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

Entry tags:

[meme] gen

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

[ He wonders what that is, and whether that has anything to do with why Wrathion is here.

It makes him nervous, though he supposes even people with good intentions can do bad things for their goals. ]

I see. [ He holds up the flagon of tea again, a silent offer to refill the other's cup. ]

[ Seeing that brief flicker of nervousness cross the elf's face as he offers up the tea, Wrathion smiles and offers his cup across. ]

Thank you. And no need to look concerned. As I said, my goal has ever been the protection of my home. My world. I simply choose to act as my own agent in that regard, rather than follow the orders of others.

If you're curious, you can ask. I've certainly bothered you enough about your own past, haven't I? It's only fair.

Oh- [ He warms the flagon through to make sure the tea is still hot, then pours first for the other, and then tops up his own cup. Looking somewhat flustered, he picks up his cup again perhaps simply for the opportunity to look elsewhere. ]

I don't mean to be rude. [ He has a great deal of worries on his shoulders, and with all of the people already trying to earn his good graces for their own selfish ends, it has put him on the defensive. ]

It's alright, I don't wish to pry- though I suppose my curiosity will likely get the better of me sooner or later. [ The Inquisitor offers a smile. ] The idea of other worlds - besides the Fade, I suppose - is fascinating. Perhaps once you've seen more of this one I should like to know if it's very different.

On the matter of elves and mages, I can already assure you that it is.

[ Though he's not certain if their fates on other worlds will make him feel any better about his own lot in life. He'll leave that to him to decide. ]

An open invitation, then. For the time being, we should perhaps focus on the task at hand. This keep you wish to secure.

Is it? [ He can't quite help the curiosity that shows on his expression. He wonders if it's more equal, if elves and mages don't have to live in fear as much as they do here in Thedas.

He realizes, though, that focusing on the Keep is more important. His curiosity can be satisfied later. The Inquisitor's tone becomes far more businesslike. ]

Suledin Keep, to the southwest. It is an ancient Elvhen fortress. We were to go through a different passage, but it seems we'll be doing a frontal assault. The door should break fairly easily. I'll be in front with my companions. [ He pauses to fish a scroll of parchment from his bag, and adjusts to have space to unroll it between them. He points as he continues. ]

From the intel we have gathered, our enemies are all Red Templars- though truthfully, there may be demons as well. If there are, we don't know what kind. Rage and fear demons are the most common - I don't know if you're familiar with them. The Keep is expansive, with a large and somewhat winding courtyard between the outer walls and the building itself. It's not at capacity, but there are enough enemies that it will be troublesome.

Most of the enemies will be their foot soldiers- these are templars who use Red Lyrium instead of the normal. They're stronger than a normal man, and more resistant to injury, but not a great deal. More dangerous are the archers, though otherwise they seem to be the same as the foot soldiers. The Knights are larger, and their corruption more advanced. They're much stronger.

[ He draws in a breath, and then sighs quietly. ] If they have horrors with them... No, they probably will. If they lose Suledin Keep, they must know the Emprise will be lost to them.

The horrors are the most advanced in their corruption that we've seen, and can infect others with alarming ease. They somehow have the capability to spit Red Lyrium. [ His jaw tightens momentarily. While it's clear he's not comfortable with such abominations, he keeps a level tone. ] We should be prepared for other manifestations of the Red Templars since we've seen several stages of corruption already, though I don't know what that may look like.

But the forces will largely be made up of these Red Templars, in varying stages of corruption due to the Red Lyrium. The same substance I encountered last night.

[ 'Encountered', he said. Not crashed directly into and nearly fell under the sway of, of course not. But if all the enemies in this keep are likely corrupted by this strange substance, he'll have to be more cautious.

It wouldn't do to avoid corruption all this time, only to fall to some new strain of it somewhere else. ]

The archers will pose a problem if not dealt with first. Larger threats are certainly an issue, but taking the high ground should be a priority, particularly for you and any other spellcasters or ranged fights we may have.

Handling the larger brutes should prove much easier, from that point on.

Yes, that's right.

