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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Demons, Darkspawn, various pompous human nobles, bears-

[ Don't ask about the bears. Please don't ask about the bears. ]

Do you not feel more secure? They are not meant to be worn without- this should help considerably. Once again, come to me. Don't worry about how you look, that will come later.

[ Like he would for a dance partner rather than for a child, Zevran extends his hand, brows lifted in patient expectation. ]

[ Lasulahn has had enough run-ins with bears to take that statement at face value. ]

It's even tighter, but yes, it does feel more secure.

[ He turns and approaches Zevran once again. It's a little easier to not overthink this time, but he does have to correct himself once, trying to put more weight on his heels. He extends his hand, too, and places it gently in Zevran's. ]

You're finding your stride already, excellent. I have a few tricks for breaking in the leather quickly and I will share these with you when we are finished, but for now? We are going to walk from one end to the other and back several times.

[ All while he has Lasulahn's hand and arm within reach, so if the Inquisitor does stumble? He will not hit the stone floor. Zevran waits for Lasulahn to ready himself before beginning to walk- and beginning to talk. ]

It works best when you do not think about it too deeply- and speaking of tales to be told I would be happy to share with you the beginning of what you walked in on when you found me with Dorian.

I'm trying, anyway. Yes, alright. [ He manages to keep his balance fairly well, as they walk back and forth. ]

Oh- yes. Dorian seemed to be enjoying that story very much. I apologize if I interrupted. I'll happily listen if you'd like to tell it again, though.

It is one of the more amusing and less bloody tales of the Blight- we were on a mission of political rescue when apprehended by a misguided but thoroughly loyal knight. Our options few, The Warden chose to surrender rather than let the moment come to bloodshed. While we and our political ally were released The Warden and Alistair were swept off to Fort Drakon, a highly secure establishment-

Or, well. So we thought.

You must imagine our merry band at the time- a Witch of the Wastes, a Mage of great power and age, A chantry Sister, a Mabari warhound, A dwarf berserker, a hornless Qunari Sten, a Golem- and my very handsome self. We had a few remain outside the tower to assist in a swift escape but opted to send two within to infiltrate and rescue our wayward wardens...

[ Back and forth, back and forth, at a steady pace while Lasulahn's posture seems to ease and the whole 'walking' thing becomes as instinctual as it normally might be. ]

I of course volunteer myself and assume they would send Leliana with me- two rogues to slip inside and make with the dashing rescue, yes? But in the event of discovery we thought it best to send a warrior with me. So, The Sten, The Dwarf, or the Dog.

[ Lasulahn listens with great interest, hand light around Zevran's arm. He watches the floor in front of him at first, with only glances towards his companion, but by the time Zevran pauses, the Inquisitor is only watching the other elf, eyes a little wide and head tilted in curiosity. He's a polite listener, quiet but attentive.

He recalls Zevran mentioning something about 'twins', and while he knows Mabari are renowned for their intelligence, they cannot speak. Either a dwarf or a qunari then, both options that cause Lasulahn to grin before Zevran has continued his tale. ] Which came with you, then?

[ Though he doesn't realize it, his steps have become much surer. It is different than his normal barefoot, and his feet complain for the constriction, but his mind is elsewhere at the moment. ]

The dwarf, Oghren. So to that end, we decided audacity would be the best way to move forward. We dressed in our finest silks- at least the finest that we could afford, and pretended to be an acrobatic duo meant to entertain the guards. It worked well enough at the gate, the actual guards to the inner chambers required some convincing.

It was Oghren's idea that we were to be brothers. Twins. And he said, And I quote- "I'm the pretty one".

[ Zevran huffs a quiet laugh, leaving Lasulahn for another turn around the room. ]

You can imagine how well that landed.

[ Lasulahn's brows loft animatedly in surprise, but he remains listening politely - though he can't help a delighted laugh at the idea of an elf and a dwarf being twins. He can only imagine himself and Varric trying such a stunt. As good a diplomat as Lasulahn is, there's surely no way he could manage to keep a straight face. ]

He would have to be very pretty indeed for that to be true.

[ It takes another two steps before the Inquisitor seems to realize what he's said. He startles slightly, and becomes quite focused on the floor in front of him once again - though the color of his cheeks hardly belies his embarrassment. ]

[ Zevran's laugh is high and bright, a far call from the earlier low, rolling, sultry chuckle he often puts on- for there is no need to put anything on for Lasulahn. Not truly. His nose even wrinkles with a faint snort as he shakes his head, utterly delighted. ]

Ah- no, he was hardly pretty. Handsome enough for a dwarf I suppose, solid, but pretty is not a word I would use for him. They did not quite buy the ploy and we had to fight our way to rescuing the Warden and Alistair. It was very dashing.

