video;

[ladyspitfire]

[Elissa's one of those people who still hasn't conformed to the more modern way of dressing. Her tunic is loose and her leggings are worn, still the ones she's had from home. Her tone is thoughtful when she begins to speak.]

We lose people so often here that it's rather staggering. They say they wish to build an army but I often wonder if the Initiative isn't grasping at straws in their attempts to keep us here. I've seen strong warriors come and go, some more than once. I cannot tell if I'm grateful at the idea that their control over our presence is slipping or if we should be worried about what the future may bring. After all, we still do not know if we are returned home when we depart from this world.

[If she seems fearful of the notion, she doesn't show it.]

But we still lose valuable friends and allies just the same. Many, too, will leave this world only to lose their lives. However the Initiative has managed it, they have brought people back from the dead, and they will probably perish once they disappear.

[That is enough to make her frown.] There's little we can do, unfortunately. But I believe someone mentioned wanting to build a memorial before, something to honor those who have left us one way or another. I'll...admit wanting to start such a project if it hasn't been created already, though I have little idea of where to begin. Suggestions would be welcome.

[Otherwise, she can only privately mourn fallen friends and departed allies in her own way, and she's not interested in just moping.]


[filtered to zevran;]

If you have some time...I'd like to speak to you.

Comments

[solitaire]

Instability can be a good thing. Opens the door for possibilities, most times.

[ladyspitfire]

And it can invite upheaval just as easily.

[solitaire]

Oui, but at least change is excitin'.

permatext;

[boughtabookstore]

I am not sure where to begin either, but there are some names I could give, and if you require help I would be willing to offer mine.

permatext;

[ladyspitfire]

I have thought of creating a wall with names carved into the stone. I'm not certain how I could accomplish this, however.

[boughtabookstore]

Perhaps some of those with magic would be interested in helping? Or someone would know how to build a machine that could help.

[andagain]

I'd love to help you out with this project. Only the best for our departed comrades.

[ladyspitfire]

I appreciate it. I'm not so certain where to begin, though.

[andagain]

We should take a list first of how many people have passed on first. I can't offer any names at the moment, since I'm fortunate enough that my friends haven't left yet.

voice; same filter

[bloodyantivan]

--I always have time for you, my friend.

voice; same filter

[ladyspitfire]

Can we speak in person?

[bloodyantivan]

But of course. [Zevran allows slight concern to show in his voice.] I am at my apartment, or I could meet you wherever you like.

[video]

[heirwithouthope]

I suppose it would not make much sense to build tombs for these bodies, if they are no longer with us.

[video]

[ladyspitfire]

I'm not entirely certain the Initiative would take kindly to us tearing up their land. [Not that she seems to care for their opinions.] I was thinking of a wall with names on the stones.

[video]

[heirwithouthope]

And if they have quarrel with it, they may only blame themselves for bringing us to their land at all. [The snap is not directed at Elissa, but the concept of the Initiative complaining in general.]

...Why a wall?

video;

[motioned]

It's a really good idea! I'd be willing to help in any way I can.

video;

[ladyspitfire]

[She gives her a faint smile.]

I appreciate it. I'm trying to sort out ideas, first.

voice

[imperfect]

Kinda depressing to think of them all as gone in the same way, isn't it? [His tone is casual, but there's a hint of an edge to it.]

voice

[ladyspitfire]

I would say so. I simply hope they've returned home safely.

[Those that can, anyway.]

[imperfect]

You and me both. But if you don't have evidence either way just yet and you're already assuming the worst... Well, I guess you're entitled to it. Not everyone wants to be brought down that fast, though.

[Video]

[hornedomen]

I thought we could change our fate when we returned.

[Hearing otherwise made him frown, but it was not entirely unexpected.]

Does this mean Duncan is dead?

[Video]

[ladyspitfire]

I had hoped that as well, somehow.

[But in one world, she's already dead. In her own, she will disappear. Both options are unappealing.]

...It's very possible. [A pause.] Did he tell you he was?

[hornedomen]

[He looked away.] Yes. He said he died in a battle.

I'd like to help you build the memorial.

[video]

[birdhousesoul]

On a mission once, we built a stone monument for some druids. It was a chore at the time, hardly an occasion for reflection.

[He pauses. Rubs at his stubbly chin.]

But it keeps coming back to me now, after the fact. I've even dreamt of it once or twice since. How cold it was, stones standing on a plain, and how ... empty, I suppose, in the end. Thousands of years later, the stones stand for no discernible purpose at all. It only really had meaning for the people who lived there at the time and used it.

Before we made the stone monument, they had a wood monument in roughly the same pattern. Uprights of timber, where we used uprights of stone. Perhaps they should have planted trees instead, so it would have kept living as long as they needed it, and not too many generations beyond that point.

video.

[flamberge]

The Initiative is likely grasping at straws. Their desire to secure a victory outweighs correcting the sloppiness of the method they have chosen to do so.

...A memorial is not a bad idea.