"This is bullshit!" The young brunet is all but frothing at the mouth. Never has she felt such white hot anger, at least not in a long time. She has forgotten how strong the emotion can be. Controlling and hard to keep in check. Arinda is standing tense, hands curled into fists while she glares pointedly at a dwarven woman. Even her ears quiver at the rage boiling in her gut. The shriek managed to stop even the rowdy customers from drinking. Nia is standing next to her, the usually gentle girl is giving the auburn female a heated glare.
"Arinda Alma Tethras! You do not-" Her eyes turn to her father and his words catch in his throat. The look in her eyes is burning hatred "I don't care. I don't fucking care how much you like her, I want her to burn. She- Why?!" Arinda's voice cracks with how much emotions are pouring out. Most times people would find it amusing, a simple temper tantrum. But even the most sloshed feel an oppressive aura surrounding them. "Every time she comes or is mentioned you get so sad. Not to mention the people actually coming to kill you because of her." Pointing her finger at Bianca she has to keep a tight rein on her magic. It is dancing in a tantalizing crackle just at her finger tips, waiting to be unleashed on the woman in question.
Nia speaks up by her "She has caused more trouble than anything. We… we don't want her here." The man is at a loss. His two children, usually obedient if a bit snarky have never done anything like this. Not to mention Arinda, her eyes actually look like she would be willing to kill Bianca. Glancing at the two he has no idea what to do. For now it would be best to try and not start a fire. Varric looks at the female and sighs "I need you to leave… for now." Bianca's eyes widen "Varric-" Protesting he raises his voice, something he rarely does "I am not choosing you over my daughters! Just get out… you can stay in Kirkwall but be away from the hanged man… please." The last word is pleaded out as he rubs a hand down his face. He loves her… the blond never thought he could love anything more. But his two kids he would die for them… no… he would live for them. They need him.
The female dwarf gives him a hurt look but he remains firm and she finally leaves. Looking over he see's that both girls have relaxed their stance but they are breathing heavily. Waving them over he grunts "Come on, we don't need an audience." Glaring harshly at the other patrons the small family heads to his room. Bartrand is sitting at the table counting his money. The man glances up and looks between them all "They are right. That Harlot is nothing but trouble, you always spend a ridiculous amount whenever she talks about having some new invention." Harrumphing he gathers his money and heads out. He will never admit the slight sting in his chest whenever he see's his little brother sad. Not because of some stupid woman.
Varric sits down in the chair loudly "Gahh- Even him." Muttering this he takes a few moments to try and gather his own emotions. Everyone getting emotional will do no good. After a good few minutes he speaks up "Look, her father has set her up for marriage with some other dwarf. It is suppose to strengthen an alliance or some shit. She… doesn't want to marry him." Arinda feels the heat die down but still grounds out "So what? She ran away? She isn't a child dad. She is a full grown adult and should act like one. Running away won't fix anything." Nia nods her head fast and slams her hand on the table "they have already sent assassins after you. Her father will probably use this opportunity to say that you kidnapped her or seduced her. What if her future husband sends more at you?!" Her words are seething but even the dwarf can see the reason behind it. Leaning forward he covers his face "Shit." Hissing this out Varric can admit that he is tired of this. Every time she comes around she drags problems with her. He isn't going to pretend he is some smart mature man but he has kids and has had to grow up.
It is obvious that he isn't drinking nearly as much as he use to. Varric rarely gambles and plays Wicked Grace more for pleasure then any high stakes. There are still times he gets piss drunk but only when someone can watch them. He does on less dangerous missions and doesn't just chase stupid leads anymore. He has grown up, he had to and the dwarf doesn't regret it. Bianca still chases after random idea's, leaving and coming at random. There is no rhyme or reason. It use to be one of the things he found so attractive, she was so passionate about inventing and changing things. Now he see's it is a flaw, she only has one love. It will never be him. It still hurts.
"I… know. Okay? I won't let her stay with us. Look at me." He says gently at the two girls. It takes some patience, but they both finally do. He flinches when he see's the tear in Nia's eyes and the blankness of Arinda's pale eyes. "I can't force her to leave Kirkwall, but I… I don't need to be involved with her." The times the woman isn't around are more peaceful, filled with less pain too. A small lump comes in his throat, he has never been good with the sappy shit but he needs to say this "I love you both, more than either of you can imagine. I may get upset if you yell but I want you to be open with me. Even if that does mean swearing and shouting at me." He shows a small smirk as his hazel eyes look between both girls. Nia sniffles but she cracks a small grin.