[ Zevran's laugh is charming and something flutters beneath his sternum for the reaction, light and pleasant. It's enough to draw him from his own abashment, and he looks up once again. ]

A good effort, nonetheless. It's quite the story. [ He smiles brightly for the thought. As they approach the far wall once more, the elf hums thoughtfully. ] I think I've got a grasp on this, now.

There are many other such anecdotes that I do not think get told as often as others- mostly due to us swearing to never, ever speak of them again.

[ Zevran crackles down to a faint chuckle, patting Lasulahn's than as he steps free. ] You have now mastered walking. It is time to jog.

[ Which Zevran begins to do toward the other wall, motioning for the Inquisitor to follow. ]

[ Lasulahn wonders if he will still know the others, after all this is done. He wonders if there will be tales that the Inner Circle swears to never speak of. ] I can only imagine.

[ Surprise registers in the next instant. ] I- oh! [ He follows in a jog, mindful of the slip of sole on stone, and manages... mostly well enough. Lasulahn is sure he hardly looks graceful. ] I didn't expect to be doing exercises. [ Though the thought prompts a light puff of laughter. ]

You'll likely be dancing, dueling, and running for your life at least once; you may as well have a solid grasp of everything. I do not mean to have you climbing sheer walls just yet-

[ He crackles a warm laugh, pulling away so he could better watch the placement of Lasulahn's feet, watching for potential slips, rolled ankles- which are the worst possible misstep an elf can make, or other problems. ]

But perhaps within a month or so I will have you as agile as I.

[ Lasulahn cannot expect that Empress Celene's ball will go well, but the idea of dueling and running for his life in shemlen clothes and boots elicits the slightest wrinkle of his nose. Though, maybe that was preferable to Orlesian politics. (The idea that he must suffer both in one evening...) ]

I can manage trees, normally, but walls are something else. [ There's humor in his tone, though, mouth curled at the edges for the idea of trying to scramble up walls. Zevran is quite graceful as such a feat, Lasulahn imagines, the very image of a dashing assassin protagonist in one of the romance novels he enjoys so much.

He tries not to think overmuch of that comparison, as enamored as he already is with the rogue. (Though he thinks it to be a harmless crush that will go nowhere, as his infatuations ever have. He is Inquisitor, and imagines Zevran has far better things to do with his time.)

Another soft laugh, self-deprecating though good natured all the same. ] As capable a teacher as I imagine you are, I can't think that I would be capable of being so agile as you.

I'll settle for not making a fool of myself, though.

[ Lasulahn feels clumsy, though is mindful that he doesn't slip. He does find that he can jog at least without having to pay too much attention. Dancing, the steps for which he is unfamiliar in either case, will not go so smoothly, he thinks. ]

The trick is to find the old patches where water and ivy have grown through, the grout often is loose enough to wedge a toe in. It is part of the reason many Antivan boots have a point at the toe. And do not knock appearing the fool- that can be quite useful at times. There is nothing more dangerous and more helpful to an elf than to be underestimated. They see you trip and think, ah, what danger could they be, and when they turn their back- you slide a dagger into their kidney! Marvelous fun.

[ It's not exactly an easy or comfortable trick but- it helps assassins get about. One day a noble will grow wise and paste over all the brick in their manor with stucco and that will buy them, perhaps, a little more time before the Crows come for them.

Zevran pivots on one booted heel, jogging to the end of the room, waiting for Lasulahn to make it across before nodding, motioning for him to sit on one of the boulders propped against the wall. ]

I know it feels as though you have not done much but- trust me. We ought to take a moment to rest. Nothing is pinching or rubbing your feet needlessly, yes? Even the smallest blister can become a problem if not properly tended to if you are unaccustomed to footwear.

[ The look on Lasulahn's expression suggests he's not entirely sure whether he should be amused or horrified at the thought Zevran's words conjure. He thinks of Leliana and Josephine's conversations about the Game, and bards, specifically. Appear harmless, to be all the more effective.

Lasulahn considers both that and Zevran's advice, and thinks that while playing the fool would do him no favors as Inquisitor - rumors that he is incompetent or bumbling would be damaging, after all - the idea that he might instead play just a little into other stereotypes might serve him well. He is not a dishonest sort, the Inquisitor, but he knows diplomacy. The Game is new to him, but humans and their bigotry, whether implicit or explicit, are not.

