01 🐦 (video; un: hawke)

[indigobird]

[Hawke's been thrown her fair share of curveballs by life, but this? This is... different. Okay, that's putting it delicately: this shit's weird, as Varric would probably say. And as someone who's seen a LOT of weird shit, that's saying something. It's a lot to take in, but Relm, despite being rattled, doesn't let it show. Her usual snark hides the nervousness she's feeling at being in a new place and far away from the familiar.

At least there's a way to get back... though Maker knows how long it'll take. And honestly? She's not in much of a rush. If it weren't for Carver and her friends, scattered as they are, she probably wouldn't be inclined to go back at all. Not that she'll admit it.

With a little introduction and instructions, some money and a pat on the back to send her on her way, Relm finds herself wandering the city. Sure, she could go to her new place (ugh, communal living) but instead she winds up sitting in some grass in a quiet location, just trying to get her thoughts together. And it's then she remembers the little... phone, they called it? She could talk to a bunch of people at once with it. They even showed her how to use it.

A big mistake, as they'll all discover.

Well, if she's going to be here for Maker knows how long, might as well introduce herself and get a feel for the others here.]

Oh I do love it when life keeps reminding me that it's capable of surprising me. You'd think by now I'd have learned my lesson, but oh no. Foolish, foolish me.

[It's all said in a joking, almost laughing tone.]

Riverview. Quaint name. Not so quaint city. The ridiculously high buildings are going to take some getting used to. It's all so... clean. A laughable complaint, maybe, but well, I'm going to complain anyway.

The oh so lovely people at the gate gave me the basics, but there are a few horrendously pressing questions I do have for you lot:

One, where are the best places to drink? Two, what's the general view about mages and magic here? And three, where does one acquire... let's say art supplies? Paper or parchment, ink or charcoal, and the like? Maybe even paint if I feel so inclined.

[She almost goes to end it there, but, well, her mother didn't raise a complete barbarian.]

Oh, yes, introductions. My name is Hawke. Hopefully my reputation didn't precede me here.

Comments

video; un: d.pavus

[tevinteraltus]

The "best" or the "most likely to accommodate me"? They aren't always one in the same.

[He chuckles, though.]

The higher floors of the community building offer a stunning view of the river for which the Quarantine is named, actually. [And he winces.] That's right, you've come from Kirkwall. Of course a Kirkwaller would complain about a city's cleanliness. "Why, this corner here doesn't reek nearly enough of piss. The gall."

[He inclines his head, though.] Dorian Pavus, as I'm sure you remember. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance when we aren't running from demons and lumbering undead.

[indigobird]

Most likely to accommodate me and has the best booze? Interesting division there, though. Something I should know about?

[She's not sure if she's relieved or a little worried to be talking to someone she knows. Time will only tell which it should be.]

It seems my hopes of not being recognized have been dashed against the rocks. Figures. [She snorts.] I've come from Skyhold, technically, and was born and raised in Ferelden, but details. I need some mud and stench to keep going. You know, like Tevinters need hot temperatures and mild disdain for everyone else.

[But all joking aside:]

I do remember. Funny seeing you here again. It's positively tame here, compared to back home.

audio; @ryo.asuka666

[apt666]

I am a fan of buying a good bottle at one of the stores and going somewhere I enjoy.

As for mages and magic - as I understand, pretty standard here. I've met a few with abilities.

[ And he ponders ]

Are you an artist?

video; @altin

[bringbackgold]

[ He looks serious, but he always does. He's calm, as if he's thinking, but the answer comes fast. ]

I know of a place with some art supplies. It's a couple of buildings from where I bought a guitar.

I can send you an address.

[indigobird]

That would be excellent. Seeing as I have a great deal more of free time now, I might as well take up some old hobbies. You're musically inclined, I take it?

[indigobird]

Back home, it's usually a bit easier just to hit a tavern than buy your own. More social opportunities that way, too.

[She likes to yap, what can she say?

But the bit about magic makes her a bit thoughtful.] And no one particularly... minds it?

[Basically, is she going to face persecution or not? Because that would be swell if she can get away from that.]

Not a professional one, but I've dabbled in drawing.

[bringbackgold]

[ Consider an address attached. ]

I find it's good to stay busy. I am. It's both my job and hobby here.

[apt666]

There's a few clubs and bars. A lot. I guess it depends on the company you want to keep

[ He considers her words. Her thoughtfulness when it comes to magic. He's a curious person. ]

Not that I've witnessed. It's different where you are?

[ He gets it. ]

Ah. You'll probably find you have a lot of time here.

{ Video; UN: potentia.regere }

[earlofphantoms]

Life is funny that way. { He smiles almost warmly, doing what he can to put her at ease. } I think you must gather alcohol on your own. At least that is what I do. Mages and magic make our existence more interesting, I think; I don't have any problem with them. And...art supplies? Perhaps someone else can be of more help for you in that regard. I'm not inclined to creating art, though I do enjoy looking at it.