The elf lets her eyes travel over his face and slowly she nods. The tight claw in her chest relents and Arinda takes in a deep breath. The blond stands up and opens his arms "Come on, we need to hug after." The human female is quick to rush over but the youngest flicks a brow up and shows a disgusted face. She is pulled in anyways and makes a show of pushing and squirming but even she hides a smile. They all sit together and have lunch before finally everything fills normal, or close.
"Oh, I do have some things I need to talk to you about." Speaking up the Antivan looks at Varric. Blinking at being addressed he nods. "I have been talking to some of the kids around the city and more guards have been patrolling." A worried look follows and the tan girl chews at her lips "More so around the Alienage." Nia picks at her nails and looks at her father with furrowed brows. "I have heard some bad things. They are harassing the elves and have asked about the school." Perking up at this Arinda narrows her eyes. Rubbing at his stubble Varric takes in a deep breath. "That is worrying." The words are spoken low as he thinks. It has been an ongoing thing, more guards, he chalked it up to all the people that have been coming. It has become known that the Valo-Kas group is just outside of Kirkwall, however the Viscount can't actually do anything. The qunari haven't been antagonistic or done harm.
Bigotry and Racism go hand in hand, so Nobility has been bugging the Viscount to do something about it. All the man can do is station more guards. It doesn't help that a lot of the guards are merely second or third son's of other nobles. They really don't know how to fight but throw their name around. It is harder to bribe someone that has money. Letting out a loud sigh the dwarf rubs at his face more. This is becoming a shit storm and he is blaming Bianca. Bad stuff happens whenever she is around. After a few moments he looks at them both "I will look into it some more, I want you two together at all times." He speaks in a firm tone, staring more at Arinda then Nia.
Scratching at his neck Varric is already stressed, though he won't complain. "I could have Roy try out for the guards. He is almost twelve, but he has the basic's down so I know he would pass." Mumbling to himself he frets, though if he gets bullied or threatened his magic could go off, plus he still sets himself on fire at random times. This is going to be more complicated if there is a real issue "I want you two to stay out of this. If you see something happening leave it." He knows Arinda will be willing to not help random people, but Nia is a bleeding heart.
Once they all finish eating Nia and Arinda head towards Natal. He has still been wary around her and her magic. Not to mention if he ever gives her advice on magic he disappears for a week or too. No doubt he thinks she is going to act weird because he is a mage. Which is stupid, she is also a mage, it would be better if he just came clean. The eldest girl wanted her to hang out with the children more than adults. It is ridiculous; she does hang out with them all. It is just easier to actually talk with adults. They understand her more than kids do. For now she wants to be with the other Elf, he is opening up again, smiling more and coming back to the school more often to help.
Once they find themselves in the Alienage they both pause as they see how empty it is. Almost like before. It is plain to see with three guards walking around, hands on their swords. Instantly Arinda feels her lips pull back into something of a snarl but she looks down. No point in starting a fight. It is too obvious what would happen. Nia grabs her wrist and leads her around towards Natal's house. It is hidden, pushing through a narrow alleyway and into a large crack in a wall covered by a tarp to keep warm. It is small but rather homey inside. Beautiful murals adorn the walls; it reminds her of something but she can't quite remember it. As they pass past the deer skin Arinda can feel a magic glyph, a barrier of some kind that they went through.
A few seconds and the male seems to emerge from the shadows. "Andaran atish'an." He speaks slow and with a smile on his face. Natal bows his head, both girls bow back, Nia more confused and unsure than the other. Rarely does anyone come other than Arinda, not that he doesn't like the other kids. The Dalish male just feels a stronger bond with her. Perhaps it is sentimentality, both have been cast out from their 'families'. Though he should feel ashamed, he is more melancholy about it than she is. "I hope your trip was without peril." His grin falls as he see's the look that the two show. Two quick strides and he is just in front of them. "There are some guards walking around the Alienage." Nia speaks slowly. "They aren't harassing anyone but…" It is clear they want their presence to put everyone on edge.
