks on it for a moment, and decides to make the proposal. ] If you're wishing to prove yourself, I could think of no more straightforward a task than assisting us in taking back the Emprise- and it may be the swifter for your aid. There is a stronghold held by the Red Templars nearby. We know a way in, but what we will find in there is another matter.

If that is not to your taste, I understand. [ And he does understand. It is a lot to ask of a tentative ally who knows nothing of the Inquisition. Dragon or not, the Red Templars are no minor foe. ]

And I should be happy to answer all your questions. [ A smile. ] Though, perhaps after some sleep, yes.

You want me to fight your monsters.

[ His tone is slightly incredulous, expression oddly blank for a moment or two.

Then that very wide, sharp smile of his returns, and he huffs in quiet amusement, folding his hands behind him with the air of someone about to close on a deal they're quite happy with. ]

Noble Inquisitor. Is that all?

[ A look of faint concern crosses his expression, but Lasulahn waits until the other has posed his question to answer. ]

It is an offer, not an expectation. It is dangerous - you saw yourself the effect of red lyrium at even a brief exposure. And I would not demand you put yourself in harms way to prove your intentions. Only that, should it be the choice you prefer, it is both acceptable and appreciated.

[ He spreads his hands before folding them around his staff. ] If you've other ideas, I'm happy to hear them. If you're pleased with that, then yes I suppose 'that is all'.

I suppose more intellectual offerings can wait until we're well away from this place, and the immediate threat is dealt with, no?

[ He rolls a shoulder, tipping his head until the muscle feels loosened to his satisfaction. He'd been lying there on his side for a while. A little payback seemed more than warranted. ]

Very well. I accept your offer, and am at your disposal.

Yes. [ The elf seems to relax some, and a warmer smile graces his expression. ] Tomorrow, then, I shall introduce you to my companions. What might I bring you so you're more comfortable?

[ A pause, looking momentarily thoughtful. ] And what do you prefer I call you? I know your name and your title, but which would you have me use?

[ There's a certain amount of grace one offers, after helping to save someone...and whether he likes to admit it or not, that's very much the case here. The Red Lyrium might have caused some very serious problems down the line if not for the intervention of this elf.

It's the persisting kindness that intrigues him. Offering such hospitality and relative trust to a stranger, one who presented such fantastic and unbelievable details as to his origins and intentions, was either a mark of nobility or foolishness. Perhaps both.

Wrathion certainly doesn't intend to abuse that trust, but it's remarkable to be given it all the same. One of the benefits, he supposes, of visiting a world that has never heard of his father.

The smirk that curls at the corner of his mouth is a softer one by far than the grin of moments past. ]

Wrathion will do, Inquisitor. And do not trouble yourself on my behalf just yet. I'm quite capable of keeping myself warm through the night.

[ Lasulahn isn't sure what to make of the idea of a world other than this, and the Fade, but he cannot deny that he saw Wrathion turn from a dragon into a man, and that is either a very good illusion, or a skill that could serve their cause, regardless of his tale.

He was perhaps taking a risk, and he has no doubt that his companions will tell him as much, but for all that the humans of the world have done his people wrong time and again, Lasulahn is (very cautiously) optimistic about individuals. At least, he is so enough to give them a chance. That is all he can ask for in return, being put in this position. ]

Wrathion, then. And please, Lasulahn is fine. [ It's a small, vain hope- few actually call him by his name. He supposes he dislikes 'Inquisitor' less than 'Herald', though.

He gives the other a quizzical look. ] Well, yes, but sleeping on a stone floor can hardly be comfortable. And are you not hungry?

[ He simply nods. A person's matter of address is their choice, one of the few some ever get. ]

Lasulahn, then.

[ There's a pause, and the elf's puzzled look earns a chuckle. ]

While I don't turn away a soft feather bed when allowed one, you do know where dragons usually sleep, yes? I think there should be enough room in this hall for me to settle in quite nicely.

[ One hand gestures idly around them. ]

Scales prove far less sensitive to discomforts than flesh.

Ah - well, alright.

[ It finally occurs to him after the second time that Wrathion hasn't addressed his question about food. While he's curious, he'll take the subtle suggestion for now. ]

Then, I'll return in the morning?

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