He turns, following Zevran back in a jog, and though his halt is not quite so... smooth as he would like, skidding just a bit on the worn stone, he manages. Though Zevran might suggest they have not done much, and Lasulahn is inclined to agree, he is nonetheless grateful for the chance to sit. (He will be more grateful for the opportunity to remove these wretched boots.) ]

They are uncomfortable, but... nowhere more than another. They are well-made. [ He crosses one ankle over his knee, and rubs idly at the soft leather covering his foot. ]

Mhmm. I think, perhaps, we have done enough for the day. This is not something one jumps into quickly after a lifetime of not. Any soreness you feel will be treated by the cold of Skyhold and we can come back a this tomorrow.

[ They've time enough before they are expected in the Winter palace, plenty to help Lasulahn adjust to so great a difference. Having experienced scraped heels, sore ankles, and pinched toes from ill-fitting boots in his youth has Zevran slightly more cautious with the Inquisitor than most.

Knowing full well Leliana might kill him for breaking Lasulahn in some way remains plenty of motivation for treading lightly. ]

I think I may have some spare oil for softening the leather, it will make adjusting to them a little bit easier. For now I am confident that you will be able to strut with the best of them!

[ Despite the uncomfortable shoes, Lasulahn finds himself a little disappointed, though he keeps such thoughts to himself. If he was to be honest, he had looked forward to the idea of Zevran teaching him to dance. Though, spending time with him has made for a pleasant morning nonetheless. Besides, the rogue almost certainly has things to attend to. Lasulahn knows that he, as Inquisitor, does too. He cannot be selfish. ]

We are making for the Western Approach soon, but that won't be for a few days. [ He nods his confirmation, and offers a warm smile. ] Tomorrow, then.

[ Until then, he has reports to read, and meetings to attend. Cullen and Josephine had also suggested he see to some of the repairs being done to Skyhold, and whether they were to his liking. Lasulahn finds that in particular somewhat odd, as though Skyhold is his, to do with what he will. Sometimes the smallest aspects of the title 'Inquisitor' are the most difficult to truly grasp.

Lasulahn stands, tamping his heel lightly against the floor as though to readjust the position of the boot. He smiles again, warm and gentle. ] It means a great deal, you doing this. Thank you, Zevran.

Tomorrow we may try the jogging again, and then? Dancing. I'll see if I cannot bribe a bard to provide accompaniment for us. I would show you today but- to dance without music? Impossible.

[ The very idea wounds his Antivan soul. He could show the basic steps but to have the right of it? They will need music and the bard of Skyhold is, at current, unavailable. Besides, it will give him time to spruce the room up a little bit, find some carpeting to see if that helps or hinders, there are so many variables to how Lasulahn must adjust and too little time to manage. ]

Ah, the desert. I will have to pack and plan accordingly, yes? Think nothing of it, I am happy to be of service.

[ Because he chose this, and for so long he was unable to choose anything. Because it means he knows, at least, of one person that may be able to see to Lasulahn as a person before all else- though that is a problem in and of itself. Seeing him as a man.

A lovely, charming man, with kind eyes and a sweet smile and-

Brasca, this is going to end badly. ] You are more than welcome, Stella.

[ Oh, good. Now not only does he have to worry about stepping on Zevran's feet or, Creators forbid, falling over, now he has to worry about doing it in front of someone else. ...Still, he can't deny that dancing without music is perhaps not the best of choices. ]

I'll practice on my own some, too. [ He can't make Zevran do all the work, after all. And being more sure on his feet can only help. The only balancing act, then, is making sure he doesn't wear the boots too much that his feet hurt tomorrow.

Packing for the Western Approach can be discussed later, though at the thought that Zevran still intends to come with their group causes a strange, light feeling in his stomach. Excitement, he thinks. For now, he bids his new friend a good day.

True to his word, Lasulahn practices when he can. He tours Skyhold in the afternoon while wearing his boots, and while walking on snow, uneven ground and mud does wonders for learning to balance, he ends up spending a bit of his rare free time in the evening cleaning the muck from the soft, light leather. What would the Orlesians say if he arrived to the Winter Palace with stained boots?

In the morning, Lasulahn returns to the abandoned hall of Skyhold's lower floor, adorned once again in his new boots (and the socks Zevran had kindly given him, washed and dried by the fireplace the night before. He peeks round the door frame, wondering if he was perhaps too early in his eagerness. ]

[ An afternoon and evening spent idly considering what it is they will face, racing back in his memory for how they dealt with darkspawn (he'd heard rumors, it is better to be prepared), and adjusting for so hot a climate does keep Zevran's mind busy enough that sleep comes easy. A blessing.

Come the morning Zevran has in fact found a large carpet for one corner of the space and set up a stool for the bard, paid for her services- but what may be surprising?