I am Earl Vincent Phantomhive.

video @molly

[devilstongue]

It's quite an experience, isn't it?

[He gives Hawke a little smile, the video-handling not great but passable.]

There are several bars here with varying levels of fanciness, and there's magic all over the place.

audio un:pnwsalex

[11calls]

People in general really don't seem to have a problem with magic here. There's actually a school where different people from different worlds all work together, if you're interested!

As for drinking, well it sort of depends what kind of place you're looking for. There's some nice bars, but there's also strip clubs and things like that.

Anyway, welcome! I'm Alex.

video; un: c.rutherford

[happiertimes]

[Cullen stops to stare at the communication device at the name. She looks, maybe not so oddly enough, a great deal like Garrett Hawke. And this is not the first instance of differences in Thedas that he's had to face. In fact, he's realized that while so many events proceed pretty much the same way (the Fifth Blight, the civil war of Ferelden, Kirkwall, the Conclave debacle), what he knows to be true does not always mean it is the same for others here. He need only look at Iona and Dorian for that confirmation, in fact.

But, this woman—despite her gender—is very much Hawke. Even if she isn't the Hawke he remembers.]

Yes, life does like to remind us that planning is futile. And as far as I know, Serah Hawke, the best place to get a drink would be the Quarantine Bar and Grill.

[If you're not smooth enough to get Dorian to provide it.]

[indigobird]

So something you actually like doing. Not many can say that. And you said you play a... guitar? What exactly is that?

[indigobird]

These clubs serve alcohol as well, I take it? Can't say we have those where I'm from. [Maker, she's hearing quite a few words tossed around she's not familiar with. This is going to be a hell of an adjustment period.]

Yes, it is. "Mages are fire made flesh and a demon asleep" and so on and so forth.

[Gotta love Chantry propaganda.]

What does one do here, exactly? Just... live here like it's a normal thing?

[indigobird]

Better to laugh than cry, I've found. Find the humor in things and life becomes a bit less difficult.

[The guy seems nice enough, so Hawke relaxes a tad.]

Oh aren't you a flatterer. Try telling that to the Chantry, they seem to believe otherwise. But thank you for your help, Lord Phantomhive. Nice surname, by the way.

[indigobird]

That's certainly a word for it.

[To put it lightly.]

So I'm hearing, on both accounts. I'm not much of one for fancy bars, if I'm being honest. The louder and dirtier, the better.

[indigobird]

Now there's a wild concept. [Despite the weirdness, she's liking this place more and more.] A school? What does it teach, exactly?

...I keep hearing about these clubs. A strip club, you say? Like stripping of clothes?

[If so, sign her the fuck up.]

Well met, Alex. How long have you been here?

[indigobird]

[Unfortunately for Cullen, he IS the former knight-captain templar turned ex-templar commander. They haven't always seen eye to eye in the past, but she has no animosity towards him for the most part. And at least he's not Meredith. Maker what a debacle that would be.]

"Quarantine Bar and Grill"? Maker what a lackluster name. Get a drink and feel like you're under medical lockdown while you're at it. [Creativity seems to be lacking around here.] Fancy meeting you here, Commander. And Maker's breath, for the - what are we up to now? Fifteenth? time, it's just Hawke.

[devilstongue]

Oh, they have those, too! Seedy little dive bars with watered-down ale.

[11calls]

Different styles of magic and things like that. It also does magical research based on people from different worlds.

Yep, people definitely take off the clothes for money there. [There's no judgment, just a simple statement of fact.]

I've been here seven months or so now.

[apt666]

They do. There's music, dancing, alcohol.

[ He's not too bothered by questions. ]

Well, nothing of that sort is here. We've got a very mixed crowd.

[ He seems okay with that, at least. ]

Work. Exist freely. Spend time with others. Whatever you wish to do, really.

[bringbackgold]

Yeah. It's a string instrument. Wait... you've not seen one before?

[ Woaaaaaah ]

[tevinteraltus]

First, I'll need you to define the "best" booze, Hawke.

[He smiles slightly.]

Fame is its own sort of reward, you know, though I find it amusing you think most of my countrymen only harbor a mild disdain for the lot of you. You do them too much credit.

[He raises an eyebrow, but there's a smirk curling his lips.]

I believe you meant to say enchanting, seeing me again, but you're confused. I'll forgive it.

video; @dreamsunwind

[mistyday]

Most people I've met are totally fine with magic. At worst they just don't give a shit one way or the other.

[indigobird]

It pains me you have to even ask. [What kind of Thedosian are you, Dorian??] The kind that'll get me drunk quickest, of course. Tasting good, optional.

[At that she just barks out a laugh.]

You're telling me that? Though I don't know if I've been so lucky to really reap a lot of those rewards. Mostly just the downsides.

Oh how very kind of you, especially given that I'm such a stinky Southerner. You are the exemplar of your people.