Just as the young elf did, his lips pull back, it seems to change. His handsome face shifts into something chilling. His teeth seem sharper than they should be, blue eyes eerie as if looking into ones soul. Nia flinches but Arinda merely tilts her head. Natal is by far one of the strongest Mages she has met so far. There haven't been a lot but it is notable. Though it feels like something holds him back. "No doubt those fools wish to ruin this too. Every time elves have pulled themselves up the humans wish to kick them back down." His hands clench hard and she see's him walk towards the entrance. Reaching out Arinda touches his hand; instantly she feels it. Chaos. His magic doesn't lash out at her, it reacts in an odd way, as if reaching towards her but he yanks his hand back.
She frowns as he looks at her, holding his own hand to his chest. His appearance seems back to normal so she drops her hands and sighs. "It won't do good to start a fight." Her voice is gentle, soft like she is talking to a tense animal. "If we strike once they will burn this place to the ground and kill half of the residents." The brunet's brows are furrowed. He knows this. Natal knows if he does anything it will only punish the elves. "That doesn't make it right!" The words are ground out, pain clear in his voice as it cracks. Smiling the younger nods "I know, but we are making a difference." Turning around she clasps her hands behind her.
"There is something I heard once, a… poem." Looking at one of the walls she see's what looks like an army of elves going against a shadow. "Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be, for my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeoning's of chance, my head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears; looms but the Horror of the shade, and yet the menace of the years, finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." When she was alive, before, she remembers getting a tattoo with part of that on her back.
Blinking with large eyes the male suddenly feels like crying. His eyes flicker to the painting on his wall. He didn't live through it, but he has felt the sorrow and pain. Natal knows the truth and he will not follow false gods. It is a pity he was too late to learn. Reaching up he touches the tattoo on his face. The words that the younger spoke are powerful, filled with emotion. Perhaps not her own but it is clear whoever wrote that was strong. Crouching he reaches his own hand out and gently takes Arinda's in his cool grip. His magic calls out to her but he ignores it. "Ma Serannas, Ma Vhenan. It is as you say. We are strong and we shall endure, until we no longer have to." The man tilts her head and presses a gentle kiss to her forehead.
The touch, affection, has her eyes flicking. Wide and unsure. Arinda is frozen with her lips parted in shock. The man keeps to himself, sharp words or sarcasm, there are times where he is lost in thought but it has always been through a veil. He doesn't show who he truly is; the only times is when he talks about certain Elvhen cultures but even then, he tends to keep quiet about it. The elf doesn't talk about the gods or anything. Once he pulls away his smile that shows is ethereal, he looks ageless and as if all the pain he shoulders is gone. For that brief moment she is left breathless. Swallowing Arinda looks down trying to gather her scattered thoughts.
Glancing at Nia she see's the girl is just as surprised but she instead smiles and wiggles her brows. The younger rolls her eyes and finally lets out a breath. Deciding to hang out with the male for a bit both elves listen to Nia talk about her culture. All stop and pause, tilting her head Arinda sniffs "Is that… smoke?" Whispering she looks over at the two but Natal is up and moving already. Following after the elf they get outside and see that the school they worked on is burning. For a few solid seconds Arinda just can't seem to understand. The school is on fire. Looking around she see's a crowd is forming, the Alienage is moving. Mostly adults rushing getting buckets of water. The guards are gone.
It becomes a panic, as much as people want to save the school they can't. Everyone has wooden houses here. So people work together throwing water on their own homes first to make the wood damp so it doesn't catch. Revas shows up and everyone helps. Nia and Arinda are young and with the other children they are grabbing empty buckets and filling them, passing them to the adults and doing it over and over. Half an hour passes, Varric shows up as everything settles down. Once he catches sight of the two girls he rushes over and hugs them tight. "We didn't do anything." Nia manages to get out with her face smooshed into the dwarves chest. He barks out a laugh but sobers up when he see's the damage.
He goes off to question the other people around to get a description of the three guards. The two girls walk around to see if anyone has been hurt. They both have basic first aid, some gel like stuff that will help with burns. It is a busy day. They have to run back and forth, getting clean water to clean the wounds. It takes a few days to get rid of the damaged wood and the rest of the building. There wasn't much issue with anything around it; no ones house was caught in the mess. There is some talk between the elves but they all agree that as dangerous as it is, their children's future is more important than their fear. If the kids can learn to read and write they have a better chance.
