aceso | { inbox for fade rift }

Christine! It's Merrill.

[ the ':D' is more than implied ]

What have I missed? As far as the research goes, but also in general- I was rather lost and wasn't getting a lot of news.

Merrill! Welcome back.

[ The reply is more :) than :D, but that's just Christine. ]

Oh, you would not believe what we have learned. Lyrium is actually alive! Nowhere near an intelligent being, of course, but much as a plant is alive. Cosima viewed it all in her microscope. And we have tested our cleansing runes on the Blight to see how it reacted and it receded from it! And we are in the process of capturing a red lyrium infected darkspawn to take samples. We have a theory of what red lyrium is comprised of, but further testing is needed.

And Inessa is now my assistant leader! She has been a great help to me. But what do you mean you were lost? Are you all right?

Thank you!

[ She listens intently, gasping at the appropriate places - she is a good listener, and this is fascinating. ]

It's alive? And it reacts to cleansing runes?

[ HOLY SHIT CHRISTINE DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS ]

Could it be-? Especially if it's alive... I mean, I had a magic mirror that was tainted, and it's not alive, so if lyrium's alive...

[ ew, drinking it will be weird now ]

Oh- I had gone to check on the alienages we'd passed through. I'm horrid at navigating cities, though, and also I- well, you remember eluvians, right?

Yes, exactly. Our theory is that the specific reason that red lyrium is red — and gives the Red Templars the abilities it does — is because it is lyrium infected with the Blight. However, we still need to test this, and then figure out how to spread this news, so please do not tell anyone yet. You will rejoin the project, won't you?

[ Please say yes. ]

I vaguely remember eluvians as some elven mirror thing? But anything beyond that, I have not been told, no.

Of course I'll rejoin the project! Oh my goodness, Christine- I might be able to do something with that! If you can spare a few specimens, that is.

[ wild horses couldn't keep her away from this ]

Well, it turns out you can go- through them. To other eluvians. And I got a bit lost in between them.

As soon as we have the subject we need, you can do whatever you'd like. I would like this attacked from multiple angles, so we can be sure about this.

[ A pause. ]

You can walk through a mirror? That— you mean, you could travel hundreds of miles to another eluvian? Wait; what lies in between them?

[ "Whatever you'd like." She's going to use blood magic. Sorry, Christine. ]

I'll do whatever I can.

Oh- yes. The Crossroads lies between. It's... well, it's quite amazing, but I'm told non-elves experience it differently.

[ Look, on the list of things Christine expects Merrill to do, blood magic isn't even on that list. ]

We would see different things? I suppose if it was invented by ancient elves it would be. Well, I'm glad you found where you were again.

[ That's how she gets away with it. ]

Yes. I see the trees in bloom; I'm told humans see them as dead.

So am I! It took me a while to get back, but here I am.

Well that's morbid.

[ Yet she still is sort of curious to see for herself. If it's safe. ]

There are many new faces around here, and some who are sadly gone.

Oh- well, yes. I suppose it is...

[ When you put it that way. Merrill's admittedly never thought about it. ]

I'm beginning to see that. I've had a few updates, but... well, things never do stay the same.

[ She thinks of Sam, Jim, Ciri, and Saoirse. Thinks of more beyond them who are no longer with the Inquisition. Thinks of Araceli who didn't like Christine reprimanding her for her role in Church's duel, and hasn't spoken to Christine in a friendly manner since; just civil and all business.

People like Merrill are a ray of sunshine that pushes the clouds away. They're needed to remind others that things change, but there are still constants in the world. ]

Indeed. Have you settled in yet? Where will you be staying?

[ So many things have changed just since the Inquisition has formed. It makes Merrill want to grasp more tightly at the familiar, and she's glad that Christine is still here. ]

I've moved back in to my house in the alienage; I want to be close, in case they need me.

[ In case something happens. In case the worst happens. ]

But if you ever need me in the Gallows, just let me know! I mean, I imagine that's where the research will be done, at least.

I will be sure to let you know! But I also wanted to invite you around to dinner with Church and I. We have an apartment in Lowtown. And a quite bratty dog. I hope you will forgive him for all the fuss he will raise.

[ The dog, not Church. ]

Oh! That would be lovely- I could bring my own dog if they wanted to play, too!

Please do! Ponce is already dear friends with Inessa's dog, Garahel, but he could always use more.

[ Since Christine isn't yet a mother, this is what she does: gets her fur baby some friends. ]

Barkley's no mabari, but he's got all sorts of energy! Plus, if he likes going to your house, I'll never get lost going there.

[ That's what Merrill does, too. It works. ]

He is a bit of a guide dog for you? How useful!

Well, he knows how to get to where we get food. And where we eat food. And where people are happy to pet him.

[ That makes her laugh. ]

I happen to cook too much food all the time, so I can guarantee there will be enough to treat him with at dinner.

He might keep helping me get to your house and not my own, then!

[ She giggles. ] At least that would be a familiar sight. I'll never get used to navigating Kirkwall.

Oh, no. I'll have to send you home with a basket of leftovers, then, to ensure he takes you there.

That might work. Or we'll go in circles, but we'll at least have leftovers.

Yes. You won't go hungry as you try to find home, or discover some place new.

Just keep your crystal on in case we need to be let back in.

(no subject)

aceso - 2018-10-10 18:02 (UTC) - Expand