[She's not directly looking at the camera, more off to the side. It's not exactly easy to admit when she's wrong, though she doesn't actually consider herself wrong. She just wasn't particularly swayed on why she should fight with the Initiative.]

I don't much like their methods, and I would as soon as shove my spear in any one o' them higher ups here, in the Initiative for what they've done to us, but-- [Her jaw tenses all the more.]

I understand.

[Her eyes flicker back to the screen.]

I want t'know 'bout this Earth, these United Earth, yeah?

( ( private to Thorin, Remy, and Galadriel ) )

( ( private to Gwen ) )

[So here's the charming face of Ygritte. Except she doesn't look too pleased.]

So are you lot that thick to go off then? T'do their bidding and fight their wars? What's dead is dead, only we can't die. They've got us, and if you save a man, he'll just expect you t'save him again.

I feel for that world and them lands, I really do. [More than most, probably.]

But what are we t'them? Do they care what happens t'us? This United group, aye, they may be the ones t'exile'em and t'keep them down. But what are we but-- collateral damage? [See, look. This place is wearing off on her. She's actually learning.]

What cause have I? What cause do any of you have?

 [The woman who has pressed record on this tablet looks as though perhaps she has made a mistake because she does not speak for a long time, and seems to make no effort to find any words. It has taken her some time to come to terms with where she is, how she has come to be here, but it does not mean she has to like it and there is no doubt in her mind that she does not like it here with its ruined land and cities.

And ruined people.

She has yet to venture into the room that has been set aside for her in the Initiative hold, wanting nothing from these people who have taken everything from her, and instead she is sitting by a fire she's set for herself in the shell of a building where someone- her son, her adult son- has set up a camp, curiously studying this tablet which is somehow able to allow people to communicate. Ratonhnhaké:ton- and it is still strange and hard for her to associate a full grown man with the four year old she left behind- had shown her how it worked, and she puts this newfound knowledge to the test as she looks at the device.

For a while that is all she does, wondering what it is that people say on such a thing... why they would want to even. Nothing about this world makes sense.

The fire crackles some, she seems to poke at it with a stick causing sparks to fly, and then the sound of the almost omnipresent rain is accompanied by the low grumble thunder. While she glances out at the gloom she shakes her head and speaks, the corner of her lips quirking up just a fraction as she does, though her voice low and calm.]

With weather like this I can see why the British would have wanted to take other lands for their own. Does it do nothing but rain in this place?

[It is hardly the most scintillating way to introduce oneself to the neighbours, but Kaniehtí:io does not have much experience with small talk.]

[Kara's casually draped at her table, nursing a beer, smoking a stogie. Thank the gods for those base creature comforts. Still, she looks a little bored at the moment. Because there is one thing lacking in her life. Well many things, but at the moment, it's the lack of card night. Hope her roomies don't mind some company because she's about to invite everyone over, more or less.]

You know what this place needs? Card night.

[Seriously, she misses wiping the floor with the other folks on Galactica and feeding her gambling habit.]

Anyone else around here even play, other than Remy? We can't be the only ones around here, am I right?

[ Oh look he's now chosen to attempt to begin mastering the technology he's been given. ]

All things considered, I suppose we were sufficiently informed upon our arrival, though I will reserve my judgement until a later date. That said, I wouldn't say I am left without many questions. I would be interested in knowing more of this history of this world I've come to from those who've been here longer than I.

[ He is as interested in the stories of the people here as he is in the stories of the place itself. ]

And as a new arrival, I feel it's a fine time as any to introduce myself, and learn the names and faces of the others here with me.

I am Elrond, the former Lord of Imladris. Regardless of the circumstances, it is a pleasure to meet you all.

[voice]
[you will all hear a female voice with a British accent speaking to you]

Good day, everyone. I was hoping you would indulge my curiosity a bit. I was actually in another world before my arrival here. And I don't mean my original world, but a world like this one that takes people away from their homes. This other world was a place called Paradisa.

My question to you is this: were any of you in other worlds apart from your original home before arriving? If so, how long were you there?

I will be the first to answer my own question: I arrived in Paradisa in July. I was there a total of one year and nearly seven months before coming here.

[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 )

( PRIVATE to DICK GRAYSON )

( PRIVATE to ZEVRAN ARAINAI )

I don't suppose anyone remembers, but back in December I came across an old synagogue here. I've spoken to the citizens here who use it for shelter every now and then and they also thought it would be a good idea to help clean and fix it up. I'm no contractor and I can't offer anything in return unfortunately... I've only noticed a lot of people asking if there's something to do around here.

If you're interested, I figured helping out the people here would be one small step forward. Someone's got to eventually help with some of these buildings, hm? I also imagine there's got to be a few people who know a thing or two about repairing interiors. I noticed there was talk of building a greenhouse a few days ago.