The fear demons, if there are any, have a ranged attack that can freeze and slow movement. We have two archers: Varric uses a crossbow and is most comfortable at mid-range. Sera is more valuable at long range. We also have four mages including myself. My greatest strength is defensive, though I'm alright with offensive fire spells, should they be needed. I'm learning to use this- [ He holds his hand up momentarily to indicate the Anchor. ] more effectively as well. I have to use it sparingly, or else the pain becomes a liability, but it is an option.

If what we've encountered elsewhere is any indication, we'll need to do a full sweep of the fortress. Some will come out to meet us in the courtyard, but some will likely remain where they are. They've tried to catch us off-guard before.

Why not ambush what you cannot overpower head-on? Especially when you've had time to properly entrench yourself.

[ That will be a little more troublesome to root out. ]

If I remain as I am now, it's possible I could slip ahead and take a look for any pockets of resistance, once we've cleared the courtyard. When the way through is clear, we can start sending the bulk of the party through.

That seems to be it. Templars - actual templars, not these - are trained in fairly large groups, but in actual use they're more often small groups or pairs. I don't know how much of their training they retain, with the corruption. Their intelligence seems diminished... or perhaps instinct takes over more.

[ His brow furrows thoughtfully. ] I'll go with you. I can keep you shielded with magic. If there are any rifts in there, I need to close them before the demons become overwhelming.

Pack tactics. Lovely.

[ He clucks his tongue, head cocking as he's wont to do when considering something. ]

Very well. I'm not sure how much room we'll be afforded moving through the keep, so best I stay in this form while we're making our way in. It wouldn't do to bring the whole thing down around us, and ruins are not necessarily known for their stability.

Mm. [ He picks up his cup again, wrapping his hands around it. ] It's supposed to be fairly stable, strong enough to occupy safely- but I suppose it's not rated for dragons. [ He gives Wrathion a small smile. ]

What sort of weapons are you comfortable with?

Most comfortable? A dagger or sword, something that allows for maneuverability, particularly against our more girthy friends in the keep.

[ And he has no issues stabbing these red templars in the back from the shadows. It seems like he'd be putting them out of their misery, truth be told.

He nods to his steaming cup and smirks. ]

I also have a few other tricks. I'd ask if I should keep magic use to a minimum, but considering you've already told most of your fellows what I am, I can't imagine a bit of fire would shock them too terribly.

You'll have your pick from the camp, something should be to your liking, I think.

[ He nods along. ] It will be primarily my companions there; most of the Inquisition agents stationed in this area are busy elsewhere. It will be difficult, but seems the better plan all things considered.

[ A quiet pause, then: ] I appreciate your willingness to do this. It won't be forgotten.

Nor have I forgotten the efforts you went through for a deadly creature alone in the snow in the middle of the night.

[ His smirk twitches a little higher, but seems softer somehow. He imagines that for the Inquisitor, dealing with every battle, every fight, every matter that crops up must seem an uphill battle.

May it not crush his spirit in the end, like so many before him. ]

[ His brows raise in surprise, and then his own expression softens into a smile that seems almost shy. ] I cannot say it was the wisest course of action, at face value, but I'm glad I could help.

[ Sheepishly he swirls his tea, seemingly just to give him something to look at other than the man across from him. ] Dragons in this world are more known for wanton destruction and consuming livestock than anything.

[ Wise? Perhaps not. Certainly kind, and worth repaying for that. Kindness is a thing in short supply, no matter the world, but it's something he senses is simply in the elf's nature.

And kindness deserves repayment, when it can be done. ]

Mm. They were not so different from our progenitors, then. Little more than beasts, until they were granted sentience and power by those who wished to see the world properly defended.

Of course, they were as flawed as any such creatures could be. They placed their affections foolishly. They envied, they fought amongst one another, they fell to despair and madness. Some longed for power and inserted themselves in the politics of mortals to manipulate affairs to their liking. And some, like my father...

[ He lets out a snort, mouth thinning. ]

I think the world at large would have been grateful if some minor property damage a few devoured herds of livestock had been all he was capable of.

