therookery | [ OPEN ]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Adelaide LeBlanc
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: Questions for Shardbearers
WHEN: Guardian 22
WHERE: Emprise Du Lion, heard by all
NOTES: Research Questionnaire for people that have shiny things on/in their person.

This message is for anyone that has a shard in their hand, their chest, or otherwise on their person; Rifter or Thedosian or otherwise. If you are so fortunate or unfortunate depending upon your view of the shard as to have one I've questions for you in the interest of better understanding that which you have and what it means for your health, the world around you, and how likely it is you might attract demons in your sleep. At my current best estimate the odds are high in on last but I tend to err on assuming the worst and being pleasantly surprised when the world doesn't rain down fire, death, and the undead.

If you would rather speak in person and are in Emprise du Lion- I can be found in my healing tent. If not? I will return to Skyhold at the end of Guardian if you would prefer to wait to speak face to face or am available at all hours on the crystals.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No. It isn't.

[She pauses. One can almost hear the frown in her tone.]

But if there's no way for us to return, we need to make it our home. As much as it's yours. And I think it would be wise to view us as neighbors, rather than invaders or miscreants.

Is there anything in what I have said to cause you to think I see Rifters in such a way?

Public opinion is a fickle and nuanced thing. Ask anyone neither mage nor templar after mages and you will find their opinions wide, varied, and equally frightened. We might offer rifters our support but that may damn you as much as aid you.

I can't guess what anyone thinks of me unless I see it in their eyes.

[Or hear their heartbeat, but that's another issue.]

I don't know what you think of me.

But I do know that there are a lot of people who see me as a danger. And I wish I could do something to prove that I'm no such thing.

Welcome to Thedas. Everyone is afraid of everyone for their own reasons, some valid, some not. I cannot offer recommendations on how to change the public's opinion on rifters- if I knew the trick to that there would not be quite so much fear and distrust surrounding mages.

All I can say is do what we do. Work for the betterment of the Inquisition, assist where and how you can, if you can. Actions, after all, speak louder than words by far.

[She considers that for a moment, lost within her own thoughts.

When she speaks again, it's slowly and carefully.]

I should apologize. I didn't mean to sound so confrontational. It's not in my nature. And I shouldn't have taken your line of questioning off track. I'm sorry for that too.

[She sighs.]

It's just been a difficult adjustment. But rest assured, I don't believe in promises that come in dreams. And if I ever saw such a demon, I would let you know.

You are cold, you are weary, and you are lost in a world that is not your own. Any and all frustrations or fears you have are entirely valid. [ She cannot take such things personally. It is difficult on occasion but- they did not ask to be here. So long as she is mindful of that? It is simple enough. ] Think nothing of it.

Thank you. If you have not by now, it is likely you might not at all but- everything with the shards is unprecedented. I will say I am glad you have not run across any just yet.

I don't suppose you know of any way to remove the shards?

It's only that...I've heard they can kill.

Unless you wish to be short your hand? None that I have been able to find. You heard of what happened to Sina, yes? Her shard is over her heart. The complications it causes are many and varied.

No, I'm quite attached to my hand.

[Ariadne's not very good with jokes. Forgive her.]

I just thought I should ask.

It is a fine question. One day I might have a better answer for you- what happened to Sina, how it's affected her so deeply- that is why I have asked this of those that bear shards. To see if it is simply a matter of where it is- or if all of them have the potential to do harm to those that bear them.

I understand the need to ask questions. It's the only way to get answers.