[ A lengthy pause. ]

And a question since most on the network apparently enjoy them: do you think there's such thing as too much information? [ It's been on her mind for a couple of weeks now. ]

[For once, Koltira's not at his lake, or even in his cabin. He's somewhere in the city--some dilapidated ruin, it looks like. Probably one of the buildings hit by the UE's recent bombing, abandoned and subsequently forgotten during the reconstruction effort. He doesn't really have any other quiet place to go in the city proper, since he (somewhat foolishly, he's now realizing) gave away his Initiative-assigned room. Oh, well.

He sits cross-legged among the rubble, the tablet propped up beside him. It's difficult to discern his expression: the icy glow of his eyes betrays nothing, and his mouth is a set line. His voice is, as always, a guttural scratch, underscored with a strange, otherworldly reverberation.]

Some of you have spoken before of the dead. Perhaps you knew death before coming here, or perhaps this place brought you back. Either way, you are in a living, breathing body, and so that is not the kind of death I'm asking after.

I ask you, instead, about undeath. Does it exist on your world? Do you fear those touched by it? Do you hate them? Are they merely soulless automatons, or do your revenants retain some measure of self, of intelligence?

[He leans forward, and a lopsided, unhappy smile briefly passes over his expression.]

Inquiring minds need to know.

I gave it time to ensure that I was not mistaken and to check among the latest Transports...

[That's a lie, she was in denial.]

To those that knew my husband, Lord Elrond has left Exsilium and returned home. It is better, I think, for him to be there than here, fighting another war.

If there is anything he was to do that I might fulfill, please tell me of it.

[ Oh look, another person is fumbling with the tablet today. There's a short capture of the grey sky and a glimpse of bright red hair before a "clunk!" sound can be heard and a panicky-- ] Oh no! Did I brea-- [ The video stops there.

Several minutes later, the audio comes on. Whether it's by mistake or choice, who knows. You can still hear the rain coming down heavily and then a young girl's voice speaks up. The same one who was panicking not too long ago. ]

Hello? Is there anyone who can hear this? Hello? I'm-- [ her voice is almost hard to make out in the rain, so she talks louder: ] I don't know how I got up here and I'm stuck! Somebody on the street told me they were gonna come, but it's been forever and it's cold and raining and-- [ She sounds cold, tired and scared. ]

Can somebody come and get me down from the roof? [ A beat. ] Please?


[ ooc: max will be retrieving her! otherwise all network replies will be icly delayed by an hour or so. ]

[Guess who used all the hot water in the shower?

Marjolaine is lounging comfortably on the couch in her new living room, looking a good sight better than the day she arrived. Her hair is still styled very simply, but she is wearing an ornate dress that can be seen from about the waist up and subtle cosmetics.]

This new little toy of mine is almost as fascinating as some of you. I've read the darling tutorial, so sweet of them to provide it. I have a hard time believing it allows us to use the tablet to its full potential.

[She pauses and smiles.]

This is where you come in. Well, one of you. I'm looking for someone who knows their way around this technology for some more in depth study. I'm not foolish enough to expect you to do it for free.

I'm willing to talk arrangements. As a newcomer there's little I can offer you in influence or leverage. I suppose that means we may have to get creative.

Any takers?

( action )

[A gorgeous blond elf stands in front of the Initiate Hold, wearing his leather-skirted armor and splattered with blood. At least it all seems to be someone else's.] ...Hmm, this place again, is it? I was just thinking how terribly dull it was, fighting in a strange land, and how I'd very much like to take a sabbatical and fight in an entirely different strange land. [A small laugh.]

I don't believe I ever actually introduced myself before. I'm Zevran Arainai, formerly of the Antivan Crows. [He does a small, but the theatrical bow toward the camera.] I'm sure we're all going to get along famously.

And Elissa, my friend, if you are still here - I believe I owe you a drink. [A pause, and he seems very nearly to falter, as he adds, softly - ] Or ten.

[The video feed flips on, focusing (after a few seconds of jostling around) on Galadriel, sitting on the steps of the Initiative Hold, her sheathed sword beside her. Having just finished training, she’s attired appropriately, wearing a simple dress and with her hair braided and wound about her head- displaying those pointed ears quite prominently for those who might have missed them before.]

I grow weary of the constant grey here. It is overlong since I have heard a running stream or seen the sunlight filtered through the forest canopy.

Tell me, those of you who have journeyed outside this city: does greenery yet remain in this world? It would do my heart well even to hear of it.

[ A FEW MINUTES AFTER THIS THREAD. Leliana's voice is shaky and her accent heavier than usual, too much anger bubbling inside her. ]

Anders! Where are you, you fiend?