It takes a month to rebuild, the Valo-Kas join in with heavy lifting. Bartrand becomes a man on a mission. Varric thought he would pitch a fit having to pay for reconstruction but he seems to be going after the guards. He is a business man and has a way with words when he isn't being a dick. It seems that the 'guards' that were walking around are a new group that has been causing issues. They usually come out at night to harass people but it seems like they have been growing more restless that 'knive-ears' have been learning how to read.
Bartrand kicked up a fuss and managed to create quite a riot. There are many elf sympathizers, some even nobility it seems. The Viscount was forced to station some guards near the Alienage that would not harm them. For now they seem amicable. The school is bigger even, two stories. With the money that Nia and Arinda have been making it was simple, Varric pitched in along with Natal and even Bartrand. Arianni lives there with Feynriel. She is getting paid to keep it clean and make sure nothing goes missing. It is work but the woman seem's happy now that she is getting a steady income. Plus her son is allowed to read the books that were donated to the school. The school even has a name. Paragon. Bartrand nearly busted a gut when he heard but he agreed after grumbling about how much it would royally piss off people in Orzammar.
Nothing has been going very well so she isn't surprised by what she see's in front of her. Above her. A large mountainous creature, spikes jutting off its deep grey body. A fucking Pride Demon. The being blinks down at her and she does the same as she stares up. Her lips are thinned and she can feel the power radiating off it. Arinda isn't frightened, she is strong enough to resist possession but she can admit that it is rather… large and pointy. Not a good combination. "What a small morsal-" Her head snaps up at the deep voice. Her eyes narrow before laughing "Size means nothing." With that said she turns and walks away.
The deep thrum that follows her informs the elf that it is following her. "No! no…" Twisting she points and speaks as if talking to a dog. "Stay." Irritation comes from the demon but she does not care. This continues, the thing does not leave her and finally she turns "What do you want?" The area around them flickers, from a forest to a beach. Flopping down on the sound Arinda digs her toes into it, it feels similar but there is no warmth. "I am interested in you. You feel… different." Scoffing at the words her gaze slips over "Sorry but I am already full up with a demon best friend and she is very possessive." As if her name as been called said demon shows up "Where have you been you-?" The pink one blinks at the other. The horns atop her head flame up once more and the scales seem to break out over her arms and legs.
Athena whips her tail around and snarls, teeth sharpening to points "Go away! This is mine, this area, this mortal everything here is mine." Like a crack of thunder the fade rumbles. The Pride demon cackles loudly his hands open and lightening seems to flicker in his grasp. A loud screeching noise comes from Athena. It seems like they are going to fight. Perhaps the elf should feel some type of fondness at the desire demon for 'protecting' her but right now she is just annoyed. The world outside is annoying, filled with issues and it is hard to fix with her young body and small stature. "Enough!" Standing up quickly she manages to say it in such a way that she does not raise her voice but the word itself echoes around.
A storm conjures and both demon's abilities fizzle out as if they were mages cut off from the fade. "I would like to enjoy the time I have to not be hounded by stupid mortals. Don't add onto the list or you will become nothing but a memory." Clear eyes flicker to both demons, then she promptly kicks them both out of her little area of the fade.
Sitting down again the storm melts and she is laying by a waterfall. The steady fall of water calms her until a soft giggle echoes. Moaning loudly the elf tilts her head "Hope… come on~!" She whines for real. Kicking her legs she honestly does feel tired, stressed even. "This is why I hate caring. If I didn't care then I wouldn't worry." The beautiful spirit floats over, her hand touches Arinda's forehead, moving the hair out of her face "If you didn't care you wouldn't truly be alive Traveler. But you are… and better for it." Pausing in the words the spirit sighs, a gentle loving emotion filling the area up "I am so… proud." Her words are filled with love. It makes Arinda's chest ache but she can't deny it feels good.
After the silence falls around them a long breath of air comes from Arinda "I know… I am happy too." Her eyes close and the world shifts. Voices harmonize, twisting gently and creating the most beautiful of songs. She sleeps, inside the fade, the world feeding on her and giving her the same. Hope knows that this mortal will be someone great. It means that she will not have an easy life but that is why she is there. Hope. When the mortal loses it she will be there to give it back.