Is that he has stolen Leliana for a moment or two, hands in their proper place, leading her around in an easy, courtly dance that is in fashion in Orlais. If he is to teach Lasulahn? He needs to be familiar as well. One last turn around the room as he crackles a laugh at something she's said- a softness in her eyes that he has felt to be absent-

Shades of who they were when they were young. Teasing back and forth like old friends and for a moment? It feels like they are.

Leliana does duck out to resume her duties and Zevran turns, smile widening and brightening at the Inquisitor's quiet entrance. ]

Stella! How fine you look this morning.

[ He is not too early then, he thinks, for the strains of music that find his ears. Though as his gaze finds Zevran and, unexpectedly, the spymaster, perhaps he was too early, after all.

It's a strange sensation. Lasulahn likes Leliana, for all that he finds her intimidating, and feels that there is a veneer of stone about her that was not always there. That the world has hardened the former Chantry sister, and something was lost in her for it. To catch the barest glimpse of something gentle in her expression as they turn along the floor is sweet. But as pleasing as that might be, cold washes through the Inquisitor, nothing to do with the chill of the fortress basement. Instead it is the guilty sensation that he has spied, intruded on something not meant for his eyes. They are graceful, both, beautiful in their dance, but he perceives an intimacy there that makes him distinctly uncomfortable, for reasons Lasulahn hasn't the time to identify. Zevran and Leliana have known each other a long time, and have been through things together that Lasulahn cannot imagine. To say he is jealous of such a friendship isn't quite true... perhaps it's closer to say that he feels unworthy.

When Zevran turns to greet him, the elf hesitates against the frame of the door for just a moment before he finds himself. ]

Good morning.

[ His tone is softer for the confusion that has dampened his excitement for his lesson, but he finds a smile anyway. He ventures a few steps closer, and glances in the direction of Leliana's disappearance, and ventures, quiet and unsure: ] I... am sorry, if I interrupted. I did not mean to intrude.

Interrupted? [ It takes a moment for the thought to sink in, what Lasulahn walked in on versus what he actually saw- a very astute man, their Inquisitor. Zevran's eyes trail to where Leliana vanished, his own smile soft while his hand reaches to take Lasulahn's for a moment in a reassuring squeeze. ] Ah, not at all! I simply wagered with Leliana that she had spent so long darting about the shadows that she had forgotten how to dance in the light. Which, of course, would not stand. There is no intrusion here I assure you.

[ Zevran walks from where he'd swept his bow to Leliana in the center of the room closer to their borrowed bard, asking for something a little less intricate to start. Something slow with a beat that is easy enough to follow. Complicated arrangements can wait until Lasulahn has become more comfortable moving about.

Today he's dressed differently- less the armor and leather, more warm silks in a doublet cut to emphasize his slim build and trousers that, as ever, tend to cling to his shapely legs. Dancing attire for this is an entirely different battlefield. ]

Before we begin I would know if you're familiar with any partnered dances.

[ The reassurance seems to ease the knot that Lasulahn only now realizes had tangled in the pit of his stomach. He smiles easier for the thought, and confesses: ] It's nice to see her like that.

[ Able to turn his attentions more outward, the Inquisitor cannot help but notice Zevran's attire. His own is simple: a tunic and leggings, both form-fitting to his small frame, though muted in color and common in fabric, and a stole gathered about his shoulders. It's comfortable enough, neither too Dalish as to be seen as savage by the humans about, nor too human as to ignore his heritage. He misses wearing earring and flower in his hair, usually his choice adornments, but either were easily lost in battle, and marked him as too 'wild', besides.

He tries not to stare overmuch, lifting his gaze to Zevran's when the other's attention returns to him. ]

Just those of my clan.

Edited (htmfail) 2020-11-08 19:36 (UTC)

I have missed seeing her smile. [ Zevran murmurs, his expression openly whistful for a moment. ] She listens to you, yes? Confides in you much as everyone else. I did not wish to be someone that would ask anything of you- and I do not need favors for myself, I have no tragedy you need to circumvent or sibling that requires saving but... if you could guide her to remember what it is to be soft? To experience joy. To be Leliana rather than Sister Nightengale, I would be grateful.

[ There was a time when she was a warm hand to help you up, a steady shoulder in times of strife but now? She is like him. A blade that cuts, buried in the dark. Too sharp, too cold, too cruel for the woman with so hopeful a vision of the future.

Perhaps he should not have teased her quite so much.

Zevran shakes himself of such maudlin thoughts and focuses on the task at hand- dancing. ]

Well, I should dare say you have me at a disadvantage. I was never fortunate enough to see partner dances among the Dalish. How are they done?

Edited 2020-11-08 20:03 (UTC)

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