I can't believe I thought you were a good man. You were one of Elissa's friends, for Andraste's sake! To find out this out from someone else while you walk around like you didn't... you didn't...

The blood of Kirkwall's grand cleric is in your hands. Grand Cleric Elthina! How could you murder one of the holiest people in Thedas!? What have you to gain!?

[ ANDERS BRO GET YOUR ASS IN HERE BEFORE SHE HUNTS YOU DOWN HERSELF ]

[ ooc: I am so sorry for spamming! Important development that can't be delayed and stuff. ]

Oh! Andaran atish’an! This is such an interesting way to talk to people, don't you think? I can see your face and you can see mine! It's like a mirror, but it reflects other people back at you.

[Merrill waves, smiling broadly, her large eyes sparkling with delight.]

My name is Merrill, and I'm looking for my friends. I appear to be a little lost. [She swings the tablet around too fast to really see anything useful. Just a lot of stone.] Did you see that? I'm lost. But I have friends who can help me become, ah, not lost.

Sometimes, when I was lost in Kirkwall, Isabela - she's one of my friends - would swoop down from the top of a building and tell me where to go. She's very pretty, with dark hair and a lovely blue bandana. Oh, and a necklace. It's quite hard to miss her necklace and what's below it. And there's Aveline, but sometimes I worry she doesn't like me. She has red hair, like the sun, and quite a lot of freckles. I like her freckles. I wish I had freckles... [Merrill trails off, tapping her fingers against her cheeks as if counting freckles. She comes back to herself suddenly.] I'm sorry, I tend to get lost in my thoughts. I think that's how I ended up here. Do you ever do that? You start thinking and then you just don't come out. What was I saying before?

Oh, yes, my friends! I have quite a few of them. Isabela and Aveline and Varric! Varric is a dwarf, and he's very funny, but his stories aren't always true. He tells me stories about pirates, but Isabela says they're mostly made up. And Fenris, he's elvhen, like me, but--that's not going to be trouble, is it? In Kirkwall, they make us live in alienages, and they're very dirty. I had a nice house, but it was very small. No one in Thedas seems to like the elvhen very much, and living in the alienage is very uncomfortable...

[She stares past the tablet screen for a moment, thoughtful.] I hope there aren't any alienages here...

If you know my friends, would you tell them I'm looking for them? Ma serannas for your troubles. Or, if you recognize this place-- [She ducks out of the frame, an alleyway filling the screen for a few seconds before she fumbles the tablet and then drops it. Merrill's face pops into the frame again, a worried expression on it.] Oh, dear, I hope I haven't broken you...

[ooc: Feel free to engage the very lost Merrill in actiony posts. As a Dalish elf, she tends to speak in the elvhen language frequently. You can hover over the text with your mouse to get a translation!]

[ Artemis appears to be reclining in his apartment, and when he addresses the communicator he sounds bored. ]

So. What's the deal with elves?

[ And heeeere's Leliana, back from her super secret hiatus mission. She looks a little worse for wear -- a few scratches here, a few scars there -- but she is delighted and cleaned up. (She wouldn't even dream of showing her face in the network without make-up.) ]

I'm back from my super, secret mission. Oh, and it was delightful! Action! Drama! Suspense!

[ She giggles, and it ends with a contented sigh. ]

Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't tell any of you. To be fair, I thought it was only going to take a few days but... not a month.

I have missed a lot of stuff, yes? Could someone care to fill me in? Nothing too exciting was happening while I was gone, I hope.

You know, there's really nothing like spending time in caves to make you appreciate the great, unenclosed outdoors. [ though the scenery leaves something to be desired. ace misses the sea like burning.

buuut that's not actually why he spent time figuring out this new holographic, folding tablet thing. (look, it's a pain in the ass for someone who's used to communicating via snails. i'm not kidding.) he clears his throat a little awkwardly. ]

Ah, I know everyone's still rebuilding, but... Does anyone know if there's any place around here where a guy can get a tattoo? Or are there any artists on this thing? Thanks.

[ The feed is staticky and the image is dim, but it is still quite easy to make out long ears and bright green eyes thanks to an orb of light hovering somewhere off camera. His chin is propped in his hand, and he looks weary and almost bored. ]

Well, you lot certainly know how to make someone feel welcome around here. I don't know if I'll be able to handle this much excitement if it's going to be the norm. Not that I'm not thankful that the walls have stopped shaking and all. [ He gives a bit of a grimace at that, even if it's fleeting. ]

Anyway. Anyone else looking for a way to kill the time while we're stuck down here hiding like rats and whatnot?

[ He pauses, and then: ]

And by that, I mean something to do that's not offering up my jugular.