But I digress. I think I've had my fill, and if you are ready to begin preparations to take the keep, I'd be happy to accompany you.

[ Curiosity almost claims his attention again, but Lasulahn remains focused - though resolves that perhaps he'll take Wrathion up on the offer when they have less pressing things to attend to, and ask more about his world. For now, he just listens and nods. ]

They sound much like man, in that regard.

[ He rolls the scroll back up, and replaces it in his pack, then moves to gather the breakfast he had brought along, simple though it was. ] We'll go to camp, first. You can meet my companions, and find a suitable weapon for yourself.

[ As he stands, he shuffles a little in place, looking rather sheepish. ] Ah- two of them in particular are quite keen to meet you. I apologize if they ask anything untoward. They mean well.

Of course.

[ He's not quite as impatient with such things as he once was. Years among mortals have granted him a measure of patience about such curiosity. He can only imagine how very curious these new allies must be.

Reaching to straighten his coat, Wrathion gestures ahead towards the stone steps. After you, Inquisitor. ]

[ Returning to camp, Lasulahn calls attention to his several companions, gathering them round to introduce Wrathion. Most of them are mercifully reserved in their greetings, and Cassandra brings up the topic of assaulting Suledin Keep before Sera gets a chance to ask if she can ride Wrathion in his dragon form.

Lasulahn pulls the same scroll from his bag to roll it out on a table. He brings up the points that he had discussed with the Black Prince, gaining high ground in the courtyard for the sake of Sera and the mages, and perhaps Varric.

When they are decided in their tactics and making final preparations, Lasulahn gestures for Wrathion to join him at a small stack of long crates and upright weapon racks. ] There aren't many, but perhaps once we get back to Skyhold, we can see about something more suited to you. Harritt is our main blacksmith, he can craft just about anything.

It is appreciated. I've been able to craft my own weapons in the past but...sadly, I'm a little lacking in resources, as of late. With the proper reagents, perhaps.

[ But a pair of daggers catch his eye, and he tests them out, flipping them casually before catching them again in the air. Good balance, good weight.

Yes. These would do nicely. ]

Quite the interesting group of friends you have, there. Does that woman always look like she's five seconds from gutting someone, or am I just lucky?

Oh- yes, we should have access to most of what you need, at least. The Inquisition has found several sources for fairly rare materials.

[ He watches as the other picks out his weapons. ]

Oh, Cassandra? [ The Inquisitor tries not to seem too amused at that question, but he can't really help a small smile. ] No, that's how she usually is. You'll know if she's displeased with you. It gets worse. [ Even sometimes when she's reading her novels- but that's a guilty pleasure they both share, and he won't spoil her secret. ]

I hope I never have to know what that looks like, then.

[ Smirking, he turns back towards Lasulahn, the daggers slipping into place at his side with a flick of his fingers. ]

Hopefully a new keep by night's end will improve her mood.

It's quite frightening, I assure you. Imagine being faced with it after waking up in shackles and not knowing where you are or what's happened.

[ His smile widens into something almost grateful. It's nice to hear that sort of optimism. Taking the keep in Crestwood was a boon for the Inquisition. Suledin Keep should be no different. ] Yes, let's hope.

[ Lasulahn glances towards the rest of camp. Several appear ready, standing idly by and talking, though a few have yet to finish their preparations. He looks back to Wrathion. ] Do you want any potions, or need anything else?

No, this should suffice.

[ The corner of his mouth hitches upwards slightly. ]

The plan is a sound one, and we should be able to see this through without too much difficulty. So long as there are no surprises waiting for us by the end.

[ Which there very well may be, if the red templars truly have a grip on this place. But he gave his word he'd see them recover this fortification, and that's exactly what he plans to do. ]

Alright. I hope so, but we must be prepared for anything.

[ He holds a hand up as someone calls 'Inquisitor', and gives Wrathion an apologetic smile before turning to see what he is needed for. By the time he returns, everyone else appears prepared for the battle and have gathered to leave.

Lasulahn returns to his new companion, and offers a nod. ] Ready?

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject