IC: Boar Hunting

[maleborgia]

*Camp's a farm, right? And you know what farms have? Pigs.

The ones in Camp are a little... different from the cute, not-by-the-hair-on-my-chinney-chin-chin ones some of you might be more familiar with, however...

One way or another, it's clearly the time for a boar hunt. Clearly. And somewhere away from the center of Camp are two people on horses looking to do just that.*

Comments

[maleborgia]

Temporarily, perhaps, but not on a deeper level. Are the two of you on the run together?

[hawkwardmoment]

We are. Along with a few other friends, although they weren't brought here with us.

[maleborgia]

You must share quite a bond with them. And Fenris? How did you two meet?

[hawkwardmoment]

That depends, do you want the short version or the long version?

[maleborgia]

Whichever you feel like sharing. I'd welcome the entire story, of course.

[hawkwardmoment]

Well then, how should I begin... I wasn't always a noble. Six years ago, I was just a refugee in the slums of Lowtown, taking any job I can find so that I could fund an expedition that I hoped would help me raise the coin to win back my mother's family estate, and keep the Templars off my back. So when a dwarf named Anso tried to hire me for a sketchy job, I accepted.

[she then goes on about how the job turned out to be a trap by slavers, how it was actually meant for Fenris, how he later appeared to ask for her assistance in killing his former master; a magister from the Tevinter Imperium, and how she was offended about being used but accepted to help anyway because she despised slavers. She then tells him that the target had already left by the time they reached Danarius' home.]

—after that, even though he was offended to learn I was another mage, Fenris decided to stay, and offer his aid to me in order to repay his debt. And that concludes the story of how we met.

[maleborgia]

I see. And his markings are...?

[hawkwardmoment]

The reason Danarius wants him back. They're made of lyrium, and grants Fenris certain unique abilities.

[maleborgia]

A kind of magic? What do they do?

[hawkwardmoment]

[laughs]

Lyrium is a mineral more valuable than diamonds because it has many magic-related uses once processed, such as for enchantments, enhancing a mage's spell or replenishing their mana. However, by itself it isn't magic, and neither are Fenris' markings. So unless you want to see him behave like a glowing porcupine, you probably don't want to mistake his markings for magic in front of him.

[maleborgia]

*laughing as well*

All right, I will be certain to keep that in mind. If he's that opposed to it, Camp must be highly frustrating to him.

[hawkwardmoment]

Very. But in contrast, I find it highly refreshing to be in a place that doesn't discriminate against people who have magic.

[maleborgia]

Is it that bad where you are from?

[hawkwardmoment]

That depends on who you're asking. I would tell you "yes", but if you asked Fenris, he would probably say "no".

[maleborgia]

That sounds similar enough to any number of worlds. My apologies that things are that way for you.

[hawkwardmoment]

It's all right. I think managed to do quite well for myself regardless.

[maleborgia]

I would certainly say so. And now you and Fenris, are your talents still for hire, or have you found more long-term employment?

[hawkwardmoment]

Unless you're referring to the "jobs" this place assigned us, no.

Why? Are you looking to hire us?

[maleborgia]

I might consider it. I have no doubt that you are as skilled as you say.

[hawkwardmoment]

[she laughs again.]

I hope you're not trying to flatter me into a discount.

[maleborgia]

I would not dare to think of it! I understand the importance of paying for work well done.

[hawkwardmoment]

Well, I do aim to please my client, even if my ability to satisfy depends on the nature of the job. And I guess I should also note that I try not to charge my friends for my services so... would you be interested in telling me more about yourself?

[maleborgia]

That is certainly a reasonable request. I told you my name is Cesare Borgia. I am from Rome, a city in the world this camp claims to be located in, although from several centuries prior to the commonly agreed upon year we now find ourselves in. I know no magic but am currently enrolled in the University of Pisa, located a day or so's journey from Rome. My father is a high-ranking official in the church and I myself am studying to rise within its ranks. I am afraid my story pales in comparison to your own, but if there is anything further you would like to know, I will do my best to explain it.

[hawkwardmoment]

If you're a nobleman then the university you're attending is most likely something prestigious like the University of Orlais, isn't it? However, your Chantry must be significantly different from the one in Thedas if both you and your father are members of the church, yet you don't seem to hold any prejudice against magic.

[maleborgia]

*smiles, but it's slightly wry*

The Church is full of interesting people. Some of them are more open-minded than others. You might say that my family is known for being eager to pursue new way. As for the university, it is quite well known, although of course others are as well.